Church Security Threat Level is Now HIGH (ORANGE )

Churches in America are now at a HIGH risk of attacks

Churches in the United States should elevate their security awareness to an understanding that we are at a HIGH risk of attacks. What does this mean? It certainly doesn’t mean that you shut your church down and it doesn’t mean to stand at the front door of your church with an AR-15. What it does mean is that you should be aware that there are people actively planning to attack churches SOMEWHERE (we won’t know where) in the United States.

The reasons for elevating our Church Security Threat Level System to Orange are many. First, last night NBC aired an interview with FBI Director Christopher Wray. 29 seconds into the interview, which covered many subjects, Wray said,

“So we thought that even before October 7th, if you and I were having this conversation, then we would have said that the terrorism threat was already elevated. But post October 7th, it's gone to a whole other level.”

Wray inadvertently (or purposely) was referring to an old Homeland Security threat level system that we mirrored our threat level system after. Homeland Security got rid of that system several years ago, but I have heard several bureaucrats still refer to the old system.

Director Wray has been making the rounds to various speaking engagements and has been prepping the public with expected attacks, with churches being singled out as a target of potential attacks. Specifically, we also have the following information to show that we need to elevate our alert level:

• The FBI has put out two alerts in the last month advising law enforcement that large venues, including churches, were at serious risk of a terrorist attack. This was not conveyed to churches and was only conveyed to police.

• Several persons on the terror watch list have crossed the border and are unaccounted for. This includes one afghan immigrant that belongs to a terrorist group.

• ISIS has asked followers to attack churches in the US. One Idahoan that follows ISIS was one day from attacking churches in Idaho. Again, churches were not notified by authorities.

• NYPD has stepped up checks in subways, another potential terrorist target, and the National Guard was deployed into the subway system to supplement law enforcement patrols.

The government has not been warning churches, even though they have specific information about attacks (the incident in Idaho is a glaring example). It is up to us to interpret what is going on through interviews and looking at the world stage.

What You Should Be Doing Under CSTLS ORANGE

Churches in the United States need to recognize the high risk of potential attacks and respond appropriately without resorting to extreme or invasive measures such as searching congregants. Under the new CSTLS level, the definition of this alert is a high risk of attacks, signaling an urgent need for heightened security measures.

Security Measures: Churches should collaborate with local law enforcement to ensure a visible security presence during services and events. This partnership can include regular security briefings and updates to keep church leaders informed of potential threats. Additionally, churches should implement comprehensive surveillance of all gatherings, utilizing technology like security cameras to monitor and record activities on church premises. Preparedness for enacting lockdown procedures if alerted of imminent danger is crucial. These procedures should be practiced regularly through drills to ensure everyone knows their role and response during a crisis.

Communication: It is essential for churches to maintain immediate communication channels with local and national security services. Updates on threat levels and security advisories should be disseminated quickly to church leaders and congregants. Clear and direct instructions on security measures should be provided regularly to ensure all church members are aware of their responsibilities and actions to take in response to a threat. This communication strategy should aim to keep everyone informed, prepared, and ready to respond calmly and effectively.

This approach balances the need for heightened security with the everyday function and welcoming nature of church environments, ensuring that congregants feel safe without feeling alienated.

I anticipate that we will be at Orange (high risk of attack) for some time. Don’t let your guard down, keep your churches open and welcoming, and keep your eye out for danger.