Course: Protecting and Securing Your Church

Course Summary: 

From a very young age, most people would consider churches to be familiar places of physical and emotional safety. They are places where people can seek and find comfort and solace. As ironic as it may seem, crimes against churches and church congregants in communities all over the country have become an increasingly prevalent reality. This 40-minute course can help churches become more aware of potential threats, and put safeguards and internal controls in place.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the importance of church security
  • Learn about common security threats to churches today, both internal and external
  • Learn about security plans and how they can help protect your church and congregants
  • Establish security measures you can take to protect your church’s resources

Key Topics Include:

  • Churches as Vulnerable Targets
  • Common Threats to Church Security
  • Unforeseen Events
  • External Threats: Vandalism, Arson, Burglary and Theft, Cybertheft/Identity Theft, Assault/Murder
  • Internal Threats: Theft/Pilferage, Embezzlement, Fraudulent Use of Church Resources, and Bullying and Sexual Misconduct/Harassment
  • Your Church Emergency and Security Plan
  • 1. Security Assessment
  • 2. An Emergency Response Team (ERT)
  • 3. Incident Contingency Plans
  • 4. Building Security and Church Watch
  • 5. Ushers and Greeters
  • 6. Check-In Policies
  • 7. Confronting Difficult People
  • 8. Securing Valuables and Access to Church Resources
  • 9. IT Security Plan
  • 10. Internal Policies and Procedures
  • 11. Personal Security and Securing Personal Belongings
  • 12. Staff, Volunteer, and Congregant Education
  • Reporting Incidents and Losses, and Catching Perpetrators

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