Interview With Michael Elerick of Public Safety Training LLC
SemperVerus interviewed Michael Elerick, founder and president of Public Safety Training LLC and Church Security-101, which provides security training and safety consulting services to churches.
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Please describe Church Security-101 and explain the services you provide.
Church Security-101 is focused on one core mission: helping churches create a culture of safety and security so their people can worship, fellowship, and serve in peace. At the heart of what we do is helping ministries be both prepared and protected without losing their welcoming spirit. Our services fall into three main areas:
1. Training & Equipping Church Safety Teams
We provide structured training for staff and volunteers. This includes areas like Church Safety Team Development, Church Violence & Active Threat Response, Conflict De-Escalation, Children’s Ministry Safety, and Emergency Preparedness for Church Volunteers. The goal is to build confident teams that can respond calmly, wisely, and effectively when something goes wrong.
2. Policy, Planning, and Program Development
We help churches develop the foundational pieces they often don’t have: safety policies, procedures, and Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs). These are critical for both preparedness and legal protection, ensuring churches meet their duty of care obligation while creating clear, consistent response protocols.
3. Risk Assessments & Consulting
We conduct on-site and program-level assessments to identify vulnerabilities and provide practical, ministry-friendly solutions. Every recommendation is designed to strengthen safety without disrupting the mission of the church.
Beyond that, we also provide ongoing support through resources like newsletters, scenario-based training (“Mind Games”), and guidebooks, helping churches stay connected, trained, and encouraged over time.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about security; it’s about stewardship. We’re helping churches protect what God has entrusted to them—their people, their mission, and their place of worship—so they can focus on ministry with confidence and peace of mind.
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of THREAT ANALYSIS ]
What is your assessment of the threat level facing churches today, and the reasons why churches should include security teams in their ministry?
The threat environment facing churches today is real, evolving, and unpredictable. The terrorism threat in the United States is elevated and driven by global conflicts and the way those events can influence individuals here at home. We’re seeing a continued rise in lone-actor attacks—individuals motivated by ideological beliefs, or reactions to international tensions—making these threats difficult to detect and prevent.
Recent incidents, including a vehicle-ramming and shooting at the Temple Israel Synagogue in Michigan and a terrorism-related shooting at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) [coincidently, I’m teaching at First Baptist Church South Hill in Chesapeake, VA on Saturday, about 10 miles from where this incident took place last week], highlight how quickly global issues can translate into violence on US soil. For churches, this reinforces an important reality: while we’re called to be open and welcoming, we must also be aware, prepared, and ready to protect those God has entrusted to our care.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A List of Active Killer Incidents at Houses of Worship and Religious Schools ]
Should a church have both unarmed and armed security team volunteers? If so, why?
Yes. When aligned with state law and supported by clear policy, training, and leadership oversight, a church should consider having both unarmed and armed security team members. Each serves important roles in creating a layered, effective safety ministry.
Unarmed team members are often the first line of awareness and engagement. They provide a visible, welcoming presence, monitor entrances and parking areas, assist with access control, and are well-positioned to de-escalate situations before they become confrontational. They also play a critical role in medical response and communication—handling many of the everyday incidents churches are far more likely to encounter.
Armed team members have additional responsibilities responding to immediate threats of serious bodily harm or deadly force situations. In those rare but high-consequence moments, they serve as a last line of defense to stop a threat and protect life. This role should be carefully governed with ongoing training, legal compliance, and a clearly defined use-of-force policy.
Together, this layered approach allows a church to remain both welcoming and prepared.
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ]
What skills should a church security volunteer seek to perfect?
A church security volunteer should absolutely develop practical skills like situational awareness, communication, de-escalation, medical response, and emergency preparedness. Those are all essential. But at the core of everything we do, we have to remember that 99% of the time, we’re not dealing with threats—we’re interacting with the Body of Christ, our church family.
Because of that, the most important skill we can seek to perfect is the love of Christ. That love shapes how we greet people, how we observe, how we respond, and how we care for others in moments of stress or crisis. It keeps us patient, calm, and compassionate, even when situations are challenging. A security presence should never feel harsh or intimidating—it should feel like care, like someone is watching over you.
When you combine strong training with Christ-centered character, you create a safety ministry that not only protects people physically but also reflects the heart of the church. As Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:14, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of DE-ESCALATION ]
How should church security leaders recruit team members?
Recruiting church safety team members is not a one-size-fits-all process—it often depends on the size of the church, its culture, and available resources. Ideally, safety ministry volunteers are hand-selected based on spiritual maturity, relevant experience or skillsets, and the right temperament for the role. Involving pastors in the initial conversations with identified candidates is critical. When church leaders extend an invitation or a sense of calling, it carries far more weight than a general church-wide request for volunteers.
Serving on a church safety team is not just a role—it’s a fellowship unto itself. Individuals who are calm under pressure, servant-hearted, and able to balance awareness with compassion are the ones best suited to this ministry. While skills can be taught, character, discernment, and a heart for service are essential from the start. A strong recruitment process should also include background checks, interviews, and a clear understanding of the church’s mission, policies, and expectations.
Ultimately, a church safety team is a ministry of care. As Scripture reminds us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Selecting the right people ensures the team reflects both competency and Christ-centered character.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]
Please describe your website’s Printable Library and wealth of free resources.
On our website, www.ChurchSecurity-101.com anyone can subscribe to my FREE Newsletter and gain access to our FREE Resource Library, which currently includes over 30 printable and downloadable training and policy tools and templates designed to help churches of all sizes strengthen safety and preparedness. The Printable Library provides practical, ready-to-use resources—everything from emergency response guides, checklists, and training documents to access control procedures and safety policies—formatted for easy printing and immediate implementation.
Beyond the library, we offer a wide range of digital and paper resources in our online store, including policy templates and guidebooks, all aimed at helping churches build strong safety programs and confident volunteer teams. The goal is to make professional, faith-centered safety guidance accessible to every church, regardless of size, budget, or experience.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment ]
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I travel all over our beautiful country training and consulting churches of all sizes and denominations. Right now, I’m in Chesapeake, Virginia, teaching my “Church Violence and Active Threat Response Protocols – 4-Hour Course.” I would love the opportunity to assist your church and safety team in any way I can.
If you’re interested, send me an email and I’ll be happy to provide a free training quote. We offer both private on-site classes and hosted class options to fit the needs of your church and team. My goal is to help churches feel prepared, confident, and safe, so they can focus on ministry and caring for their congregation.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Enroll in the Sheepdog Church Security Academy Safety Member Certification Program ]
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