Wow, didn't see that coming...

766 Views 11 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Peacemakr40, Jan 23, 2018

Panda

Discussion Starter · Jan 22, 2018

Our Pastor approached me yesterday after our church service and asked me to assemble and serve as the leader of a Security Team for our church. I was blown away by his request, because a year or so ago I couldn't even get his attention to discuss the issue of church safety. I told him I would consider it and let it stand at that point until I put together a plan and training for those interested in taking part in the program.

I put in a call to my LTC trainer and he said he was willing to help us develop a program to insure our safety.
Wish us luck..

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coopercdrkey

· #2 · Jan 22, 2018

Good luck, for sure! That's an important task that has been entrusted to you and your "team."

It might be prudent to have some preliminary discussions with the Pastor and other church elders (if your church is structured thus) as to what level of security is both desired and allowed. Dedicated observers and alert persons only or actual armed guards? It could save you a lot of work and frustration going into the project with some pretty well defined goals.

And kudos to your Pastor for coming around to the realization that this is a prudent measure. I'm sure he has struggled with the issue- probably since you first brought it up...

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Panda

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 22, 2018

We will definitely be having those discussions with the Pastor and our church council to make sure everyone is on board with these new security measures. If they decide not to do it the right way, I'll back off.

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JeeperCreeper

· #4 · Jan 22, 2018

Panda said:
We will definitely be having those discussions with the Pastor and our church council to make sure everyone is on board with these new security measures. If they decide not to do it the right way, I'll back off.

What, in your mind, is the right way? Asking out of curiosity. I'm completely on board and think it's a great idea to have better (and armed, especially) security on any place where there's a large gathering of people. I wholeheartedly disagree with any rule or law against disarming people in theaters or malls or any other place there's no armed security. Are we thinking armed ushers so as to keep a low profile or uniformed security?

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Panda

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 23, 2018

JeeperCreeper said:
What, in your mind, is the right way? Asking out of curiosity. I'm completely on board and think it's a great idea to have better (and armed, especially) security on any place where there's a large gathering of people. I wholeheartedly disagree with any rule or law against disarming people in theaters or malls or any other place there's no armed security. Are we thinking armed ushers so as to keep a low profile or uniformed security?

The right way is yet to be learned from our instructor. There is a lot to be considered as we move forward which is why I consulted an expert in this realm of self protection.

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JimmyA

· #6 · Jan 23, 2018

That's sounds like a wonderful opportunity and I congratulate you on your willingness to serve. Things that are trusted to the Lord work out to his will and his perfect timing. You will be an arm of strength for the folks in the congregation. It seems that your pastor is seeking the way forward through you.

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NotSo

· #7 · Jan 23, 2018

From what you post it appears the pastor isn't a gun person. You might get your LTC trainer to sit down with him to get an idea of what his expectations are. They could be that he thinks some armed parishioners are sufficient. Giving him a glimpse of what a comprehensive security program entails will go a long way to prevent the shock of a cold presentation.

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Peacemakr40

· #8 · Jan 23, 2018

The shepherd is responsible for the safety and security of his flock. Having a few sheepdogs around makes that job a lot easier. Good luck in your new endeavor.

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230JHP

· #9 · Jan 23, 2018

When our church started up its formal security organization, the team that came in to advise had three principles to build on -- awareness, layers, and communication.

As far as people who are against weapons in a church, I like to remind them that there is plenty of evidence that the disciples were armed and willing to use deadly force to protect their rabbi.

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ICUKev

· #10 · Jan 23, 2018

coopercdrkey said:
Good luck, for sure! That's an important task that has been entrusted to you and your "team."

It might be prudent to have some preliminary discussions with the Pastor and other church elders (if your church is structured thus) as to what level of security is both desired and allowed. Dedicated observers and alert persons only or actual armed guards? It could save you a lot of work and frustration going into the project with some pretty well defined goals.

And kudos to your Pastor for coming around to the realization that this is a prudent measure. I'm sure he has struggled with the issue- probably since you first brought it up...

Exactly!

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YOT

· #11 · Jan 23, 2018

Peacemakr40 said:
The shepherd is responsible for the safety and security of his flock. Having a few sheepdogs around makes that job a lot easier. Good luck in your new endeavor.

I'm robbing that for my pastor. There are many of us LEOs that attend there.

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Peacemakr40

· #12 · Jan 23, 2018

YOT said:
I'm robbing that for my pastor. There are many of us LEOs that attend there.

I'm honored that you hold my comment is such high esteem. Hope your pastor likes it and utilizes it. Thank you for the love.

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