| The two extreme views about safety and security | | | | church member, all can have a role in ensuring that |
| planning for churches: Some people feel there is no | | | | they are more safe and that they do not do things |
| way to prevent a wild-eyed shooter from running | | | | that could create harmful situations for others. |
| into a church lobby and opening fire, so they feel | | | | 3. Planning requires observing and evaluating, and that |
| there is no point in trying to develop response plans. | | | | is something that often is neglected in church |
| Others are so concerned about possible violence | | | | buildings. Doing a monthly walk-about to see the |
| they want security teams, all-new locks and alarms, | | | | status of doors, windows, areas that might be |
| and practice drills on a regular basis. | | | | unsafe or insecure, and the condition of the building in |
| A balanced view: The most effective security | | | | general, can be very beneficial. A safety and security |
| response in most settings is to plan for extreme | | | | audit may be the first time some leaders have ever |
| potentials, but put the emphasis on consistent and | | | | really gotten to know the facility in every nook and |
| continuous moderate and logical approaches to | | | | cranny. |
| safety and security. This is the same kind of planning | | | | 4. Planning brings people together. If the leaders keep |
| and concern that should be done by homeowners, | | | | a balanced perspective, safety and security planning |
| travelers, women alone, and in care for children. | | | | can be a positive, forward-thinking process, much like |
| In the area of church security planning, the planning | | | | planning for growth, planning for a new building, |
| process itself is almost as valuable as the plan that is | | | | planning an event, or any other planning activity. |
| developed. It achieves several positive things: | | | | There is value in planning, completely apart from the |
| 1. The leadership team of the church can show their | | | | plan! All church members can do their part to |
| concern and interest for the church family in a | | | | encourage a systematic approach to considering |
| tangible way, by directing and supporting safety and | | | | church safety and security. It does not have to be |
| security plans. Pastors, worship leaders and deacons | | | | excessive or based on any specific fear. The idea is |
| are looked to by others as a source of approval and | | | | to realize that the church building is valuable, every |
| encouragement. Church safety and security planning | | | | item in it has both monetary and emotional value, and |
| is one way to have a positive impact. | | | | the members and visitors who come to the house of |
| 2. The entire church family can be involved in matters | | | | worship should be able to feel that their safety and |
| that directly affect them. Greeters and ushers, | | | | security has been considered. |
| teachers, child care, maintenance staff, and every | | | | |