Let’s Keep Our Churches Safe
Church security is likened to an iceberg. You usually only see about 10-15% of an iceberg, the rest is below the surface. But what remains below is massive. 85-90% is concealed below and cannot be fully seen.
I like this analogy a lot because an efficient church security program has just enough visibility to help prevent and deter unsafe things from happening. However, what is not seen is what can make the real difference and help prevent a church from having a very dangerous situation. Here are a few pointers that I have discovered over the years about church security.
Getting Started with Church Security
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: unfortunately there is not a shortage of church security training. Articles and blogs (including this one) are all over the internet. Live training, video training and social media reels are available as well. Much of these are good and should be attended but I would also encourage live training with a professional trainer on site at your own church. Every church will be unique in what security implementation is necessary.
FRIENDLY PEOPLE: trained and overly friendly greeters can be the front line for church security. Greeters can be stationed in the parking lots, at all exit doors and at all worship center doors. Their friendliness can help identify any ravaging wolf that is dressed up like a gentle sheep.
MONITORED CAMERAS: video surveillance cameras placed in strategic places around the church that are monitored by individuals is much of the 90% of the iceberg protection. Cameras at all entrance/exit doors of the building(s), main hallways and the doors into the worship center are key places to install a high-grade camera that is monitored in a closed room.
QUICK RESPONSE TEAM: individuals who have been endorsed by the church leadership based on their credentials and who have received the proper training by professionals. Men and women who are a licensed conceal carrier and have received proper training for crowd security. Some of these should also be trained in critical medical response.
SCHEDULED SCENARIOS: this is an excellent way to prepare the security team for as near as possible a situation. People react different when under pressure.
FERVENT PRAYER: Church security should never rest, it should never take a break. Neither should our prayers. We should always be in prayer asking our Heavenly Father to protect our churches and to make them safe.
No church can be 100% safe, but these components can be implemented that will help every church regardless of size and location. Not every church will avoid every threatening situation, but for many, these components will help make a huge difference in church members continuing to attend and enjoy the teaching and worship experience.
For more information, visit our Church Administration page or contact Ray.Swift@LouisianaBaptists.org.
