One of the often-overlooked aspects of church safety and security is regulatory change management. As my team conducts vulnerability assessments across the country, one recurring issue we encounter is a lack of structured processes for tracking and implementing...
Navigating the complexities of safety and emergency preparedness can often feel like navigating a labyrinth—especially for faith-based organizations (FBOs). In my work with numerous churches across the United States, I've observed a curious phenomenon: the hesitation...
2024 was a year where we saw church scandal after church scandal after church scandal. Let’s make 2025 the year we ditch the mindset that believes “That can’t happen here” and adopt the attitude “We can and must improve safety and security in every ministry of our...
As we step into 2025, ensuring the safety and security of your church is more important than ever. With evolving threats and heightened awareness of vulnerabilities, churches must proactively address security challenges. A solid security strategy not only safeguards...
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, a tragic incident unfolded on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. A 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas drove a rented Ford F-150 truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers, resulting in 15...
As we step into 2025, church safety and security leaders face an ever-evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to addressing the rising tensions in society, this year brings a renewed focus on critical areas of improvement....
The 2024 election season has been highly charged, reflecting the passion and diverse perspectives of our nation. In the aftermath of such a closely contested race, it’s important to recognize that some institutions, including houses of worship, may face increased...
High-resolutioCorbin Russwin, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand, introduces the newest function for our ML2000 Series mortise lock - Motorized Electric Latch Retraction (MELR). Engineered for demanding commercial, institutional, and industrial applications, these new locks...
A Cautionary Tale: What Happened and Why? In November 2024, Kaitlyn Fisher, a 31-year-old former administrative executive assistant for The Presbytery of Kendall in Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced to three to ten years in prison for embezzling over $330,000. The...
Security and other video camera usage has become nearly ubiquitous these days. Nonprofits regularly install and often use cameras around entryways for security purposes and for monitoring children’s programs, as well as for now similarly commonplace videoconferences....
Last month, I attended the Church Facilities Expo (CFX) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, making my annual pilgrimage from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to present at the security conference. Whenever I have the opportunity to stand before an audience eager to learn about church...
In May this year, a Minneapolis teenager was sentenced to more than 30 years for a fatal shooting that shut down the Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington, Minnesota during the holiday shopping rush in 2022. Nineteen-year-old Taeshawn Adams-Wright pleaded guilty to...
If you couldn't make it to the Church Facilities Expo this year, you and your team can still benefit from some of the event's remarkable sessions by streaming them for free for the next 30 days. The sessions include: Ryan Miller, Founder and Coach at Share the...
Today is the first full day of Church Facilities Expo 2024 in Chattanooga, TN. Attendees can register on-site from 7:00 - 3:00. Attendees can register for just the Expo, or for any of the 4 conferences. Anyone registering for a conference will also gain admission to...
On October 6, 2024, an unfortunate incident unfolded at the Church at the Epicenter in Burnet, Texas. Jacob Wayne Tarver, a 45-year-old member of the church's volunteer security team, reported that two armed men were attempting to enter the church during the Sunday...
This Week’s Question from Matthew Evans at Calvary Lutheran Church, California "One of the struggles we have each fall is getting our team together for safety training. Someone is always committed elsewhere or missing. How do we get better engagement?" Matthew, you're...
As we approach the holiday season, you are likely gearing up for an increase in activity and attendance at your services and special events. As you plan for that flurry of activity, it is important to keep up your guard. More people and more frequent use of your...
As the leaves turn colors and the air grows crisp, we know the holiday season is fast approaching a time filled with excitement, joy, and lots of church events! While this is one of the most wonderful times of the year, it also brings unique challenges for those...
Safety is increasingly on church leaders’ minds. It takes little imagination, unfortunately, to picture a scene of violence and turmoil at a religious assembly, public gathering, or other program activity. How should leaders handle these situations proactively and...
When a medical emergency strikes, the first few minutes are often the most critical. How you respond during this time can make all the difference. Whether it’s a heart attack, severe bleeding, or any other urgent situation, knowing what to do can help stabilize the...
To what extent may Section 501(c)(3) nonprofits engage in political advocacy? The answer to this question has become particularly acute, as our country’s next national election quickly approaches, and vigorous political discourse escalates with each passing week. This...
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