This article explains why church leaders often overlook the experience of skilled security volunteers and shows how Scripture encourages you to stay faithful to your calling even when your ideas are r
Keith-this is the best, from the heart, real life experience that we all need; especially addressing the issues we’re all facing in today’s changing climate. Many, many thanks for penning and sharing with all! Nothing is stronger than scripturally based encouragement and recommendation; and it’s especially strong coming from someone who has lived it! 👍
In the 1980s, I was briefly famous as an expert in using computers at church. As part of that effort, I did consulting - some paid, and some for free. I soon discovered that those paying for my advice followed it religiously, and those who didn't pay ignored most of my suggestions.
Great article, I am so thankful that I attend a church that believes in security. I am blessed to lead that group of men and women. Our leaders have always listened to suggestions. They support our training every time we get together.
I'm a 73 yo armed greeter involved in the the same church for 18 years.
The pastor and some of the deacons are security minded (minded but most are not skilled), but the deacon in charge of Greeter team (formally Safety team) is not. He ignores every suggestion I make and talks down to anybody that disagrees with him, some time in group texts or in front of others.
I sure he thinks I've out lived my usefulness.
I'm past military with leadership positions in both military, paramilitary, and civilian occupations.
I'm trained in de-escalation and interdiction. I firmly believe in keeping any problems outside the building if at all possible. This gentleman prefers have everybody right at the sanctuary doors.
Because of my age limitations I have slowed down some and I have thought many times about removing myself from this team.
Reading this has encouraged me to stay with it as long as God continues to put in on my heart.
This is gonna be long. I started attending a church quite near my home. I found Keith’s site -Christian Warrior Training-about the same time and Col Grossman’s seminar which would be held in April-about 7 months after I started attending the church. I attended the Pastors small group and we got to know each other. I asked if he would be interested in attending the Grossman seminar since it was only 2 hours away. Polite excuses. I sent many links from Christian Warrior Training. Never received acknowledgement but know he did get the links from a third party. Three of us kept making VERY polite requests to start a safety ministry. Polite excuses. This went for a year. I attended Col Grossman’s seminar all by myself.
I have some deep anxiety from violence in my past-so sitting back and shutting up is not an option. With more and more attacks on churches, myself and two others at church quietly kept watch. No movement on even getting the pastors/elders to hear us out. We were Not pushy. I was coming home from church EXHAUSTED as I was keeping a quiet-but tiring watch through both services and even Sunday School. Finally my husband said This has to stop. (The three of us are all women over 60- one has YEARS of training with a team from another church run by a retired police officer).
I notified the church I would not be in attendance any longer. The pastor emailed and asked if I had a problem with the doctrine or a personality conflict with someone. I very politely told him I needed a church that put safety in focus.
(BTW: this church is almost 90% blue hairs and in need of strong male watchers.)
I never heard back from the pastor.
It was necessary for me to leave for progress to happen. My leaving caused questions to be asked. And NOW there is finally slow forward movement. They have finally scheduled a Red Cross CPR class-after a member having a mild heart attack during Sunday school. We three had been told by a deacon that very morning-that all deacons had received CPR and AED training. Well-heart attack in progress-we find out that was simply not true. Sometimes leaving is the answer. Sometimes it forces self examination within the congregation.
Dear Keith, Your article today is critically important to a great many of us Sentinels. Your pastor's heart is showing through. Stay close to the Word of God for your and our benefit. Thanks.
There is a simple solution to what appears to be a complex issue, and absolutely a human issue. It seems to me that almost every pastor has been convinced that as a shepherd of their church the must be involved in making or overseeing every single decision made regarding the church. This can be anything from toilet paper to re-roofing the building. Not to mention almost everything has to be discussed in committee.
Our team saw this exact issue this year. We have a budget for the team and a decision was made to purchase an item for each team member. From the day the decision was made to the day we finally got the item was over four months. Why? Because every single step had to be discussed in committee.
I don't disagree with anything Keith said, but this is not just a problem for team leads. This is also a problem for team members who's ideas are ignored by leads who don't value the member opinions for whatever reason.
Here's the solution. Turn The Ship Around, https://davidmarquet.com/books/turn-the-ship-around-book/. This book is advertised as a business type of book but it is more than that. This is a real leadership book for all types of organizations. One that is not just based on theory but on real world experiences. As far as I'm concerned anyone who has been selected for any kind of leadership position should be required to read this book, take a test on it. And if they fail the test, they should have to read it again. And if they can't pass the test, they can't take charge, full stop.
