What if the Unthinkable Happens? Protecting Your Church with Security Training and Protocols

In a hostage situation outside Fort Worth, Texas, on January 15, 2022, a rabbi and two other men escaped from a gunman who was holding them captive inside their synagogue. According to an article on ABCnews.com, the three men escaped “after an hours-long standoff, [with the rabbi] crediting past security training for getting himself and his congregants out safely.”

These kinds of terrifying and dangerous scenarios in churches and synagogues are happening more and more in the U.S. A quick internet search will produce a startling number of statistics showing that attacks – including fatalities – at places of worship are on the rise at an alarming rate. It is so sad and can be discouraging. After all, most of us go into ministry work to further the message of our faith, and the prospect of now having to contend with a gunman or other serious threat is daunting, to say the least!

Safeguarding Your Church and Responding to Critical Incidents

What should you do if the worst happens and an active shooter stands up in the middle of your church service and begins firing at the pastor onstage? What if someone suffers a life-threatening medical emergency on your campus? What if a non-custodial parent comes to the pre-school Sunday school room and insists on taking his child out of class? What can you do to protect your people? No one likes to think that these horrible events could occur at their church or ministry location… but they absolutely could.

Church HR Network offers an extensive range of security trainings, assessments, and recommended plans and protocols. Our team of experts brings a wealth of experience, with decades in public law enforcement and deep knowledge of ministry operations. With our comprehensive approach, we begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your facility and evaluating your current safety policies. This allows us to pinpoint areas of vulnerability and develop a tailored plan to address them.

We go beyond generic solutions and design customized training specifically for your staff and volunteers. Through these trainings, we equip your team with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to critical incidents. Additionally, we assist you in implementing proven strategies and provide written action plans that serve as invaluable resources for protecting your people. With Church HR Network by your side, you can create a secure environment where ministry thrives and your community feels safe.

After all, nothing is more important than the safety and security of your organization’s employees, congregation, and other team members. Thank God the Texas rabbi had the training he needed to be able to react well when the time came! We want to help you provide a safe, secure atmosphere so you and your people are freed up to do what you do best – make ministry happen.

For more information or to book a discovery call to explore your options, click here.