Since the tragic shooting of Pastor Fred Winters in Maryville, Illinois a few weeks ago we have been inundated with requests from the media.

In the days following the shooting we conducted over 50 radio, TV and print media interviews in the U.S. and abroad with Christian media, as well as secular media like CNN and the Associated Press.

We felt blessed that the Christian Security Network was seen as the authority in church security and that so many organizations wanted our “take” on the tragic incident.

However, many from the media were surprised when we did not focus on the shooting itself, rather we talked about what we always stress and that is security in the church is not about guns, guards, metal detectors or training church ushers to be ninjas.

As we have stated in the past, a violent act in the church is tragic, especially when a life or lives are lost. But even though they are a risk, churches should not focus all their efforts on one type of incident, because there are many others.

A person walking into a church with a weapon is frightening, but so is child safety from a failed background check or someone committing arson and burning down the church. Even losing church property in a burglary or theft are all things that cause anxiety and fear for the congregation, volunteers and staff.

Security by its definition is to bring peace and be free of fear and anxiety.

So the focus on “security” needs to be a holistic approach where all the risks are identified and measures but in place to reduce these threats.

The Bible says, “Men makes plans and the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Security is never 100% because these are things we do as humans; we know the only thing that is 100% is the protection that God will grant us and that alleviates fear by trusting in Him.

However, we do what we can to relieve anxiety by putting plans in place to deter crime and deal with emergencies as they occur – there is peace in being prepared.

But we should never lose focus that security is an overall and on-going process; there is no magic solution. It takes time, education, planning and practice – and not just for the violent person, but for the fire, the lost child, the heart attack victim.

And the church cannot and should not think they can do it alone.

Building the partnerships with law enforcement, fire fighters, and emergency medical services is critical.

And just as critical is keeping your insurance agent and legal counsel in the loop on everything you do – they might not want the liability of having ushers trained as ninjas!?!

Security doesn’t have to be complicated, but being informed is the first step in being prepared.

This is why the Christian Security Network is partnering with churches all over the country to bring a full-day of education and training, so Pastors, other church leaders, staff and volunteers leave with a balanced approach to begin to address their own individual risks.

In coming months we will be conducting 8 seminars in five states in area churches and while we are in those areas we are conducting Risk Assessments for churches, so they have a place to start their plans.

We are also speaking with other churches all over the country, but if you think you might want to host a seminar in your area, please contact us.

The Christian Security Network is here to serve you.

In Christ,
Jeff Hawkins
Executive Director