Interview With Vaughn Baker, President of Strategos International

SemperVerus interviewed Vaughn Baker, president of Strategos International, the global firm specializing in security training, consulting, and executive protection services for school, healthcare, government, law enforcement, military, and faith-based organizations.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Analyzing Active Threat Response Models: A Comparative Study ]

Please describe Strategos International and the multiple services you provide.
Strategos International is a national security consulting and training firm dedicated to helping organizations protect their people and purpose. Since 2002, we’ve served clients across corporate, healthcare, K-12/college, government, and faith-based sectors with a comprehensive, values-driven approach that aligns well with SemperVerus’ emphasis on being prepared, aware, and steadfastly “staying true.”

Our Four Divisions
1) Training

• Conflict management & de-escalation (The S.A.F.E. Approach) for staff and leaders.
• Active threat response (PREVAIL! e-learning and instructor-led).
• Church security team development, usher/greeter safety, volunteer protection skills.
• Workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat awareness, and scenario-based drills.

2) Consulting

• Physical security assessments and master plans.
• Behavioral threat assessment program design and policy development.
• Emergency operations planning, drills/exercises, and after-action reviews.
• Security program audits for churches, schools, hospitals, corporate campuses, and government facilities.

3) Protection

• Strategos Protection Specialists (onsite protective services).
• Executive/visitor protection and secure event coverage (worship services, conferences, school events).
• Secure transport and special assignments tailored to mission and risk profile.

4) Physical & Cyber Security Technology Solutions

• Security technology road-mapping and vendor-neutral design (access control, video, intrusion).
• SOC-aligned (Security Operations Center) cyber risk assessments, policy hardening, awareness training, and vCISO/vCSO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer / Virtual Chief Security Officer) offerings.
• Integrated physical–cyber incident response planning and monitoring partnerships.

Across all four divisions, our solutions are tailored by vertical—corporate, healthcare, K-12/college, government, and faith-based—so leaders can implement practical, defensible, and mission-compatible safeguards without sacrificing culture or ministry. This holistic approach mirrors SemperVerus’ church-security focus on readiness, awareness, and principled action.

[ Bookmark the SemperVerus CHURCH SECURITY INTELLIGENCE CLIPBOARD ]

How do you characterize the current threat level against houses of worship in America?
The threat level against houses of worship in America is both real and rising. Since 1999, we’ve seen an increase of more than 2,400% in violent events against churches. There are many contributing factors, but one of the most significant is that churches have long been perceived as “soft targets.” By nature, they are open and welcoming environments—and that openness, while essential to their mission, can create vulnerability if security isn’t intentional and proactive.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A List of Active Killer Incidents at Houses of Worship and Religious Schools ]

What’s especially concerning is where and when these incidents occur. Nearly 60% of violent events begin in the parking lot, not inside the sanctuary, and about 60% occur on days other than Sunday. That means every church’s preparedness plan must extend beyond Sunday worship to include midweek ministries, youth activities, special events, and office hours—times when the church is often most active, yet least prepared.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security: Most Church Attacks Occur During Activities Other Than Sunday Morning Worship Services ]

Since 2020, our nation’s cultural divide has intensified. The “culture war” we’re seeing today is not just political—it’s spiritual. At its root, it’s a clash between those who say “GOD IS” and those who say “GOD ISN’T.” That growing tension has contributed to a rise in hostility toward people of faith and places of worship.

At Strategos International, our philosophy of preparation is grounded in Matthew 10:16, where Jesus said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” This verse captures the balance between vigilance and compassion—between preparedness and peace. We believe that churches should prepare in advance in a way that never compromises their core mission of providing an atmosphere of COMFORT, REFUGE, WORSHIP, LEARNING, and SHARING THE GOSPEL.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Free Online Educational Resources to Grow Your Spiritual Knowledge ]

When church security is done right, it doesn’t make a church less friendly—it makes it more friendly. It builds confidence, strengthens community, and creates a true refuge where people can worship freely, knowing their safety has been thoughtfully and prayerfully considered.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

What are your recommendations in the ways church security teams should be prepared to prevent and protect against threats to their congregations?
Preparedness for churches must be comprehensive in nature—addressing not only man-made threats such as violence or terrorism but also medical emergencies and natural disasters. It’s essential to remember that preparedness is not a single event or checklist item; it’s a journey, not a destination. A church’s security and safety culture must grow, mature, and evolve over time, with clear priorities driven by data and stewardship.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment ]

At Strategos International, we teach that preparation should be data-informed and consequence-aware. In other words, we prepare for two primary reasons:

1. Is the event likely to occur?
2. If it were to occur, what would the negative impact or consequence be if we’re not prepared?

