2 Comments
Feb 13·edited Feb 14

Its time to look at Church Security. There are threats now in the U.S. that were remote in the past.

"From the beginning Satan’s first attack was leveled against the Word of God. If he could make Eve confused about what God said, or to doubt what God said, then his battle was partially won. From the beginning, Satan has tried to undermine God’s people by undermining God’s Word. He can undermine just as effectively by getting us to neglect God’s Word as by getting us to doubt it." (David Guzik)

Shortly after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, This is one of the consequences, God placed a guard on the tree of life. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24

It is important to realize that the first Physical Security measures were in the Middle East, It is recorded in the Bible. "All these cities were fortified with high walls, gates and bars, besides a great many rural towns. Deuteronomy 3:5 Walls and Entry points come to mind. It was a deterrent, to prevent, to restrict and to slow down invaders.

When sin entered the world, Physical Security became a necessary thing. It helps make the people inside feel safer, and they are safer. This is just an illustration Church's should be open places, but the need for sentry locations is important. They also had guard/sentry's on these locations as well stationary and patrolling. The idea is to protect what is important.

In the case of Churches we want to protect the Sheep, and give them a safe place to be. But be a friendly ambassador but observant is the key here. We want to protect the Pastors and staff give them a safe place to work.

God is using you, to help protect the sheep and help insure they have a safe place, God is using you to help identify cost effective measures in physical security to protect the sheep. Pray as in the days of old, ask for Gods help in identifying areas in need of shoring up if you will.

Prayer is the first thing, the starting place.

Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him."  So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. Esra 8:21-23 Read Gods word as if your life depends on it. Because it does. We all need God's help. Being aligned with God on Gods team requires a little reading of the Bible, a little prayer each day.

Prayer is important. Especially in security.

https://youtu.be/Na4E8LFYd-c?list=TLPQMTQwMjIwMjT6yfEAcz158A

Key words to look up in your Bible are Sentry, Guard, Wall(s) You will be surprised to learn how far back some of this goes.

According to Wikipedia: Physical security describes security measures that are designed to deny unauthorized access to facilities, equipment, and resources and to protect personnel and property from damage or harm (such as espionage, theft, or terrorist attacks).[1] Physical security involves the use of multiple layers of interdependent systems that can include CCTV surveillance, security guards, protective barriers, locks, access control, perimeter intrusion detection, deterrent systems, fire protection, and other systems designed to protect persons and property. Your team needs radios, to communicate and should have access to a internal telephone system if there is one.

So this is alot how do you look at all this. Bullet points work, cost analysis works, do the easier things first and your raising the bar of your physical security. I would put doors that protect kids, and staff high up there.

I will add Good doors that cant easily be broken in to. With good commercial not residential, Hinges , latches and locks. If the door is shut will it protect the kids inside, the staff, the pastors etc. Doors are really important particularly around you green room, Pastors and staff offices. With the advancement of LED lighting having a balance between decorative lighting and lighting up the area around your church at night is important consideration. Areas of entrance as well as areas close to the building should be lit. Timers can be used as well. Motion sensors are ideal to prevent lurking. Take a look around your church and notice the location of parking, and roads. If someone can drive into your church, through the wall, you want to consider additional barriers to reduce this. Who can help you with all this? Of course it is Graves and Associates. or just ask Keith.

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Feb 14·edited Feb 14

I have listened to people in the past say, no one is going to drive into the building. Dont think it cant happen to you. While accidents happen, deliberate situations also happen.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/10-injured-car-crashes-hospital-austin-texas-rcna138741

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