Fame, money, power, celebrity, position, title, self-importance, none of these things make someone a leader. We've confused these things with leadership, the church is partially to blame. Real leadership is not about making decisions and telling others what to do, when to to it, and how quickly to do it. Real leadership is about serving others. And if you think pleasing the person above you in the food chain makes you a servant, I have news for you. Being a servant means taking care of those lower than you on the totem pole. Jesus didn't run around Galilee for 3.5 years with the disciples just so he could teach them how to preach. He was teaching them to be servants. You don't have to believe me, it's all right there in Acts. Ask yourself, why do we have deacons?
"Leadership should mean giving control rather than taking control and creating leaders rather than forging followers."
“One of the things that limits our learning is our belief that we already know something.”
“You may be able to 'buy' a person’s back with a paycheck, position, power, or fear, but a human being’s genius, passion, loyalty, and tenacious creativity are volunteered only.”
"Now I think, speaking roughly, by leadership we mean the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it, not because your position of power can compel him to do it, or your position of authority. A commander of a regiment is not necessarily a leader. He has all of the appurtenances of power given by a set of Army regulations by which he can compel unified action. He can say to a body such as this, "Rise," and "Sit down." You do it exactly. But that is not leadership."
"Authority that is good authority is nurturing authority. They are there to help you to become the person that God wants you to be. They're there to help you realize your gifts fully. They're there to help you through your struggles. Interestingly enough, when we are willing to submit wholeheartedly, and we do that to an authority that is nurturing, we become the most independent people in the world...and free. When we refuse to submit, or when we use authority as a controlling and suffocating kind of tool, we become absolutely imprisoned."
One reason for churches not putting money into security is that there are always other financial needs that seem more urgent, especially in a church that hasn't yet had to deal with a security-related event.
One solution is designated giving above and beyond a tithe. Beyond a certain age, there may not be much one wants to buy, so if finances permit, why stop one's giving at 10%? (I learned this from my mother, when she mentioned routinely giving 20% of her income to various unglamorous needs at church.)
Our current church needed a security camera system last year. There was no money in the budget for it, but no one objected to its being bought with designated gifts. Ditto, the year before, with a second AED for the other building.
Please look into FEMA security grants, especially the Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Each state participates, and there are requirements such as threat assessments.
Cameras, access control, vehicle control, ballistic film for windows, generators, gates, and much more are options within the grant.
If you want to know more, you can reach out to me.
Here's something that helps me: I use the image of Venn Diagrams. One circle is "Temporal". We take training, tools, tactics, etc from the Temporal world. But, as Jesus followers, we apply them with an eye to the Eternal, which is the other circle. We serve in that overlapping, grey area where those circles overlap.
Not everything we would like to do or have from the Temporal circle serves our purpose in the Eternal circle. And, we humans are unable to access or use everything from the Eternal circle that would help us deal with and understand the Temporal one.
We are called to serve in that "not yet, but is to be" fuzzy, confusing and sometimes frustrating zone where the Temporal and Eternal overlap. That model helps me sometimes understand that not everything I would like to have happen from a security perspective fits into the eternal one. Or maybe have grace and patience when the time isn't quite right.
Would it be nice to have 3 Bearcats and SWAT teams covering every door and square foot of our church? Sure. But that isn't exactly the most welcoming thing from a "Bring people to Christ" perspective. LOL!
I've coordinated with several Security Team leaders of churches in my area and we all agree that our ministries are the redheaded stepchildren of priorities. That's probably a good thing and it comes with the territory. Expect it, accomplish what you can and carry on. Kieth's best advice is to stay humble.
After more than a decade of volunteer Federal Law Enforcement service, in retirement, I felt compelled to pack up and move across country to be closer to my kid -AND to join her church to be part of their "safety" team. Jesus made this all possible. Just when we could not find a house, He found us one right across the street from the church entrance. We have a great team led and staffed by wonderful committed people who fight the same battles everyone else does, We do this for our God and our family and friends who attend. We are His sheepdogs, watching His flock. While our morning prayers before service pray we never have to act, we pray for His guidance and early detection for any threat to our congregation. The knowledge Jesus has us there for a reason is all I need to keep me showing up. The only thing that stops a bad man with a gun is a good man with a gun.
God bless you all and may He continue to guide and keep us safe!
Keith-this is the best, from the heart, real life experience that we all need; especially addressing the issues we’re all facing in today’s changing climate. Many, many thanks for penning and sharing with all! Nothing is stronger than scripturally based encouragement and recommendation; and it’s especially strong coming from someone who has lived it! 👍
One of your best columns. Thank you.