When these two questions guide planning, churches can build balanced, realistic, and sustainable preparedness programs. For example, medical emergencies such as cardiac events, diabetic reactions, or slips and falls are statistically far more likely to happen than an incident of violence. Yet, both deserve thoughtful planning because the impact of being unprepared in either case could be catastrophic—both physically and spiritually for the church community.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Directory of Medical Kit Resources ]

A well-prepared church security team should be equipped to handle a broad range of scenarios—from medical incidents and weather-related emergencies to acts of criminal violence or targeted aggression. That preparation involves more than armed response; it includes:

• training in awareness,
• active threat response,
• protestors/disruptors,
• communication,
• de-escalation,
• first aid/CPR/AED,
• crowd management,
• emergency evacuation,
• and reunification planning.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Tactical Training for Individuals and Church Security Teams to Thwart Active Violence Incidents ]

Ultimately, the goal is not to create a culture of fear but a culture of readiness and that safety and security are everyone’s responsibility, not just leadership and the church security team—one that ensures the church remains a place of comfort, refuge, and worship even when the unexpected happens. Preparedness, when done correctly, strengthens ministry rather than distracts from it.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]

What forms of local (even national and global) intelligence gathering should church security teams avail themselves of to be ready to counter criminal and terrorism threats?
When it comes to staying aware of emerging threats, information is protection. Church security teams should establish practical, ethical, and legal ways to gather and share intelligence—both locally and nationally—so they can recognize potential danger before it reaches their doors.

One of the best places to start is by becoming a member of the Faith Based Security Network (FBSN). This organization brings together thousands of church and faith-based safety professionals from around the world who regularly share intelligence, incident data, leading practices, and training ideas. It’s an invaluable community for churches that want to stay informed and connected to real-world trends affecting ministries of every size.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of THREAT ANALYSIS ]

Beyond that, churches can use simple but powerful tools such as Google Alerts and social media monitoring. Setting alerts for the church’s name, leadership, and key ministry events allows early awareness if threats, protests, or concerning chatter appear online. This kind of monitoring doesn’t have to be intrusive or complex—many platforms provide free or low-cost ways to stay informed about public mentions.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]

Locally, it’s also wise to build relationships with law enforcement, fusion centers, and community emergency managers. Many police departments have crime-prevention or homeland security liaisons who can include your team on distribution lists for credible local or regional threat information.

The goal isn’t to create a “spy network,” but rather to build situational awareness through trustworthy, responsible information sharing. When churches stay informed, they can stay peaceful, prepared, and purposeful in fulfilling their mission—without being caught off guard by preventable threats.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ]

What is involved in a church security audit and how should a church conduct it?
At Strategos International, we refer to what many call a “church security audit” as two complementary processes: a Physical Security Assessment and a Security Capability Review. Together, they provide a clear, data-driven picture of a church’s preparedness and identify both strengths and vulnerabilities in its protection strategy.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, The 5 Lines of Defense in Church Security, Beginning Outside ]

A Physical Security Assessment focuses on the facility itself—the tangible, structural elements that protect people and property. This includes areas such as:

• Access control and visitor management.
• Parking lot and perimeter security.
• Building envelope (doors, windows, glazing, and locks).
• Video surveillance (CCTV) coverage and placement.
• Intrusion alarm systems and monitoring.
• Lockdown capabilities and emergency notification systems.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of PREPARE ]

A Security Capability Review, on the other hand, examines the human and procedural side of preparedness—your existing efforts and strategies for prevention and response. It evaluates:

• Personnel readiness (security volunteers, greeters, ushers, staff awareness).
• Policies and procedures for emergencies or disruptive behavior.
• Training and drills for staff and volunteers.
• Coordination with law enforcement and first responders.

However, before any church begins this process, it’s important to acknowledge a foundational truth: you cannot assess risk until you first accept risk. That means overcoming what we call “the denial factor”—the belief that “it won’t happen here.” Denial is the greatest barrier to preparedness, and accepting that risk exists is the first step toward stewardship of the safety God has entrusted to us.

A well-conducted assessment or review should never be about fear—it’s about wisdom, stewardship, and ministry continuity. The goal is not to turn the church into a fortress but to ensure that it remains a place of comfort, refuge, worship, learning, and sharing the Gospel, with safety measures that quietly and effectively support that mission.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Team Pistol Qualification Course ]

What areas of training should security team volunteers be seeking on a regular basis and how regular?
You really hit the nail on the head with the phrase “training on a regular basis.” Consistency is key, especially in the development and maintenance of perishable skills—those abilities that naturally degrade without repetition and reinforcement.

For church security teams, regular training should include:

• Firearms proficiency (for those authorized and appropriately licensed).
• Scenario-based decision making and de-escalation exercises.
• Policy and procedure reviews.
• Medical and first aid refreshers (CPR, AED, bleeding control).
• Communication and coordination drills with greeters, ushers, and staff.

