Last week we put on VBS with 81 children in attendance. I was faced with a play area which was the front lawn of the church, only about 20 cars that remained through each day's program, all volunteers, and a wide open track for a vehicle landing in the midst of kids playing outside. I asked the director to instruct all volunteers to park parallel to the grass surrounding the play area. No vehicle, whether accidentally losing control or intentionally aiming for our kids, was going to make it through. I have sent your above article to our director so we can incorporate bollards in front of the two big entrances to our sanctuary as the east glass doors are truly our weak point. I wish I could send you a picture of the security perimeter we created. Hats off to all the volunteers who participated in the safety and ultimate success of an incredible week bringing children to Christ.
Thank you for laying this out in a concise and factual manner. Out Security Ministry Lead has been bringing this issue to church leadership for a few years. I hope this article is presented to and will demonstrate to them the absolute need to protect the access to the church. Keep up the good work, and I wish you well in prayer.
Keith, thank you for this. It helps me raise awareness with leadership and make the argument easier to get barriers installed. We are located off a major state highway and share a parking lot with several businesses including a McD’s. Lots of traffic and a vehicle can get about a 75 yd head of steam to directly run into our lobby. We bought an old grocery store that we now use for our church and the front is all glass with a small masonry knee wall. Highly concerned. Especially after being videoed twice now by middle eastern males after the last 6 months.
Thank you for writing this. This, the potential for a suicide vest/backpack bomb, and a Vegas style attack (Stand off distance) are the sceanarios that keep me up at night. Strapping on a pistol does not mean you are prepared for everything.
My last church spent a lot of money on a 3rd party group to do a threat assessment. The top of their list was the lack of a barrier. They literally could drive a car from the parking lot, through the foyer, through the double doors. Down the main aisle, and over the pulpit.
When our committee, presented the threat. The head pastor said he used the front overhang to keep his car out of the sun & Rain. So no barriers were installed.
I pray evil does not prevail over the complacency of men in God's Church.
Our security team just formed a team to evaluate the church and then give suggestions on bollard placements. Thanks for all the articles that have brought this to the church leadership’s attention.
Last week we put on VBS with 81 children in attendance. I was faced with a play area which was the front lawn of the church, only about 20 cars that remained through each day's program, all volunteers, and a wide open track for a vehicle landing in the midst of kids playing outside. I asked the director to instruct all volunteers to park parallel to the grass surrounding the play area. No vehicle, whether accidentally losing control or intentionally aiming for our kids, was going to make it through. I have sent your above article to our director so we can incorporate bollards in front of the two big entrances to our sanctuary as the east glass doors are truly our weak point. I wish I could send you a picture of the security perimeter we created. Hats off to all the volunteers who participated in the safety and ultimate success of an incredible week bringing children to Christ.
That is what Keith is talking about! Great work to protect your peeps.
Keith,
Thank you for laying this out in a concise and factual manner. Out Security Ministry Lead has been bringing this issue to church leadership for a few years. I hope this article is presented to and will demonstrate to them the absolute need to protect the access to the church. Keep up the good work, and I wish you well in prayer.
Sarge36
Keith, thank you for this. It helps me raise awareness with leadership and make the argument easier to get barriers installed. We are located off a major state highway and share a parking lot with several businesses including a McD’s. Lots of traffic and a vehicle can get about a 75 yd head of steam to directly run into our lobby. We bought an old grocery store that we now use for our church and the front is all glass with a small masonry knee wall. Highly concerned. Especially after being videoed twice now by middle eastern males after the last 6 months.
in HIS service,
Steve
Sure wish our Church would consider this:
Out in a past farm about several acres
Great analysis Keith. Thank you.
Thank you for writing this. This, the potential for a suicide vest/backpack bomb, and a Vegas style attack (Stand off distance) are the sceanarios that keep me up at night. Strapping on a pistol does not mean you are prepared for everything.
Having difficulty getting interest at church to spend on bollards but may have buy in for reinforced planters. Any sources you recommend? Thanks
My last church spent a lot of money on a 3rd party group to do a threat assessment. The top of their list was the lack of a barrier. They literally could drive a car from the parking lot, through the foyer, through the double doors. Down the main aisle, and over the pulpit.
When our committee, presented the threat. The head pastor said he used the front overhang to keep his car out of the sun & Rain. So no barriers were installed.
I pray evil does not prevail over the complacency of men in God's Church.
Stay Vigilant brothers & Sisters
Our security team just formed a team to evaluate the church and then give suggestions on bollard placements. Thanks for all the articles that have brought this to the church leadership’s attention.