The incident at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on February 11, 2024, where a mother caused her son to be caught in the cross file with the church security team’s gunfire, opens a poignant chapter in the narrative of America's mental health care. The real victim, beyond...
Simon Osamoh
Church Security Under the Lens: Unpacking the Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024
In the realm of church safety and security, a new legislative proposal, dubbed H.R. 6981 the "Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024" has stirred both concern and confusion. This bill has sparked a flurry of headlines, YouTube analyses, and social media...
Shots Fired – Lakewood Church Houston Texas
On a quiet Sunday, February 11th, at approximately 1:53 PM, silence at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, was shattered by gunfire. This church, widely known as the home of Joel Osteen's mega congregation and housed in the former Compaq Center, welcomes over 45,000...
Security Connections Profile: Reverend Tim Kingsley, St. Mark’s Cathedral
The Reverend Tim Kingsley is the Canon Pastor at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has over 30 years of experience in crisis and security management, including serving as a senior leader in the field and as a volunteer first responder during 9/11....
Security Connections – Looking Forward in 2024
Welcome to the second January edition of Security Connections. In my last editorial, we looked back over 2023, recapping security for churches with schools, the creation of a threat assessment team, and the importance of training your staff and volunteers on how to...
Security Connections – Recapping 2023
Welcome to 2024 and the January edition of Security Connections, wishing blessings and safety to you, your families, and church communities. Security Connections will now bring you curated risk management and security content to your inbox twice a month! Expect...
Expert Insights: Eric Williams, COO Brown Missionary Baptist
I recently sat down for a discussion with Eric Williams, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) from Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Mississippi. He offered his perspective on best practices for safety and security in houses of worship. Tell us about Brown Missionary...
Strategic Security: Setting SMART Goals for Safer Worship in the New Year
As the year draws to a close, it's important to pause and reflect on our progress. Often, we focus on the future, on the tasks and goals yet to be achieved, neglecting to appreciate the journey and the milestones we've reached. When reviewing your 2023 risk management...
Church Security at Christmas: 10 Tips for Holiday Protection
With families drawing close in heartfelt reunions and congregations deeply immersed in celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church's holiday season emerges as a beacon of unity, and spiritual devotion. Yet, amidst these cherished moments, the modern church faces...
The Gaza Crisis and Its Impact on U.S. Houses of Worship
A Brief Overview: The Israel-Palestine Conflict and Recent Escalations Situation in the Gaza Strip Israel has issued a relocation notice to approximately 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza, a move the United Nations warns may have severe humanitarian consequences....
Welcome to Security Connections!
I'm excited to share a project we at Worship Facility have passionately been cultivating behind the scenes for the past six months: a newsletter, Security Connections! We've heeded your numerous inquiries over the past year, seeking greater insights on risk management...
Building a Strong Church Safety Network: Three Strategies to Find Your Community
In today’s world, even our most sacred spaces are not immune to danger. Karen’s story uncovers a pathway to reinforce our churches, both spiritually and in terms of security, emphasizing the power of community. I first met Karen in 2017, a safety conscious church...
Enhancing Church Security: How a $150,000 Grant Can Help
Last week, a client we mentored through the Non-Profit Security Grant (NSGP) process received a $125,000 award from their State Administrative Agency (SAA) for security improvements. Can you visualize the heightened safety and peace of mind this could bring to your...
The Vitality of Multidimensional Safety Training in Churches
On March 27, 2023, a chill ran down America's spine when Aiden Hale, born Audrey Elizabeth Hale, open fired on the Presbyterian Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Three innocent children and three adults became victims of another heartbreaking incident at an...
Securing Church Operations: Enhancing Safety in an Open-Door Environment
In the realm of church safety and security, it's common to hear the need for better protection of our building perimeters. This sentiment arises after tragic church attacks or when incidents like theft or assault are reported to have occurred. While the secular world...
Five Crucial Areas of Security for Churches with Schools: Strategies to Keep Students and Staff Safe
The tragic events that occurred at the Presbyterian Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2023 served as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting the safety and security of students and staff in churches with attached schools. As a church with a...
Nashville Shooting Prompts U.S. Churches to Review Security Measures
On March 27th, the Covenant Presbyterian School in Nashville, Tennessee, fell victim to a tragic shooting that claimed six lives: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all 9 years old; Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher; Mike Hill, 61, a custodian;...
Securing Easter Services: A Church Leader’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness
The Easter holiday is a time of celebration, but it is also a time when safety and security concerns need to be at the forefront of church leaders' minds. With the increase in attendance during this period, it's essential to take the necessary steps to ensure the...
A Guide to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
Securing your church can be expensive. From cameras to fire suppression systems, a strong security system requires a significant financial investment. However, did you know that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides up to $150,000 in funding to...
Preventing Violence through Effective Threat Assessment Programs: Key Components and Best Practices
Threat assessment programs are an essential tool for preventing violence and managing risk at your church. One of the questions that I get asked on an ongoing basis is “How do we address this threat to our church?” A few years ago, I wrote my bestselling book Securing...
5 Ways to Improve your Church Security in 2023
If you’re looking to improve your church security in 2023, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your congregation, volunteers and staff are kept safe. These five things will help you maximize the safety and security of your church, while improving on...