Protecting the next generation is one of the most sacred responsibilities we hold within our church communities. The Bible speaks to this in Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16, and Matthew 19:14, where Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to...
Last week, while visiting a church in Atlanta, we conducted two crucial tabletop exercises, one on responding to a bomb threat and the other on an active shooter scenario. These exercises reminded me of an essential truth: no plan survives its first real test. I’m...
Churches are sanctuaries of refuge, fellowship, and spiritual growth. In striving to embody radical hospitality, they must also remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing potential threats. Understanding behavioral threat indicators and the pathway to violence...
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...
Every church should have a medical kit. It's a simple way for us to be prepared to take care of those who walk into our buildings each week. Let’s take a look at some recommendations on what should be in those kits. We’re going to look at 2 ideas: first aid kits and...
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....
This Week’s Question from Dustin Harward at Lake Forest Church “I’ve applied for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) multiple times, but each time my application has been rejected. What am I doing wrong?" Dustin supplied his previous grant applications to...
Working with churches big and small for over a decade, I’ve discovered that both face similar hurdles in developing their risk management programs it all starts with one person. Jim Theis, Director of Facilities and Security at Westwood Community Church in Excelsior...
As the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) gains momentum, the competitive landscape intensifies. This year, with funding down from last year's allocation, the challenge to secure funding is more competitive than ever. However, there's a silver lining: in 2023,...
By Alan Hughes, Co-Founder of Better Protectors Being in church ministry is often challenging in terms of time management. Services, events, and the needs of the congregation take up a lot of time, not to mention family and friends. Under the pressure of a limited...
By Shane Libeda, CEO of Alert Protection Services In a world increasingly marred by the dual challenges of rising crime rates and rapid technological advancements, the sanctity of our churches and the safety of our congregations have never been more paramount. For...
The incident at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on February 11, 2024, where a mother caused her son to be caught in the cross file with the church security team’s gunfire, opens a poignant chapter in the narrative of America's mental health care. The real victim, beyond...
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...
With families drawing close in heartfelt reunions and congregations deeply immersed in celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church's holiday season emerges as a beacon of unity, and spiritual devotion. Yet, amidst these cherished moments, the modern church faces...
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