Safety Ministry Reading List
In today's world, ensuring the safety and security of our church congregations is more important than ever. As members of a church security team, you are tasked with the critical role of protecting your fellow worshippers and maintaining a safe environment for spiritual growth and fellowship. To be effective in this role, continuous learning and preparation are essential. While training and hands-on experience are invaluable, equipping yourself with knowledge from trusted resources can provide deeper insights and enhance your skills. This reading list has been carefully curated to include books that cover a range of topics—from spiritual guidance and psychological resilience to tactical strategies and leadership principles. These books will not only help you perform your duties more effectively but also align your efforts with the core values of faith and protection. Let's explore these essential readings that every church security team member should consider.
The Bible
The Bible is the foundational text for Christians, offering spiritual guidance, moral principles, and examples of leadership and protection. For a church security team, it provides the ethical framework for their duties, reminding them of the importance of safeguarding the congregation with integrity, compassion, and faith. You should read the Bible and reflect for at least a 1/2 hour every day.
Church Safety & Security 101: A Guidebook for Volunteers and Safety Directors by Michael Elerick
First, the author was my Tactical Commander when I was a Sniper Team Leader. I had no idea that he wrote this book. He never told me! I’m adding it because Lt. Elerick knows what he is doing and anything he writes is worth reading.
This guidebook provides a practical, step-by-step approach for volunteers and safety directors in creating a secure environment for their congregation. With detailed strategies on risk assessment, emergency planning, and team coordination, this book is an essential resource for church security teams. Elerick's hands-on advice and real-world examples make it an invaluable tool for those dedicated to protecting their church community.
On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Dave Grossman
"On Killing" explores the psychological effects of taking a life, focusing on the mental and emotional toll it takes on individuals. For church security members, understanding these effects is crucial for preparing mentally and emotionally for the potential realities of their role, helping them to cope with and prevent violence.
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace by Dave Grossman
"On Combat" delves into the psychological and physiological responses to deadly conflict, offering strategies to manage stress and perform effectively under pressure. Church security teams can benefit from these insights to stay calm and effective during high-stress situations, ensuring the safety of their congregation.
Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley
"Left of Bang" teaches proactive strategies for identifying threats before they escalate, based on the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter program. This book is essential for church security teams as it emphasizes situational awareness and early intervention, helping prevent incidents before they occur.
The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence by Gavin de Becker
"The Gift of Fear" highlights the importance of trusting intuition and recognizing warning signs of danger. For church security members, learning to identify these signals can help them take preventative actions to protect their congregation from potential threats.
The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander by Pete Blaber
Pete Blaber’s book shares leadership lessons from his experience in Delta Force, emphasizing adaptability, decision-making, and prioritizing the mission. These principles are valuable for church security teams in making quick, effective decisions during emergencies while keeping the safety of their congregation as the top priority.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" provides timeless strategies on leadership, conflict, and strategy. Church security teams can apply these principles to anticipate and neutralize potential threats, ensuring they are always one step ahead in maintaining the safety of their congregation.
Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion by George J. Thompson and Jerry B. Jenkins
"Verbal Judo" focuses on using communication to defuse conflicts and persuade others without physical force. This is invaluable for church security members, who often need to de-escalate tense situations while maintaining a peaceful environment.
The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
This book explores the balance between taking ownership of responsibilities and empowering others. For church security teams, understanding this balance helps in building a cohesive, accountable team capable of effectively managing security operations.
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
"Blink" examines how quick, instinctive decisions can be just as effective as carefully planned ones. For church security members, this book underscores the importance of trusting their instincts and training to make rapid, accurate decisions in critical situations.
Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement: A Guide for Officers and Their Families by Kevin M. Gilmartin
This book addresses the emotional challenges faced by those in high-stress, protective roles. Church security team members can use these insights to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain their well-being and effectiveness in their roles. I put this on the required reading list for my officers in a prior life.
Countering the Mass Shooter Threat: A Comprehensive Playbook for Every House of Worship, School, and Workplace by Michael Martin
Michael Martin's book offers a detailed plan for preventing and responding to mass shootings, tailored for places like churches. It provides practical strategies and protocols that church security teams can implement to protect their congregation against such threats.
Defending the Flock: A Security Guide for Church Safety Directors by Kris P. Moloney
"Defending the Flock" offers a comprehensive guide for church security directors, covering the essential aspects of creating and maintaining a secure church environment. Kris P. Moloney provides practical advice on risk assessment, emergency response, and the development of a safety culture within the church. This book is an invaluable resource for church security team members, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies needed to protect their congregation effectively while fostering a sense of peace and security.
Great list Keith...thank you for sharing!
It would be helpful to suggest the most important or rank them according to reading order. Thanks.