“O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long….O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me.” Psalm 140:1,2,4 (NLT)
Let’s face it. The unseen forces of evil are all around us. And because of sin, they always have been. And always will be.
Prudence dictates that we don’t allow evil unnecessary opportunities to strike. We cannot be fully protected. But we can act wisely to protect those we love.
This is the second of my articles on how churches can act wisely in protecting others. With insights on this topic is Jack Rolfe, a 30-year veteran in church security. He’s conducted seminars and workshops and does consulting. He currently serves at Christ Community Church in St. Charles as the Safety & Security Manager overseeing five campuses.
I asked Jack for thoughts on guns in the church. One study revealed that pastors say they’re now more likely to be relying on armed churchgoers than even three years ago.
Those “no firearms” policies seem to be diminishing.
Jack is ambivalent on the issue. He does, however, caution that…
“carrying and presenting a firearm may paint you as a target in an emergency situation.”
Yet, armed team members should be properly and easily identified. Having local police or security personnel in your congregation can be helpful.
Apparently, most churches have not thought through a clear security plan. This could range from cameras to a clear gun policy. Consider an emergency exit strategy for congregants—the kind of prep that schools are doing with students in the event of an active shooter.
Child protection policies should be in place. Assigning personnel to attend workshops or conferences on church security like the ones Jack Rolfe conducts would open the eyes of many church leaders.
Quality radio communication is critical for team security members. Jack’s method is to “use headsets like the Secret Service to protect our communications.” Check out professional grade comms.
And use police codes to avoid scaring parishioners with phrases like, “I see a gun!” That creates panic. Assign call signs for key people (pastors, guest speakers, and team members) “to keep people from hearing what’s going on.”
Worst case scenario is the active shooter. Jack Rolfe admits there is actually no way to write an active shooter plan. Too much variation exists involving key people.
The shooter controls the narrative. You can’t pre-determine all the possible scenarios and responses.
However, Jack advises everyone should learn these individual ways to respond:
Run – Hide – Fight!
Ushers, greeters, teachers, and the like should also learn how to help others in such an event using these terms:
Orient – Communicate – Move.
First, orient yourself to the threat to keep people out of harm’s way. Next, clearly and loudly communicate to those around us – no codes or buzzwords! (i.e. “There’s a man with a gun. Please follow me to safety!) Finally – MOVE, a moving target is harder to hit.
Because most churches are small, I asked Jack, “What are reasonably affordable steps they can take to enhance their security?” He offers these seven suggestions:
- Security is not expensive. Ramp up spending as allows.
- Conduct threat and physical security assessments. These can be done free by your local police department or from a security consultant.
- Form a team of people interested in helping to secure the church and its people.
- Train and equip a team. Radios are a must. Cheaper radios start around $20. Better quality, $150-$250. Several training venues are available.
- Get your pastor and staff on board! Helping guests feel safer builds support, giving, participation, and attendance.
- A safety team can actually lower your insurance costs!
- And the basics…take steps to secure your building—lock doors, harden the target.
A good starting point for any size church might be to get Jack Rolfe’s book, Watch MY Sheep – Establishing and Running your Church Security Ministry. It’s an easy-to-read 165-page guide for church security ministries. (Buy it at www.jackrolfe.com for $20.)
As Jack says,
“Churches are hospitals for the soul. The world has many disturbed and hurting people. Our goal is to protect and de-escalate any problem situations. It’s our ministry.”
A much needed one!
