Over the last week the Christian Security Network has been inundated with calls, e-mails and interview requests, almost all as a result of the tragic shooting of the Pastor in Illinois.

If nothing else, maybe this “wake up call” was something positive that came out of a very sad and horrific incident for the church in Maryville and the Christian community as a whole.

It is always after an incident like this that church leaders think “What if that was my church? Are we ready?”.

Now is a good time to be asking those questions. Many churches are busy preparing for one of our greatest celebrations for the Christian community of the year – Easter.

Every church knows that their attendance will increase during Easter services; more this time of year than any other, except maybe Christmas. Many will perform Passion Plays and other special programs to recognize the death of Christ and His glorious resurrection bringing even more people through the doors.

Knowing all these things it is time to think about how every church should “ramp up” security and emergency planning for the next month.

Between criminals that see the increased donations as a target to the anti-Christians who see this as a time to strike the heart of the Christian community to the unstable people who see this as a place where many people will be gathered at once – everything should be crying out PLAN NOW!

Forgetting even the crime aspect, the increased crowds mean greater potential for medical assists, lost children and other situations, which become more complicated in crowded situations.

Staff, volunteers, and guests are at greater risk during this time, as well as church assets and the building itself.

Some still struggle with the idea of how “security” fits in with the “church”.

As I have stated many times, security is misunderstood as it relates to the Christian church,

Security by definition means to be free of anxiety or worry. Having security brings people peace of mind. Peace of mind helps us concentrate during this holy time on what Easter really means to us as Christians.

According to polls over the last few years 75% of American stayed current with the news of public safety incidents in 2007 and 3 in 10 people said they worried they could become the victims of attacks of violence at a venue or event.

We don’t know how these numbers translate specifically to church congregations, but with all the recent tragic situations in the news, in and out of the Christian church, you can bet that the numbers are close if not higher.

Christians in church should not be distracted with thoughts of “Is my child safe in daycare?”, “Is someone breaking into my car in the parking lot?” or  “Who is walking in the back door during the service?”

They should not be wondering, “What if something happens here, is my church prepared?”

Security and emergency planning is about putting plans and measures in place before an incident happens, having trained staff and/or volunteers available to act while something is happening, and having a prepared response to deal with the aftermath following an incident after it happens.

If a church doesn’t have these things in place already, now is the time to start, it is not too late…don’t wait until an incident occurs.

Put the minds of the congregation at peace. Be proactive before some thing happens. Know your risks and confront them.

Proverbs 16:9 states “Men make plans. But the Lord determines his steps”. With His wisdom and guidance, every church can be safer.

Make the plans and ask the Lord to guide you, but make the plans - now.

There is no tomorrow.

In Christ,
Jeff Hawkins
Executive Director