Monday, May 11, 2009

Church Security

Safety and security at churches and other houses of worship has become an increasingly important issue in recent years. There have been a number of examples of church security incidents and shootings in the last year that underscore the importance of security while at a house of worship.

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought withhis own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be onyour guard!" (Acts 20:28-31)

1 comment:

rudi said...

You are absolutely correct about the need for church security. In response to an alarming increase of violence in places of worship, Sheepdog Ministries is offering a Church Safety and Security Seminar on "Keeping Your Congregation Safe in an Unsafe World". The seminar is being held on Saturday June 13, 2009 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the East Valley Community Center's Vineyard Room, 2245 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, California.

Violence is an ongoing epidemic and churches are not immune from the problem. Incidents of violence at places of worship are occurring at an alarming rate and their frequency will increase. As Christians we are often reluctant to act against violence, for we rely on our faith to guide and protect us. The bible tells us in Nehemiah 4:17, "Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon." As Christians we can continue to build while protecting ourselves by using a common sense approach to church safety and security.

When addressing the issue of violence in a church, it is important to remember that active shooter scenarios are just one aspect of church security. Issues such as starting a church safety team, disruptive individuals, building security, parking lot safety, money escorts, emergency action plans and children's ministry safety are some of the many aspects that churches need to address in order to provide a safe environment for their worshipers.

The Church Safety and Security Seminar will address all aspects of church safety and security, in a comprehensive, standardized and common sense approach, that will focus on "Protecting the flock", "Protecting the lambs" and "Protecting the pasture", while never losing sight of our Christian purpose.

Sheepdog Ministries is a Christ centered security and consultation church ministry created by two current Christian law enforcement officers with over thirty years of combined police experience in Southern California. The focus is a God centered approach to security consulting and training for church settings, as well as the training and mentoring of church security ministries. Money raised from this ministry goes directly to funding A.N.G.E.L.S, (Against Neighborhood Gangs Empowering Local Schools); a gang prevention ministry.

Contact Rudi Rudisell or Michelle Rudisell, (760)731-9695
Sheepdog Ministries
info@sheepdogministries.com