Heightened Threat Level: Severe Imminent Risk
Yesterday, I made the decision to raise the Church Security Threat Level System (CSTLS) to severe or imminent threat of attack. This is not a decision I take lightly, but there are several factors at play that have led me to this conclusion. As many of you know, I’ve been monitoring the growing threats against Christian churches in the United States, and recent intelligence, along with public safety announcements from federal agencies, has made it clear that we are in a very dangerous time.
You can read my detailed post here where I explain why enhanced vigilance is not only necessary but critical for the safety of our congregations. I encourage you to review that post, as it outlines several important steps you can take to bolster security at your church and prepare for potential threats in the coming days.
It is crucial that we stay alert and remain proactive in the face of these risks. This is not the time for complacency; this is the time for action and preparation.
Nehemiah 4:9:
"But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat."
The Latest FBI/DHS Bulletin: A Misguided Focus
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a public service announcement regarding potential threats tied to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, HAMAS attacks. Unfortunately, this announcement is yet another example of federal agencies missing the mark when it comes to identifying the true threats facing our churches. Nowhere in this bulletin did they specifically mention Christian churches as potential targets, despite multiple statements by the FBI Director himself acknowledging that Christian places of worship are indeed under threat from foreign terrorist actors.
In fact, groups like ISIS have directly called on their followers to attack Christian churches here in the United States, and yet, this latest advisory seems more concerned with covering up this reality by diverting attention toward "hate crimes" and other groups. This is not the first time we’ve seen this narrative pushed. For years, the FBI has been telling law enforcement that Middle Eastern terrorism is no longer the primary concern and has instead focused on right-wing extremism. This narrative is not only misleading but also dangerous.
The omission of Christian churches in this bulletin is not just an oversight—it’s part of a pattern where the true threat is downplayed for political reasons. Even though we know from intelligence and past warnings that Christian churches remain a top target for ISIS and other foreign terrorist organizations, the focus in this advisory is elsewhere.
This is a wake-up call for us. As Christian churches, we must be prepared, because it’s clear that the government is not prioritizing our safety. I’ve heard firsthand from law enforcement officers who are just as frustrated with this false narrative, and they’re pushing back against this misguided focus. The reality is, Middle Eastern terrorism is still a significant problem, and Christian churches are a primary target. We cannot afford to ignore this truth.
Middle Eastern Terrorism: The Real Threat to Christian Churches
It’s no secret that Christian churches in the United States are under threat from foreign terrorist organizations, particularly groups like ISIS. For years now, ISIS has been vocal in directing its followers to target churches, viewing them as high-value symbols in their ideological war. Despite this, the federal government continues to push a narrative that downplays the threat posed by Middle Eastern terrorism. Instead, they have shifted their focus to right-wing extremism, telling law enforcement agencies across the country that terrorism from the Middle East is no longer a pressing issue.
This narrative is simply not true.
The evidence is clear: Christian churches have been and continue to be targeted by terrorists. The FBI’s own leadership has admitted as much in various statements, acknowledging that foreign actors are intent on attacking churches here in the U.S. The omission of Christian churches from the latest FBI/DHS advisory is therefore even more concerning. It shows a failure to acknowledge the real and present danger that Middle Eastern terrorism poses to our faith communities.
Those of us on the ground know better. We see the intelligence, we hear the warnings, and we’ve witnessed firsthand the attempts by groups like ISIS to incite violence against churches. And yet, federal agencies continue to ignore this, instead pushing a political agenda that deflects attention away from the real threat. Law enforcement officers have pushed back against this false narrative, but the reality remains that Christian churches are on the frontlines of this battle.
Our focus must remain on protecting our places of worship. The threat of Middle Eastern terrorism is not only real but growing. We cannot afford to let the false sense of security promoted by these agencies lead us to complacency. The threat is here, and it’s aimed squarely at us.
Enhanced Vigilance for Church Security Teams
Given the clear and growing threat to Christian churches, it’s time to take action. Our federal agencies may be pushing a false narrative, but that does not change the reality we face. As church security teams, we must be prepared for any potential attack, especially as the Church Security Threat Level System (CSTLS) has been elevated to severe—indicating an imminent risk.
Here are several immediate steps that you and your church security teams should consider:
Do not create a barrier to those coming to Christ: Keep your church open and welcoming. Place your people strategically so they can respond without preventing people coming to worship. Some of you are upset that I said to not stand out front with an AR-15. Seriously… that is poor tactics. This isn’t Iraq/Afghanistan/Syria. For 20 years I was involved in operations just like this. We kept our people close by in a react team able to respond anywhere quickly all while being out of sight. Don’t interfere with those coming to worship. Don’t give away your tactics.
Limit and Secure Entrances: If your church has multiple entrances, limit access to only those that can be properly secured by armed security. Ensure that all entrances in use are covered by trained personnel who can monitor and respond to potential threats.
Establish Layers of Security: Create multiple layers of security, starting with armed personnel in parking lots to monitor anyone entering the church grounds. Have additional security positioned inside the main gathering area and another layer in the sanctuary itself.
Use of Improvised Weapons for Those in Prohibitive States: For those of you in states where firearm possession is restricted, such as California or New York, consider alternative forms of defense, such as pepper spray, bear spray, or canes. The key is to always have a plan for how you’ll defend your church, regardless of the tools at your disposal.
Communicate with Other Churches: It is critical that churches in your area form a communication network. Use encrypted communication apps like Signal to stay in touch with other churches, especially during times of heightened alert. If an attack occurs at one church, you need to be ready to lock down your own facility and coordinate a response.
This is not the time to relax. With the anniversary of the October 7 attacks and continued calls from terrorist groups like ISIS to target churches, we must remain vigilant. Law enforcement will likely be overwhelmed if there is a coordinated attack, so it is up to us to ensure the safety of our congregations.
Stay alert, stay prepared, and always be ready to act in defense of your church and your people.
Thank you for all the information! Blessings
Hi there Keith, our church security team consists of 6 members in Reno Nevada. How can we as a group utilize the training you provide and all receive certificates at the same time as a group?
Jim M.