Is Your Church Ready for the Civil Unrest Coming in 2024?
Understanding the Landscape of 2024
As we approach 2024, it is crucial for church communities to be aware of the potential for civil unrest and the associated security challenges. In my latest video broadcast on YouTube, I lay out how 2024 is going to be another 2020 when it comes to civil unrest. As I lay out the road map for 2024, I have to ask you; is your church ready for the violence that will be coming?
Make Sure You Have a Trained Security Ministry
Key to this preparation is the establishment of a dedicated church security team. This team should comprise individuals with a variety of skills, including those with law enforcement or military backgrounds, if possible. Their role will be to assess potential threats, monitor the church's surroundings, and respond effectively to any incidents. Training in crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and first aid are essential components of their skillset.
Developing a Comprehensive Security Plan
A comprehensive security plan is the backbone of effective church security. This plan should encompass various scenarios, including handling active shooter incidents and managing large gatherings during times of unrest. It must detail emergency evacuation routes, communication strategies, and coordination with local law enforcement. Regular drills and reviews of the security plan are vital to ensure its effectiveness and the preparedness of the security team.
The Church's Role as a Community Sanctuary
In turbulent times, churches often become sanctuaries for those seeking refuge and peace. Therefore, it is vital for church leaders to foster a sense of community and safety. This involves not only physical security measures but also providing emotional and spiritual support. Churches should be prepared to offer aid and shelter during crises, reinforcing their role as pillars of hope and stability in the community.
Looking Ahead: Proactive Measures for Church Safety
As we look towards the future, churches must remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures. This includes staying informed about local and global political developments, understanding the implications of upcoming elections, and being aware of the broader societal dynamics. Churches must adapt their security strategies to these evolving circumstances, ensuring they remain safe spaces for worship and community support.
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.