With the seemingly increase in attacks on churches that I believe will only increase,
does your church have a security plan in affect?
If not I would advise you to do so. Many police and sheriff departments offer training in security and all should take advantage of it.
We have security cameras out side that monitor the parking lot and the drive to the building and record all activity outside. These are monitored during our services. We have two men who are retired policemen who have trained others in our congregation. Several of our members have conceal carry permits, and do carry even during services.
All our doors can be locked so no one can enter unless some one inside opens the door for them, but do allow all to exit anytime.
It is sad we have to take such measures but we want to keep everyone safe.
I did security at a Baptist Church.
Monthly meetings after church with ushers were ideal times to take in house classes on it. Our local police were government employees that I called upon for help at times. My experiences and realistic expectations with some were over the top rediculous. They were the opposite of peace officers working public safety, but that was in my county at the time.
If that sounds sacrilegious, they are only men. Some police were involved in committing felonies and were cowardly at best. From what I have learned here, there are those who are blessed with honorable government employees in their area. I've known a few and had a couple in the family too, so I don't paint every one with the same brush. My most recent call to report a crime in progress had a quick response that I expressed much gratitude for.
I give credit where due and am honest about that. Only a fool idolizes everyone for a polyester uniform they wear. That allows me to honor those who were truly honorable and bless their families. That respect was earned both ways. Jesus is our King.
What worked for us was to start with a basic NRA class and move forward where training was available. I taught personal protection and crime prevention classes, so used my credentials for that. Your churches have all kinds of experts in differing fields. They should serve the Lord by utilizing their God given talents and volunteer to get training to serve the Lord and take on the role as protectors.
Our church had an ex convict who owned the connecting property and he had use of our parking lot as his driveway. While I attended the church, we discovered that he shot his daughter with a shotgun. He served a little time and was released. I took special note considering Mom's second husband was a psychopath reprobate. I was for Ed to watch my little brother's murder and God protected me on more than one occasion from his attempt to murder me too. Once he tried to shoot me in the head with a 12 ga shotgun.
That compelled me to aquire professional training as an adult.
Our neighbor who previously shot his daughter demonstrated his hot temper by barging into the church during the service and the pulpit at times, so we had to make sure we were aware of the environment and attend any issues.
We should keep in mind that God uses His people, men to defend His church. Ultimately He is our Protection. He does have reasonable expectations for men to protect their families and churches. If we seek Him and His training, He always provides.
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