Previously stated about only 1 in 5 churches have taken the thought and action of a security team seriously and deployed 'gatekeepers',  men and woman who have a heart for the ministry, a passion for protection and a little bit of the spirit of Peter, to serve and protect the HOUSE!

Even still within that 1 in 5, about 50% of these churches have a poorly defined selection process that falls into one of the four buckets:

1. Former or existing law enforcement officers
2. Former or existing military personnel 
3. Hire an outside security agency
4. Large bodied men (bouncer type) to aid in physical presence to deter potential threat

However with either of these selection processes brings inherent challenges one of which being alignment on process, procedure and protocol specific to the church itself which is separate and different from their current or previous work experience.  In order to ensure your church is covered in the event of a threat a properly defined team with regular / routine training, agreed upon written process, procedures and protocols are imperative.

Myths about Church security

There are also certain myths about church security, some of which we also believed for a long period of time.  Beliefs like:

1. We don't need security, the Lord will protect the House - the latter is 100% true; nevertheless you have to ask yourself the question why did God institute watchmen and gatekeepers long ago and more so, why is the number of churches around the world being impacted by threats today?
2. We don't live in an area where we have terroist or threats - This is the places that are the most vulnerable because they are blind to the fact that the days are evil and evil prey on the blind and those sleeping at the gate.  One of the biggest threats to the House of Worship comes from inside in the form of domestic violence that starts in someone's home and then spills over into the church.
3. We just need a few people with guns - Well.. yes it's not a bad idea to have certified people who know how to properly and safely handle a side arm, NOT just shoot it.  The last thing any church needs is for someone to discharged a weapon or mishandle it and innocent people get injured because we believe just carrying a gun is the answer.
4. Let's put a couple of big bulky guys around the build - Physical presence is good to deter outside threats that are looking for opportunity; however having the knowledge and skill to deescalate a situation or manage other non-violent events in vital to the success of a HoW security team.

The REAL Truth...

A solidified church security ministry requires proper and regular training with men and women who have a security mindset and not just a group of warm bodies carrying sidearms and wearing earpieces. Training needs to be instinctive, responsive and committed to muscle memory. Team members MUST be trained to RESPOND not REACT

Church security team member who does not attend training on a regular basis should not be allowed to serve on the security team because they are a liability, and not an asset. No security team needs any more liabilities than they already have to contend with.  Too many people on church security teams only train when required. It is this very mindset that is the cancerous and has the potential for a security team to self-destruct or fail when needing to respond. 

The ability to follow identified process, procedures and protocols is a vital part of having a security mindset and being a member of a highly functioning team.  Not every member needs to carry a gun BUT every member MUST know able be able to follow process, procedures and protocols.

This is where we, ASCEND excels. Because we are our own clients we are passionate that are training, processes, procedures and protocols are related to church ministry activities as well as ensure we are able to safely function in and around our members, visitors and guest.  

The Takeaway...

• Don't have a team yet - We can help you build a team
• Have a team but no formal processs - We can help streamline and identify your PPPs
• Need a 3rd Party SWOT analysis of your team - We are here for you and can provide a full and compreshenive assessment along with recommendation where necessary. 

Church (HoW) Security

the REAL truth about it...