At Strategos International, we emphasize that the importance of scenario-based training cannot be overstated. We often say, “The body can’t go where the mind hasn’t been.” When volunteers mentally and physically rehearse critical situations in a realistic, controlled environment, their ability to respond under stress dramatically improves.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Training: Decision Decks Help You Think Through a Crisis Before It Happens ]

For higher-risk or response-oriented roles, we also believe it’s essential to incorporate stress inoculation—that is, training that safely activates the sympathetic nervous system. This can be accomplished through force-on-force exercises, where trainees experience a controlled level of stress and a minor “pain penalty” for mistakes. This kind of training creates powerful, long-term learning because it simulates the physiological conditions of real-world encounters where correct life-and-death decision-making is time-compressed in nature.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Decision-Making Under Stress—19 Factors to Consider ]

In terms of frequency, teams should meet for skill sustainment training at least quarterly, with policy and communication refreshers monthly and comprehensive scenario-based or live exercises annually. This ensures that both the mindset and skillset of your security volunteers remain sharp, coordinated, and aligned with the church’s mission

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Protection Book Review: Just 2 Seconds ]

What is close or executive protection and how should church security team members prepare for and execute it as it relates to their pastors and church leaders?
At Strategos International, we refer to executive or close protection within the church environment as “Pastoral or Platform Protection.” This mission is distinctly different from general church security and requires specific training, mindset, and discipline. The focus shifts from protecting the facility or congregation as a whole to safeguarding key individuals—typically the pastor and senior leaders—whose safety directly impacts the continuity and credibility of the ministry.

The first step in developing an effective pastoral protection program is conducting a risk assessment—not on the church building, but on the pastor himself or herself. Important questions to consider include:

• Does the pastor preach biblical truth on culturally sensitive topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage, or transgender ideology—even when done with grace and love?
• Has the pastor received threats, whether veiled or direct, via social media, email, or voicemail?
• Has the church experienced internal turmoil, leadership conflict, or a church split within the past five years?

Each of these factors influences the likelihood and nature of a potential threat.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Armament Recommendations By Tom Givens, John Correia, and 6 Other Professionals ]

Training for pastoral and platform protection must be mission specific. Those assigned to this duty need focused instruction in protective formations, movement, positioning, and emergency egress in a worship setting. They must also train to maintain composure under pressure and work seamlessly as a discreet, unified team. Protecting them physically is as important as protecting their reputation and testimony.

A key success factor is the support and “buy-in” of the pastor. Without it, the mission will fail. Common objections like “I’m no one special” or “God will protect me” must be addressed respectfully and theologically. The protector’s role is not to replace God’s protection, but to act as a shepherd’s shield, ensuring that the ministry can continue if danger arises. Pastors should understand that an attack on them is not just personal—it can have devastating consequences for the entire congregation and ministry.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team ]

Churches should also determine the appropriate style of protection—overt or covert. In most cases, we recommend a shadow or covert approach, where trained team members remain unobtrusive yet positioned to respond instantly. Overt protection may be warranted when risk is elevated or specific threats exist, but the guiding principle is always to preserve the pastor’s approachability and avoid creating a sense of separation from the congregation.

Ultimately, effective pastoral protection is not about prominence—it’s about stewardship, wisdom, and continuity of ministry. When done correctly, it quietly reinforces the church’s mission.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Enroll in the Sheepdog Church Security Academy Safety Member Certification Program ]

How important is it for church security leaders to connect with their local law enforcement and local government emergency management department? And what are the best practices working with those agencies?
Partnering with local first responders is absolutely critical to the success of any church security ministry. No church should plan or prepare in isolation. Establishing open communication with

• law enforcement,
• fire,
• EMS, and
• emergency management professionals

builds mutual understanding and ensures that when seconds count, everyone is working from the same playbook.

Just as important as knowing how they will respond to a crisis at your church is making sure they understand how your church will respond. This two-way education allows responders to plan more effectively and reduces confusion during an actual emergency. Churches can take simple, proactive steps such as:

• Inviting officers and emergency managers to tour the facility and review floor plans, entrances, and staging areas.
• Sharing key contact information and establishing a single point of coordination within the church.
• Including first responders in safety drills or tabletop exercises so they can see how your church’s response plan functions in real time.

Beyond preparedness, these relationships also create ministry opportunities. We often remind churches that first responders need ministry too. Because of what they experience daily, they may need encouragement, prayer, and support as much—or more—than anyone in your community. Hosting appreciation events, offering chaplain support, or simply providing a place of refuge can build lasting trust and goodwill.

The best practice is to view this connection as a partnership, not a transaction. When churches and public-safety professionals collaborate, everyone benefits: your team gains insight and confidence, responders gain awareness and ministry connection, and together you enhance the safety and peace of your entire community.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Review: House of Worship Firearms and Use of Force Policy ]

What is a Christian ministry mindset and how should it be incorporated into a church security team’s practices?
You just said the magic word—MINISTRY. This is not the “security department.” It’s a church security ministry. That distinction changes everything. When approached through a ministry mindset, security ceases to be about authority, control, or enforcement—it becomes about servanthood, stewardship, and care for God’s people.

