The recent assassination attempt on presidential candidate Trump may have seemed unimaginable until it happened this past weekend. Gun violence has tragically become the new norm, infiltrating our schools, workplaces, and even our houses of worship. According to data...
Embezzlement can strike anywhere, even in places we hold sacred. In May, a former employee of Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa admitted to stealing $775,000. This shocking case highlights the need for stringent financial controls in houses of worship. What...
Imagine walking into an elementary school and noticing a classroom door permanently unlocked, secured not by a lock but by several layers of duct tape. This is exactly what my team encountered during a recent vulnerability assessment at a high school in Minnesota....
In the realm of church safety and security, a new legislative proposal, dubbed H.R. 6981 the "Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024" has stirred both concern and confusion. This bill has sparked a flurry of headlines, YouTube analyses, and social media...
On a quiet Sunday, February 11th, at approximately 1:53 PM, silence at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, was shattered by gunfire. This church, widely known as the home of Joel Osteen's mega congregation and housed in the former Compaq Center, welcomes over 45,000...
In safeguarding our sacred spaces, the cornerstone isn't just a robust emergency operations plan—it's knowing the crucial elements that transform it from basic to comprehensive. The question I encounter most is not if we need a plan, but rather, what should it...
The Reverend Tim Kingsley is the Canon Pastor at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has over 30 years of experience in crisis and security management, including serving as a senior leader in the field and as a volunteer first responder during 9/11....
Welcome to the second January edition of Security Connections. In my last editorial, we looked back over 2023, recapping security for churches with schools, the creation of a threat assessment team, and the importance of training your staff and volunteers on how to...
Welcome to 2024 and the January edition of Security Connections, wishing blessings and safety to you, your families, and church communities. Security Connections will now bring you curated risk management and security content to your inbox twice a month! Expect...
I recently sat down for a discussion with Eric Williams, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) from Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Mississippi. He offered his perspective on best practices for safety and security in houses of worship. Tell us about Brown Missionary...
As the year draws to a close, it's important to pause and reflect on our progress. Often, we focus on the future, on the tasks and goals yet to be achieved, neglecting to appreciate the journey and the milestones we've reached. When reviewing your 2023 risk management...
On March 27, 2023, a chill ran down America's spine when Aiden Hale, born Audrey Elizabeth Hale, open fired on the Presbyterian Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Three innocent children and three adults became victims of another heartbreaking incident at an...
In the realm of church safety and security, it's common to hear the need for better protection of our building perimeters. This sentiment arises after tragic church attacks or when incidents like theft or assault are reported to have occurred. While the secular world...
The tragic events that occurred at the Presbyterian Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2023 served as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the safety and security of students and staff in churches with attached schools. As a church with a...
On March 27th, the Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, Tennessee, fell victim to a tragic shooting that claimed six lives: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old; Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian;...
The Easter holiday is a time of celebration, but it is also a time when safety and security concerns need to be at the forefront of church leaders' minds. With the increase in attendance during this period, it's essential to take the necessary steps to ensure the...
Securing your church can be expensive. From cameras to fire suppression systems, a strong security system requires a significant financial investment. However, did you know that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides up to $150,000 in funding to...
Threat assessment programs are an essential tool for preventing violence and managing risk at your church. One of the questions that I get asked on an ongoing basis is “How do we address this threat to our church?” A few years ago, I wrote my bestselling book Securing...
If you’re looking to improve your church security in 2023, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your congregation, volunteers and staff are kept safe. These five things will help you maximize the safety and security of your church, while improving on...
The Christmas holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be one of the most dangerous times for churches. From natural disasters to active shooters, your church needs to be prepared for anything that could put your congregation at risk. As a...
Last week in Jackson, Mississippi, 23-year Delvin McLaurin was arrested on charges of arson with felony malicious mischief. He was suspected of committing seven fires in a matter of minutes on Tuesday morning. In those arson attacks, two prominent African-American...
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