• A Prayer for Church Security Team Members
• Church Security Book Review: Defending the Flock
• The 5 Lines of Defense in Church Security, Beginning Outside
• Church Security: Radio Communications Best Practices
• Church Security Training: Decision Decks Help You Think Through a Crisis Before It Happens
• A Simple Chart for Situational Awareness
The Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network (ACLDN) is a membership organization that helps members in the legal fight after they justifiably use force in self-defense by paying for the services of attorneys, expert witnesses, private investigators, and more. It also educates members in the law governing use of force in self-defense and how armed citizens can protect against unmeritorious prosecution.
Attorney, court expert witness, and ACLDN Advisory Board member Emanuel Kapelsohn, president of The Peregrine Corporation, and author of the House of Worship Firearms Use of Force Policy Bundle (as a service to SemperVerus readers, Emanuel Kapelsohn is making this computer-fillable formatted policy bundle available at a $25 discount from the regular price. Order the bundle here. Then, on the checkout page, simply type in the discount promo code SEMPERVERUS25.), is interviewed in the ACLDN Journal on the subject of “Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team.” Below are the complete 2-part video interviews, links to the Journal print articles, and bullet points of salient information from the interview:
Gentle Response is the organization founded by John Riley, a retired police officer and certified crisis intervention specialist with the National Anger Management Association. He and his team travel all over the United States conducting Conflict De-escalation Training seminars.
SemperVerus attended this excellent seminar, held in Immanuel Church, Holland, Michigan, May 14, 2023. With Mr. Riley’s permission, here are notes we took during that seminar and scenario training:
• “A gentle response defuses anger” Proverbs 15:1 (MSG)
• Conflict de-escalation: lowering the intensity of an agitated person to minimize a potentially volatile situation from becoming a critical violent incident.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]
• Peacemaking and de-escalating people’s anger is the goal, while staying alert to your own personal and public safety. When overwhelmed, stay safe and be an expert witness.
• Mindset Priority: Each church security team member must have a “ministry mindset” — Every contact (even eye contact) is a ministry opportunity to represent the mission of the church. Don’t let your actions be heavy-handed and damage that mission.
SemperVerus interviewed Simon Osamoh, host of the podcast, Who I Became and founder of Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, offering proactive safety solutions & innovative security risk management.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]
How important is it for churches of any size to have a volunteer security/safety team?
In the past decade, crime has significantly impacted nonprofits, including houses of worship. Once considered safe havens, churches now find themselves confronting challenges such as mass shootings, embezzlement, child misconduct, and other criminal activities. These incidents highlight the brokenness of our world and emphasize the necessity of preparation.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]
Tragic events like the 2017 Sutherland Springs, Texas, mass shooting and the Charleston AME Church shooting remind us that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” a crisis may arise. Churches must ask themselves: What is our pre-planned response to emergencies? This is where a security ministry proves invaluable. It provides a framework for handling medical emergencies, disturbances, lost children, and even natural disasters with a coordinated plan.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Shooting Analysis Reports ]
However, forming a security team shouldn’t focus solely on active shooter scenarios or the presence of firearms. Statistically, you’re more likely to need team members trained in providing first aid, supporting someone facing a personal crisis, or de-escalating situations involving mental health challenges.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]
The role of a security ministry extends beyond protection; it’s a ministry of care and preparation, ensuring that all who enter the church feel safe and supported. Regardless of size, every church benefits from having a dedicated team to manage security and safety, cultivating an environment where worship can flourish without fear.