Media FAQs
Q: What is Christian security, and what does it consist of/entail?
A: Security by its very nature is defined as “the state of being free from risk or threat.” It is something that every part of our society deals with on a daily basis. We view security for the Christian community as an overall program that addresses everything from crime to medical emergencies, to other crises or emergencies that may occur in the Christian organization.
Q: Why is security so misunderstood or ignored in the Christian community?
A: Many people think security doesn’t belong in a church or ministry for a variety of reasons. They think security means guards, guns, cameras, locks, etc., which they feel will give people the wrong impression of a church. They feel by implementing security in a church they are somehow circumventing God’s sovereignty and that they should leave what happens in God’s House to God. They never think it will happen in their churches, because churches have always been perceived as a “safe place” from the outside world.
Unfortunately, these assumptions are wrong. Security is something people expect these days, no matter where they are, and the courts are starting to cite liability for not having adequate security in place. The Bible talks in many places about being prepared against evil, fighting evil and foreseeing danger. Nothing seems to illustrate that God wants us to sit idly by while something bad happens to His children. Finally, people have to get over the “It can’t happen here” mentality. Crime, violence and emergencies happen all the time, everywhere in this world. It is a fallen world.
Q: Why is the need for a church or ministry security plan greater now more than ever?
A: Risks are only going up for the Christian community. The U.S. Department now classifies faith-based organizations as one of the top five “at risk” groups in the world today. In the U.S., we have seen tragic incidents of violence against Christian organizations and other incidents are occurring on a frequent basis.
Q: What types of emergency situations are church administrators, ministries and members most concerned about?
A: It is unknown what concerns church administrators and ministries have – not enough research has been done in this area. However, recent studies show that 3 out of 10 people said that they are worried they could become victims of attacks of violence at a venue or event. Additionally, in 2007, 75 percent of Americans interviewed said that they stay current with the news of public safety incidents, which illustrates that people are aware of threats, risk and security.
Q: When considering implementing a security or emergency preparedness plan, where does a church administration or ministry begin?
A: Everything begins with the Risk Assessment. This is an overall review of the organization and the specific and general risks and threats they face. From the Risk Assessment results, plans tailored to the organization can be developed and implemented. No two will be exactly the same.
Q: What are some of the potential dangers churches and ministries face these days that require a plan be put into place?
A: At the very least every church should have five plans in place: 1.) Emergency Evacuation, 2.) In-Facility Shelter, 3.) Medical Emergencies, 4.) Missing Child and 5.) Emergency Lockdown (or active shooter).
Q: How costly is it for a church or ministry to develop and implement a security plan?
A: Much of any security program is training and awareness, which may cost very little in comparison to the safety that would be increased. Other things like alarms, cameras, etc., can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and built into a long-term plan, if desired.
Q: Are there resources available for churches and ministries that want to implement a plan, but don’t have the budget for it?
A: We suggest that churches use free resources as much as possible, but to be careful because not all free information is valid. We suggest talking to local law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services, as well as meeting with the church’s insurance provider. These are all good places to start. Other organizations, such as the Christian Security Network, offer free weekly newsletters and other information that will help in establishing a plan.
Q: Are churches with plans in place more likely to cope with and rebound from tragedy more quickly than churches without a security plan?
A: Absolutely. Not only are organizations with plans in place more likely to recover from any violent act or emergency incident, but they reduce their liability by doing their due diligence. From a public relations standpoint, pre-planning shows people that the organization did everything they could to protect those who come into their church, school or offices.
Q: How do you assess a church or ministry’s risk for potential threats?
A: There is an entire process involved in conducting a Risk Assessment, which generally entails interviews with key staff and volunteers, analysis of local area crime trends, and review of any past or present threats or risks experienced.
Q: Which churches and ministries are most likely to be at risk?
A: All churches and ministries carry the same risks, because there is no pattern of which one is targeted more then another. For example, church arson is a big problem, but churches have been targeted in the past for a wide variety of reasons, including the ethnicity of their congregation, liberal views, conservative views or a particular incident or experience with a staff or church member.
Q: Are there any specific crimes or incidents on the rise that are increasingly plaguing churches, ministries and faith-based organizations more than others?
A: Because accurate and specific records are not well-kept, there is no way of knowing. However, if you look at just general statistics, things like medical emergencies, severe weather situations, church fires and violent acts are occurring on a regular basis.
Q: What type of training do you offer to church administrators and ministries?
A: The Christian Security Network offers ongoing training in a variety of methods, such as webinars, seminars, training articles and other resources.
Q: What are the top three elements essential to any church or ministry security plan?
A: Ensure buy-in from the church leadership; communicate the plan to all staff and volunteers; and practice, practice, practice. In an emergency, people do what people practice.
Q: What is the level of member involvement when developing and implementing a security plan for churches and ministries?
A: The church leadership should try to involve members as much as possible for two reasons. First, it shows the church is active in putting plans in place to protect them and their loved ones. Secondly, members will not be surprised when they see things change or measures put in place. However, it’s important that churches don’t share everything with the church membership, because some security plans should always be kept confidential.
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