It was about four years ago a question was raised about our church security. The question was raised in response to some high-profile attacks on churches. Church security? We hadn’t given much thought to it. Sure, there was a general sense that we must be aware of what is going on around us. We have folks from time to time who come seeking assistance. We had policies in place for the secretary’s safety during the week but there was no plan for what might happen during a worship service. That question led to further discussion and eventually to the formation of a team to give guidance to this issue. Enter Bevan Collins. Bevan serves as one of our deacons. Given Bevan’s background in business and his experience putting together systems and writing procedures, he was the natural choice. What you hold in your hands is the fruit of his labor over the last four years.
It is thorough, well thought out and extremely practical. He will guide you to ask and answer the right questions. He will help you determine what is best for your church, given your circumstance and your needs. Each church is unique, and budgets vary. With his help any church of any size can be better equipped to respond to crisis. The time to prepare is before anything ever happens. Bevan will help you ask the questions you need to ask. His practical advice will guide you in finding answers appropriate to your context. What began as a question, “What would we do if something like that happened here?” has expanded into a comprehensive plan of responding to intruder threats to weather to fire and medical emergencies. Most importantly, Bevan guides us without ever losing sight of the fact we are the Church of the Lord Jesus. Yes, we want folks to know they are safe, that we have a plan in place, but first and foremost we are here to welcome people into the presence of God. Our great desire is to lead people to faith in Christ.
This is a thorough, practical, and balanced approach to church safety. I encourage you to read it, study it and implement it in your church. Further I recommend the author to you as a worthy guide. This good and godly man is a blessing to me and to our church family. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Rod Harris
Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Tulsa, OK.