A step-by-step guide on how to create a security ministry for a church. There have been over 1,700 deadly force attacks on churches and synagogues in the United States since 1999 with over 650 deaths. This ebook will guide you on how to protect the flock. Written by a man with 45 years of experience in emergency services and church security, it is a must read for those interested in protecting the Flock.

Securing Church Operations is a seven-step plan for ministry and safety leaders. If you are just starting a safety program or have had one established for many years, the seven steps will encourage and engage you to look deeper into the governance and accountability of your church operations, no matter the size of your church. Factors such as culture, environment, beliefs, and denial are some of the things that are challenging to govern in security ministry. The seven steps provide the answer in how to maintain an open and welcoming environment but secure your church operations. The topics covered in this book include security culture, forming a safety committee, protecting your perimeter, conducting a security assessment, writing policy and procedures, training staff and volunteers, and implementing a safety team.The Author, Simon Osamoh was overseeing counterterrorism at Mall of America in Minnesota in 2012 when a local church asked for his help building a safety program. As a 20-year security practitioner and a Christian, helping this church created a passion to go on to help hundreds of churches across America to build safety programs. In Securing Church Operations he shares his years of best practice teaching safety and security methodology from a biblical perspective. Foreword by Carl Chinn the Founder of the Faith Based Security Network

The church has always been regarded as a safe haven - a spiritual sanctuary where people can come to worship God free from worries about violence or unethical behavior by those involved in church ministry. But our culture is changing, and church leaders can no longer assume that "it won't happen in my church." Like the rest of society, churches need to ensure the safety and security of their facility, staff, and worshipers. This book provides a wealth of practical information on preparing for and responding to the challenges of a dangerous world. Robert Cirtin draws on more than two decades of law enforcement and investigative experience, and with his team of professionals outlines a "how-to" approach full of specific proactive steps churches can take to protect themselves and reduce the risk of costly lawsuits. Church Safety And Security is a must-have resource for anyone participating in or preparing for church leadership. Topics covered include: * Utilizing background screening to protect your congregation. * Safety and security issues for church-run preschool and day care programs. * Preparing for and responding to medical emergencies. * How to deal with issues pertaining to child abuse. * Legally mandated responsibilities of church staff members. * How to utilize security/surveillance cameras in the church facility. * Organizing a church security officer program. * Effectively coping with intruders. * Responding to violent acts when they occur. * How to conduct a thorough investigation. If you are a pastor, associate pastor, preschool director, church school principal, deacon, elder, vestryperson, or denominational leader - read this book, then read it again! Make it required reading for every leader in your church. Protect your congregation, your property, and your reputation in the community by doing all you can do to hire the right employees, to prevent physical and sexual misconduct for which your church may be liable, and to reduce the legal and financial impacts of such misconduct. This book will teach you what to look for, and how to take action today to protect the people God has given you to shepherd. Tim Duncan Associate Pastor, Anglican Church of the Resurrection St. Louis, Missouri Church Safety and Security: A Practical Guide is a valuable resource. Bob Cirtin has the unusual but important background mixture of service in full-time church ministry as well as being a certified officer of the law and an expert investigator. He has personal experience with every source of danger for the local church and has developed effective safeguards and defenses. His strategies are clear, simple, easy to implement, and will protect any congregation in the event of an unfortunate occurrence. This book is a must for every church office and library! Terry Raburn Superintendent, Peninsular Florida District Council Assemblies of God This is a book written for our changing times, when the security of our churches must become a priority. Written by professionals who have a strong Christian influence in their lives, this book is a great tool for the security program of your church. Jack L. Merritt Sheriff, Greene County, Missouri Retired Capt., Missouri State Highway Patrol Robert M. Cirtin is an assistant professor and director of the criminal justice program at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. He is also the president of Robert Cirtin Investigations, a company providing investigative and consulting services to churches, businesses, and government agencies. A former police officer and Missouri state investigator who has also served in full-time ministry, Cirtin is a frequent guest lecturer on a variety of safety and security topics. He is a graduate of Central Bible College and Lincoln University.

When church leaders fail to provide for the well-being and protection of everyone involved in congregational programs, they are derelict in their duty to shepherd and protect the flock. A conscientious and well run safety program gives a sense of security and comfort to those who attend and helps provide an atmosphere where worship, fellowship, edification and service can take place without incident. Keeping Your Church Safe is a practical blueprint for churches covering all aspects of church security and safety for staff, premises and members. It's a well-outlined, easy-to-follow guide in establishing an effective security program for congregations of all sizes. "Given the uncertain times in which we live and increasing threats to our churches, Ron has written a practical, thorough, easy-to-read book that should be a textbook for any church. More importantly, he loves the Lord and His church and has dedicated his life to making sure Christ is exalted in the best and safest way possible." Bob Russell (retired) Senior Minister Southeast Christian Church Louisville, Kentucky "Addressing topics rarely discussed but realistic, this book is an excellent guide for church administrators, security managers, board chairpersons, volunteers or anyone serious about protecting our places of worship. It has been written as a result of years invested in "front line" experience. It contains the insight of a safety manager, site security chief, dignitary protection administrator and a special event commander, all in one." Major Bill Weedman (retired) Commander of Special Operations and Event Management Louisville Metro Police Department Ron Aguiar has been at Southeast Christian Church for 10 years as Director of Safety & Security, with an additional 10 years spent in public law enforcement and private security. Ron is a sought-after speaker, consultant to churches, para-church organizations and public law enforcement agencies. Contact Information: [email protected]

Our world is becoming increasingly complex. The need for church security continues to grow. We trust that God will protect us, but we also trust that God uses us to protect each other. God is sovereign, but He gave us free will. Because of that free will, people will make bad choices. We live in a fallen world where bad things do happen to good people. Life doesn't always make sense, but trusting God with the hard things is what allows us to keep going. This book helps make sense of these issues and provides real-world accounts of security incidents that can be learned from. This book offers a framework on how to begin a security ministry and answers many often asked questions: where to start, what to train on, how to lead a volunteer team and many others.

Watch My Sheep" is a guide for churches, police officers and security volunteers to set up security teams at their local churches. The church is a soft target but doesn't need to be. Churches can still maintain an open and inviting posture while greatly improving their security. Churches have special considerations for security, planning and operations must go beyond the scope of active shooter training. "Watch My Sheep" takes a deep dive into establishing the need for security, assessing current profiles, selecting leadership and team members, identifying threats and remedy's and gives practical, tactical direction for anyone involved in setting up a security ministry.

Have you ever wondered if there is a Biblical reason to have a church security or safety ministry? Do you have a hard time convincing your church leadership that it is a crucial ministry in our day and age? Are you a pastor that has a hard time believing a "security" ministry is critical? Look no further! Written by one of the Church Safety Guys, "The Case for Church Safety and Security" is a book that dives into the Biblical foundation for a modern ministry in your church. With Biblical references, this book takes a look at the following topics: Old Testament References on Protecting and Caring for Your Church Members, New Testament References on Being Prepared, Picking Your Battles, Being Prepared and Ready, and Discipleship and Growth. This book takes a solid look at some of the regular mental blocks and hesitation that many church leaders find themselves in before starting a safety or security team. It offers Biblical guidance on the ministry and the importance of every church having one! It also gives both church leadership and ministry leaders the opportunity to learn how to disciple their team and be successful with a healthy, functional, ministry! For other great resources for your church safety and security team, visit: Churchsafetyguys.com