As a father and a Christian, I’ve often thought it would be invaluable for senior leaders at my church to preach about social media safety to teenagers or situational awareness to kids heading off to college. However, like many of you, I’ve never heard these important...
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When an Active Shooter Strikes: What Do You Do?
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...
Preventing Embezzlement in Houses of Worship
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...
Expert Insights with Jim Theis
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...
2024 NSGP Grant Alert: Key Updates and How to Gear Up for Application
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,...
First Aid Essentials: Providing Medical Care to Your Church Community
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...
Enhancing Church Security in the Digital Age
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...
Securing Tomorrow: Insights from the Forefront of School Safety
As I landed back from the BrainStorm Educational Technology Conference in the Wisconsin Dells, where over 1,000 school leaders gathered to decode the future of security, one truth reverberated through the corridors: safety isn't just a priority it's a mission we must...
Protecting Churches by Design
In the complex sphere of church safety and security, it's easy to become engrossed in the latest technological solutions and programmatic strategies. Yet, have you considered the role that architectural design and the layout of your building can play in fostering a...
Lessons Learned: The Tragedy Behind the Tragedy at Lakewood
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...
Church Security Under the Lens: Unpacking the Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024
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...
Security Connections – Looking Forward in 2024
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...
Security Connections – Recapping 2023
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...
Expert Insights: Eric Williams, COO Brown Missionary Baptist
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...
Strategic Security: Setting SMART Goals for Safer Worship in the New Year
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...
Church Security at Christmas: 10 Tips for Holiday Protection
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...
The Gaza Crisis and Its Impact on U.S. Houses of Worship
A Brief Overview: The Israel-Palestine Conflict and Recent Escalations Situation in the Gaza Strip Israel has issued a relocation notice to approximately 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza, a move the United Nations warns may have severe humanitarian consequences....
Welcome to Security Connections!
I'm excited to share a project we at Worship Facility have passionately been cultivating behind the scenes for the past six months: a newsletter, Security Connections! We've heeded your numerous inquiries over the past year, seeking greater insights on risk management...
Balancing Church Safety: Insights from Eagle Brook Church’s Director of Safety and Security, Wes Pederson
I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Wes Pederson, Director of Safety and Security at Eagle Brook Church in Minnesota, one of the top five churches in the country. Together, we delved into the intricacies of ensuring the safety of twelve campuses and the...
Building a Strong Church Safety Network: Three Strategies to Find Your Community
In today’s world, even our most sacred spaces are not immune to danger. Karen’s story uncovers a pathway to reinforce our churches, both spiritually and in terms of security, emphasizing the power of community. I first met Karen in 2017, a safety conscious church...
Enhancing Church Security: How a $150,000 Grant Can Help
Last week, a client we mentored through the Non-Profit Security Grant (NSGP) process received a $125,000 award from their State Administrative Agency (SAA) for security improvements. Can you visualize the heightened safety and peace of mind this could bring to your...