In the 1980s, I was briefly famous as an expert in using computers at church. As part of that effort, I did consulting - some paid, and some for free. I soon discovered that those paying for my advice followed it religiously, and those who didn't pay ignored most of my suggestions.
Great article, I am so thankful that I attend a church that believes in security. I am blessed to lead that group of men and women. Our leaders have always listened to suggestions. They support our training every time we get together.
Keith, this was so good to hear today.
I'm a 73 yo armed greeter involved in the the same church for 18 years.
The pastor and some of the deacons are security minded (minded but most are not skilled), but the deacon in charge of Greeter team (formally Safety team) is not. He ignores every suggestion I make and talks down to anybody that disagrees with him, some time in group texts or in front of others.
I sure he thinks I've out lived my usefulness.
I'm past military with leadership positions in both military, paramilitary, and civilian occupations.
I'm trained in de-escalation and interdiction. I firmly believe in keeping any problems outside the building if at all possible. This gentleman prefers have everybody right at the sanctuary doors.
Because of my age limitations I have slowed down some and I have thought many times about removing myself from this team.
Reading this has encouraged me to stay with it as long as God continues to put in on my heart.
Thank you brother,
Stay safe,
ABC
This is gonna be long. I started attending a church quite near my home. I found Keith’s site -Christian Warrior Training-about the same time and Col Grossman’s seminar which would be held in April-about 7 months after I started attending the church. I attended the Pastors small group and we got to know each other. I asked if he would be interested in attending the Grossman seminar since it was only 2 hours away. Polite excuses. I sent many links from Christian Warrior Training. Never received acknowledgement but know he did get the links from a third party. Three of us kept making VERY polite requests to start a safety ministry. Polite excuses. This went for a year. I attended Col Grossman’s seminar all by myself.
I have some deep anxiety from violence in my past-so sitting back and shutting up is not an option. With more and more attacks on churches, myself and two others at church quietly kept watch. No movement on even getting the pastors/elders to hear us out. We were Not pushy. I was coming home from church EXHAUSTED as I was keeping a quiet-but tiring watch through both services and even Sunday School. Finally my husband said This has to stop. (The three of us are all women over 60- one has YEARS of training with a team from another church run by a retired police officer).
I notified the church I would not be in attendance any longer. The pastor emailed and asked if I had a problem with the doctrine or a personality conflict with someone. I very politely told him I needed a church that put safety in focus.
(BTW: this church is almost 90% blue hairs and in need of strong male watchers.)
I never heard back from the pastor.
It was necessary for me to leave for progress to happen. My leaving caused questions to be asked. And NOW there is finally slow forward movement. They have finally scheduled a Red Cross CPR class-after a member having a mild heart attack during Sunday school. We three had been told by a deacon that very morning-that all deacons had received CPR and AED training. Well-heart attack in progress-we find out that was simply not true. Sometimes leaving is the answer. Sometimes it forces self examination within the congregation.
Dear Keith, Your article today is critically important to a great many of us Sentinels. Your pastor's heart is showing through. Stay close to the Word of God for your and our benefit. Thanks.
Thank you again Keith. I appreciate your positive attitude and that you base your recommendations on the Word
Bill
There is a simple solution to what appears to be a complex issue, and absolutely a human issue. It seems to me that almost every pastor has been convinced that as a shepherd of their church the must be involved in making or overseeing every single decision made regarding the church. This can be anything from toilet paper to re-roofing the building. Not to mention almost everything has to be discussed in committee.
Our team saw this exact issue this year. We have a budget for the team and a decision was made to purchase an item for each team member. From the day the decision was made to the day we finally got the item was over four months. Why? Because every single step had to be discussed in committee.
I don't disagree with anything Keith said, but this is not just a problem for team leads. This is also a problem for team members who's ideas are ignored by leads who don't value the member opinions for whatever reason.
Here's the solution. Turn The Ship Around, https://davidmarquet.com/books/turn-the-ship-around-book/. This book is advertised as a business type of book but it is more than that. This is a real leadership book for all types of organizations. One that is not just based on theory but on real world experiences. As far as I'm concerned anyone who has been selected for any kind of leadership position should be required to read this book, take a test on it. And if they fail the test, they should have to read it again. And if they can't pass the test, they can't take charge, full stop.
