Sermon on Security

I once heard a young church security team leader say, “I don’t like gossip.” My response was simple: relevant, timely information isn’t gossip—it’s intelligence.A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) notice may be one of the most valuable tools a church safety team has when preparing for a potential near-term issue. When used correctly, it helps…

When working with church security teams around the state, we are often asked, “What about deploying a long gun (rifle) in the role of church security?” Short answer: Yes — a long gun can be part of a church security program, but it raises legal, logistical, and operational tradeoffs that make handguns and well‑trained personnel…

By Jeff Williamson and Joey Howell A question that comes up in nearly every church safety discussion is whether security team members should be clearly visible or operate in a low profile, undercover manner. People sometimes treat these as opposing strategies, as if a church needs to choose one or the other. In reality, the…

By Anthony Wilson Church nursery policies and procedures can vary greatly from one church to another. This article presents several important considerations for church staff and safety/security teams as they work to provide better security for the children entrusted to their care.A written policy or procedure is just ink on a page. After its creation…

In team sports, the concept of home-field advantage recognizes that teams perform better when competing in familiar surroundings. They know every contour of the field, every bounce of the ball, and every subtle factor that can influence play. The same principle applies directly to church security. Knowing your own facility—its layout, lighting, access points, hiding…

By Paul Bird and Jeff Williamson When practicing, shooters often like to “keep score.” Whether at the range or during formal training classes, we tend to focus on the number of holes in the target, how close they are to the center, and some of us “shoot against the clock” to measure progress and skill.…

Recently our church insurance company refused to renew our policy. This presented a couple of problems, including the lost of Church Security Team liability coverage. While, churches are meant to be places of peace and refuge, in today’s world many congregations recognize the need for security teams to protect worshippers. These teams play a vital…

By Jeff Williamson & Paul Bird Church security teams play a vital role in protecting congregations, but keeping a team strong and engaged is not always easy. Over time, every group faces challenges such as declining numbers, burnout, and a loss of focus. The question is not only how to recruit and retain members, but…

I learned an invaluable organizational tip during my time in the Army, and over the years, I’ve adapted it to suit a variety of situations. While this article focuses on church security planning, the same principles apply to family reunions, community events, or any large gathering. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I wish I…