Overview
Providing a safe environment in houses of worship present some unique challenges to pastoral teams.The easiest risk to understand is that churches and synagogues collect, handle, and store money in amounts sufficient to attract the attention of those inclined to steal, either by force or by stealth. These funds are often handled by multiple volunteers at various stages in the process, and key protective measures are often overlooked, particularly in the way money is moved and stored.
The biggest difference that sets houses of worship apart from commercial venues is that, while businesses focus security efforts on denying access to troubled individuals and outsiders, ministering to the troubled and welcoming those seeking God is part of the core mission of any church. Excluding them or using airport style security screening is simply not an option.
A small number of these people approach a religious institution with the intent to steal. Others are unstable enough to pose a direct threat to church members or staff, or have relationships with highly unstable people who may become angry with a church for providing emotional shelter and support to their current or former partner. The open nature of churches also make them easy targets for disturbed persons who are inclined to violence and either have a disagreement with a church's stands on moral or social issues, or are simply looking for a vulnerable gathering of innocent people who they believe are unlikely to offer effective resistance.
The Safe Environment Imperative
 Even though their mission is unique and more socially complex than business settings, churches and synagogues still have an absolute moral and legal obligation to provide a safe environment for their congregations and staff. Balancing the competing imperatives that come together in houses of worship requires a deep understanding of the nature, thought and behavior patterns of disturbed individuals, the ability to recognize significant vulnerabilities, and a detailed knowledge of options that are available to reduce risk while supporting the welcoming mission and loving character of a church.
We Can Help
Excaliber Security Services LLC has the faith, knowledge, experience, and sensitivity to guide pastoral teams through the process of assessing risks, identifying options, and selecting and implementing the best solutions for each individual congregation. Our consulting methodology is ideally suited to ask the right questions and find the right answers for any church. Either our outsourced security management support model or individual service solutions are designed to fit virtually any need.
We also have prepared a seminar that takes a thorough look at the challenges and an overview of potential solutions. It is designed to be delivered to pastoral and security teams from multiple churches in a single venue to generate lively discussion and productive braintstorming.
Contact us today to find out how we can best serve your organization.
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