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...
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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...
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...
Nashville Shooting Prompts U.S. Churches to Review Security Measures
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;...
Securing Easter Services: A Church Leader’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness
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...
A Guide to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
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...
Worship Facility Podcast: Security Planning – How to Leverage a Building Emergency Plan to Protect Your Church
Events like the civil unrest across the world following the death of George Floyd by police in 2020 showed that when the unexpected strikes, emergency action plans need to be in place already so staff and volunteers are prepared to respond appropriately in an...
Webinar Will Reveal How Training and Tech Can Help Prevent Church Attacks
In our next webinar, church security expert Simon Osamoh will reveal how to use staff training as well as technology to identify potentially dangerous behaviors of individuals in and around your worship facility to prevent catastrophic events before they occur. The...
Preventing Violence through Effective Threat Assessment Programs: Key Components and Best Practices
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...
A Word on What’s New in 2023
We now have the first month of 2023 behind us, and I can't tell you how excited I am about what we have in store for you throughout the year. We're less than a year into our launch, and already you've shown a huge amount of interest in the content we've provided, week...
Church Threat Assessment: Strategies for Identifying and Mitigating Risks
Worship Facility Editor Gene Lass and church security expert Simon Osamoh reveal how to use staff training as well as technology to identify potentially dangerous behaviors of individuals in and around your worship facility to prevent catastrophic events before they...
5 Ways to Improve your Church Security in 2023
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...
5 Ways to Keep the Church Safe this Holiday Season
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...