Doing church security right will always amplify the core mission of the church, not compete with it. A well-led security ministry helps create and preserve an atmosphere of comfort, refuge, worship, learning, and sharing the gospel. It communicates to the congregation that safety and hospitality are not opposites—they’re partners. People can truly worship freely when they feel both welcome and protected.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Greeters and Ushers: Eyes and Ears for Security ]

For new members—and even those with professional security or law enforcement experience—I always want to set the tone from the beginning. I tell them, “I want you to have a greeter and hospitality mindset, not the mindset of ‘Guido the leg breaker’ standing with your arms crossed and back against the wall.” In other words, you just happen to be a “greeter with a gun.” If you carry out your mission successfully, you’ll start to recognize and act on ministry opportunities precisely because you’re in a state of awareness and genuine care for others.

There’s another huge and often overlooked benefit we’ve seen time and time again: when a church security ministry is properly established, it naturally attracts people in your congregation who already possess the skills, experience, and heart you need. Many of these individuals—current or former law enforcement, military, medical, or security professionals—have never previously served in a ministry because they couldn’t find one that aligned with their gifts.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Demands a Higher Standard Than Mere Every Day Carry ]

But when they see an opportunity to serve God and their church in an area that fits their calling, they step up with passion and excellence. In effect, you’re pulling people out of the “cheap seats”—those who have sat on the sidelines simply because they hadn’t found their place of service—and you’re giving them a meaningful, mission-aligned role.

That’s what makes the church security ministry so powerful. It’s not just about safety—it’s about discipleship, purpose, and community engagement. It equips men and women to use their unique God-given abilities to serve others while advancing the gospel in a tangible, protective way.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Why Use and How to Choose Pepper Spray ]

Getting practical, what is your advice in how a church security team should handle the follow scenario: As church members are arriving for morning worship, 10 people with signs, banners, and a bullhorn are in the church parking lot protesting a position the church has taken concerning a social controversy. They’re video recording and have notified local news media. What should the security team do?
This is a great and very realistic question—because these types of protestor scenarios are happening more frequently across the country. The key to handling them well is to recognize that this situation must be addressed in policy and training long before it ever occurs.

First, every church security ministry should have a written policy outlining how to respond to demonstrations or protests. This includes identifying:

• A designated protestor area (consistent with local laws and ordinances).
• A clear notification process for contacting law enforcement.
• Guidelines for congregation communication so members don’t react emotionally or try to confront protestors.
• Procedures defining when force can or cannot be used, including trespassing considerations.

We often remind church teams of what we call the “Golden Rule for Protestors”—“Don’t take it personal.” The biblical Golden Rule reminds us to treat others as we’d want to be treated, and in this case, the principle still applies.

Protestors often want to provoke a reaction—that’s why they’re recording. Their goal is to capture a moment of overreaction that supports their narrative. When your team stays calm, professional, and kind, you disarm them without saying a word. I have even seen outreach teams provide water and refreshments to protestors to attempt to de-escalate.

A well-trained church security team should practice these scenarios through scenario-based training. Rehearsing the situation in advance—complete with role players, mock protestors, and communication drills—helps volunteers stay calm and confident when it happens in real life. Remember the principle we often teach: “The body can’t go where the mind hasn’t been.”

In addition to law enforcement coordination, the team should focus on de-escalation, observation, and documentation, not confrontation. Maintain a visible presence, record what’s occurring for your own records, and allow law enforcement to manage any enforcement action.

Finally, remember that the church’s mission is ministry. Even when dealing with people who disagree with you, your response is a witness. If handled correctly, your calm, disciplined presence can demonstrate grace under pressure and reinforce your church’s commitment to truth, compassion, and safety.

— Get the SemperVerus booklet, The Case for Biblical Self-Defense —

BIO: Vaughn Baker is president of Strategos International, the global firm specializing in security training, consulting, and executive protection services. With over 25 years of law enforcement experience, encompassing patrol, investigation, SWAT, and special operations, he brings a wealth of expertise to the field. He’s trained tens of thousands of individuals—from school and healthcare personnel to government, law enforcement, faith-based, and military. An innovator in the field, Vaughn has developed specialized intruder response curriculum for educational and religious institutions. He is the author of The Church Security Handbook: A Practical Guide for Protecting Your Congregation in Uncertain Times and co-author with Strategos co-founder and executive vice-president, Mark Warren, of Active Threat: Workplace 911—An Expert Guide to Preventing, Preparing for, and Prevailing Over Attacks at Work, School, and Church.

— Read other interviews on SemperVerus —

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