Fame, money, power, celebrity, position, title, self-importance, none of these things make someone a leader. We've confused these things with leadership, the church is partially to blame. Real leadership is not about making decisions and telling others what to do, when to to it, and how quickly to do it. Real leadership is about serving others. And if you think pleasing the person above you in the food chain makes you a servant, I have news for you. Being a servant means taking care of those lower than you on the totem pole. Jesus didn't run around Galilee for 3.5 years with the disciples just so he could teach them how to preach. He was teaching them to be servants. You don't have to believe me, it's all right there in Acts. Ask yourself, why do we have deacons?
"Leadership should mean giving control rather than taking control and creating leaders rather than forging followers."
“One of the things that limits our learning is our belief that we already know something.”
“You may be able to 'buy' a person’s back with a paycheck, position, power, or fear, but a human being’s genius, passion, loyalty, and tenacious creativity are volunteered only.”
"Now I think, speaking roughly, by leadership we mean the art of getting someone else to do something that you want done because he wants to do it, not because your position of power can compel him to do it, or your position of authority. A commander of a regiment is not necessarily a leader. He has all of the appurtenances of power given by a set of Army regulations by which he can compel unified action. He can say to a body such as this, "Rise," and "Sit down." You do it exactly. But that is not leadership."
"Authority that is good authority is nurturing authority. They are there to help you to become the person that God wants you to be. They're there to help you realize your gifts fully. They're there to help you through your struggles. Interestingly enough, when we are willing to submit wholeheartedly, and we do that to an authority that is nurturing, we become the most independent people in the world...and free. When we refuse to submit, or when we use authority as a controlling and suffocating kind of tool, we become absolutely imprisoned."
I'll get off my soapbox now.
One reason for churches not putting money into security is that there are always other financial needs that seem more urgent, especially in a church that hasn't yet had to deal with a security-related event.
One solution is designated giving above and beyond a tithe. Beyond a certain age, there may not be much one wants to buy, so if finances permit, why stop one's giving at 10%? (I learned this from my mother, when she mentioned routinely giving 20% of her income to various unglamorous needs at church.)
Our current church needed a security camera system last year. There was no money in the budget for it, but no one objected to its being bought with designated gifts. Ditto, the year before, with a second AED for the other building.
Please look into FEMA security grants, especially the Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP). Each state participates, and there are requirements such as threat assessments.
Cameras, access control, vehicle control, ballistic film for windows, generators, gates, and much more are options within the grant.
If you want to know more, you can reach out to me.
sduchatellier@mountaincity.church
Good luck
AMEN brother! AMEN!
Here's something that helps me: I use the image of Venn Diagrams. One circle is "Temporal". We take training, tools, tactics, etc from the Temporal world. But, as Jesus followers, we apply them with an eye to the Eternal, which is the other circle. We serve in that overlapping, grey area where those circles overlap.
Not everything we would like to do or have from the Temporal circle serves our purpose in the Eternal circle. And, we humans are unable to access or use everything from the Eternal circle that would help us deal with and understand the Temporal one.
We are called to serve in that "not yet, but is to be" fuzzy, confusing and sometimes frustrating zone where the Temporal and Eternal overlap. That model helps me sometimes understand that not everything I would like to have happen from a security perspective fits into the eternal one. Or maybe have grace and patience when the time isn't quite right.
Would it be nice to have 3 Bearcats and SWAT teams covering every door and square foot of our church? Sure. But that isn't exactly the most welcoming thing from a "Bring people to Christ" perspective. LOL!
This is why we train hard and pray even harder!!
Spot on!
Well said!
I've coordinated with several Security Team leaders of churches in my area and we all agree that our ministries are the redheaded stepchildren of priorities. That's probably a good thing and it comes with the territory. Expect it, accomplish what you can and carry on. Kieth's best advice is to stay humble.
Great article, Keith! Going through this very issue right now.
To Keith and all the great commenters...
After more than a decade of volunteer Federal Law Enforcement service, in retirement, I felt compelled to pack up and move across country to be closer to my kid -AND to join her church to be part of their "safety" team. Jesus made this all possible. Just when we could not find a house, He found us one right across the street from the church entrance. We have a great team led and staffed by wonderful committed people who fight the same battles everyone else does, We do this for our God and our family and friends who attend. We are His sheepdogs, watching His flock. While our morning prayers before service pray we never have to act, we pray for His guidance and early detection for any threat to our congregation. The knowledge Jesus has us there for a reason is all I need to keep me showing up. The only thing that stops a bad man with a gun is a good man with a gun.
God bless you all and may He continue to guide and keep us safe!