Articles with church security

Counterterrorism: Violent Extremism Mobilization Indicators

The US Violent Extremism Mobilization Indicators, 2025 Edition is a PDF pamphlet published by the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to inform law enforcement, terrorism prevention practitioners, other first responders, community leaders, as well as the general public about both threats of violence and contextual behaviors that suggest an individual is mobilizing to violence.

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of THREAT ANALYSIS ]

This is a helpful situational awareness resource for church security teams and self-defenders in general for identifying discernible pre-indicator signs of criminal and terrorist aggression.

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Bible Verses Applicable to Self-Defense and Church Security

For thus the LORD said to me: “Go, set a watchman; let him announce what he sees. — Isaiah 21:6

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I will take my stand and keep watch. I will take my place on the tower. — Habakkuk 2:1

The Bible verses above are often referenced in establishing the importance of creating the ministry of a church security team. But actually the verses of Acts 20:28–29 could be considered the very foundation for church security directors and volunteers.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, The Biblical Case Why Every Church Needs Armed Security ]

While the Apostle Paul’s message charges church leaders to stay alert against spiritual heresy and sinful temptation—for themselves as well as for fellow believers—the Hebrew concepts and Greek words he uses also apply to oversight for physical protection. The terms “overseer” and “shepherd” are common biblical metaphors for leaders who provide for and protect—in all manner of speaking—God’s flock: the church.

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Interview With Police Trainer, Ron Borsch, on Church Security Teams Stopping Active Killer Incidents

SemperVerus interviewed Ron Borsch, one of the world’s leading authorities on active killer attacks.

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Please describe your decades of experience as a police officer and a police trainer that have given you expert insight into appropriately responding to active killer incidents.
I first served as a Military Police Officer (101st Paratroops, Viet Nam 1965-66) before serving 30 years as a Bedford Ohio, police officer. My BPD duties included Patrol, Rangemaster, SWAT, Active and Defensive Tactics trainer, and transition to auto-pistol training. Most of that time included my own-cost training during vacation at various national and international courses and conferences in multiple states and places, including Alaska and Canada, presenting at some.

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

My highest achievement promotion earned was that of Monadnock International Instructor, (two police baton systems and one empty-hand defensive tactics system). This was a challenging several-day process of written and proficiency practice culminating in a final proficiency examination before a panel of senior International Instructor judges. Very helpful preparation was years of experience at lesser Monadnock instructor levels.

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WHCA Dinner Shooter: Is Your Situational Awareness Keen Enough?


Notice in the above Washington Hilton hotel security camera photo, only one security guard is aware of the lethal threat that has begun: he has drawn his pistol and is pointing it at the suspect running through the magnetometer, who is armed with a 12-gauge shotgun. In this split-second freeze-frame, the other security personnel don’t know it’s happening yet. Now visualize this is happening through the front or side door of your church as you stand watch during your church security team volunteer shift. Think through how you could prepare for this with heightened situational awareness. Then think through what action you would take.

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Church Security: Detect Threats With the “Power of Hello”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s “Power of Hello” is a security initiative and training program applicable to church security teams and church ushers and greeters that teaches individuals to prevent disruptive incidents by observing suspicious behavior and initiating friendly engagement.

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

Used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. Simply saying “Hello” can prompt a casual conversation with unknown individuals and help you determine why they are there.

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