The Power of Situational Awareness and Your Church: How to Prevent Violent Attacks in Your Church.
In an ideal world, places of worship, like churches, should be sanctuaries of peace and serenity. They should be off limits to violence or violent acts. Unfortunately, violent attacks on religious institutions have become a tragic reality in recent years. However, through situational awareness and strategic planning, congregations like yours can take proactive steps to enhance security and reduce the risk of such incidents. In this blog, we will explore the facts surrounding violent attacks in churches and provide practical strategies for prevention.
Understanding the Threat
I have heard people in churches say, “why should we be armed, we need to trust God and He will protect us”. I simply say “if you feel you don’t need protection because God will protect you, then why evangelize? God will save everyone anyway”. Let’s look to scripture for the answer:
Luke 22:35-38 35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything? “So, they said, “Nothing.”36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.”
Even Jesus knew that his Disciples would need to defend themselves even though they were sharing the Gospel. We must keep this in mind ourselves, we will encounter bad people.
It’s essential to recognize the threat of violent attacks in churches to better prepare for them:
1. Alarming Statistics: According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Religious institutions are increasingly targeted by violent attackers, in recent years, there has been a significant rise in church shooting and violent incidents.
2. Vulnerable Gatherings: Churches often bring together large groups of people, making them potential targets for individuals with harmful intentions.
3. Soft Targets: Religious institutions are considered “soft targets” due to their welcoming and open nature, which can be exploited by attackers. You want your church to be a “hard target”. This means you are still welcoming and open, but your church has taken the appropriate safety measures to try and prevent a violent act. Having a police vehicle posted outside your church will ensure people intent on doing harm will see your church as a hard target. Criminals prefer soft targets over hard targets every day.
4. Gun Free Zone or Weapons Free Zone: Now this may make people feel safe, but the reality of the matter is, it will not keep your congregation safe.
A. A person who is intent on hurting others will not obey the rules you put in place for your church.
B. Making your church “Gun Free” affects how your congregation can respond to an active shooter. The reality of the matter is the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.
Strategies for Preventing Violent Attacks
1. Create a Safety Team or Critical Response Team: Establish a security or safety team within your congregation, consisting of volunteers or hired professionals, ensure they receive appropriate training in security and emergency responses.
2. Implement Access Control: Limit access to the church during services and events. Consider installing security systems, access control mechanisms, and surveillance cameras.
3. Situational Awareness Training: Provide situational awareness training for your congregation. Teach them to recognize suspicious behavior and encourage reporting of such observations to the security team or local authorities.
4. Emergency Response Plan or Emergency Operations Plan: Understand the difference between fight and flight adrenaline. Develop and communicate clear emergency response plans for various scenarios. Ensure that everyone in the congregation is aware of the procedures in case of an emergency. Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” The same can be said for an emergency plan. If you do not practice what you put in place, it will not work when you need it to.
5. Security Assessments: Conduct regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement. These assessments can help in enhancing the overall security of your church.
6. Communication Systems: Establish a reliable communication system that can be used to alert the congregation and authorities in the event of an emergency.
7. Law Enforcement Collaboration: Build a relationship with local law enforcement and inform them about your safety measures and plans. They can provide valuable insights and assistance in case of an emergency.
8. Mental Health Support: Address the mental health needs of your congregation. Encourage open discussions and provide resources for mental health support to prevent individuals from reaching a breaking point.
What’s the Good News?
1. Texas Church Shooting 2019: In White Settlement, Texas, a volunteer security team member stopped a shooter at a church, preventing a potential tragedy. This highlights the importance of having a well-prepared security team in place.
2. Goldbar Defense: Has worked with various churches and will work with yours to improve the security measures and help you prevent violent attacks. We will train you in hand to hand combat as well as firearms. You can take several of our classes to become more proficient and secure. We offer special group discounts to churches.
While it is unfortunate that we need to address the topic of violent attacks in churches, it is important to have situational awareness and be proactive with your security measures. By staying informed, prepared, vigilant, and training often, your congregation can significantly reduce the risk of violence and create safer environments for worship and community gatherings. The facts are clear, and it is our duty to protect our places of worship and those who attend them.
Remember when seconds count and help is minutes away you are your own first responder.
Stay safe my friends.
Bart Goldbar
Goldbar Defense LLC
