On this page is a collection of guides, fact sheets, and manuals from a variety of sources that provide helpful information for church security teams. Return often as new documents are added when available.
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A riotous and profane mob invaded a St. Paul, Minnesota church in the middle of its worship service January 18, 2026, under the guise of protesting US federal policy against illegal immigration.
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The angry horde shouted down the pastor as he was preaching and they confronted congregants with obscenities. Fortunately, early indications are that no one was killed or injured.
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Prudent church leaders should see this calculated anarchy as a harbinger of even worse disruptions coming in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead for their services and events. If your church has been on the fence deciding whether it needs a security team ministry, that decision should now be easily made in the affirmative.
SemperVerus interviewed Jason Russell, former US Secret Service agent and founder and president of Secure Environment Consultants (SEC). Jason earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Security Management from Michigan State University. He started his career at the Lansing Police Department.
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Please describe Secure Environment Consultants (SEC) and its mission.
Secure Environment Consultants (SEC) is a national security consulting and training firm dedicated to helping organizations protect people, mission, and continuity of operations. Our mission is rooted in prevention, preparedness, and people-first security strategies. We partner with organizations to assess risk, develop clear plans, and train teams to respond effectively to real-world threats. At our core, SEC exists to help leaders make informed decisions that reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and safeguard the communities they serve.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Interview With Christian Clark: Creator of Secure The Church App ]
Among the organizations SEC serves are houses of worship. What top security risks has SEC identified for faith-based organizations?
Faith-based organizations face a unique combination of risks due to their open and welcoming nature. Common concerns include:
CCW Safe is the self-defense legal coverage membership program that connects members with a criminal defense attorney and helps pay for legal expenses involved in a court case following a self-defense incident. It also provides educational resources on the topic of self-defense.
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One resource is The Armed Defender’s Dilemma. This 36-video-and-written series teaches legal and tactical lessons compiled from more than a decade of real-world court case analysis alongside criminal defense attorney Don West and firearms instructor Steve Moses.
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Released one a month for the next 36 months, the series emphasizes that self-defense includes understanding how, when, and why to use a firearm lawfully.
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The self-defense lessons encourage a mindset rooted in restraint, preparation, and the ability to disengage rather than escalate, exploring the judgment and split-second decisions that determine the eventual legal outcome.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, The 5 Elements of Self-Defense Law ]
Developed by self-defense litigation expert Shawn Vincent, the debut episode shown below, titled, “The Goal of Self-Defense is to Break Contact,” explores why awareness, de-escalation, and less-lethal options give armed defenders more control. It’s a clear reminder that breaking contact isn’t weakness; it’s the smartest, most defensible strategy for surviving both the fight and its legal aftermath.