Church Security

Ten years ago this month a man walked into Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, and started shooting. When he was done, eight people were killed and seven others were wounded. On this tenth anniversary, I decided to talk to Jeffrey Hawkins of Christian Security Network to see how churches are doing in the area of security.

For most of us, church has been a safe haven. But the events ten years ago, and subsequent incidents in others churches since then, have changed our perspective. Hawkins has found that people no longer regard their home church as a safe haven. No wonder, already seven killings have been documented in U.S. churches this year. Add to that the increasing number of assaults, arsons, robberies, and burglaries.

People working in law enforcement say that respect for the church has vanished. If anything, the church is seen as a soft target with ample opportunities for crime. In fact, as other buildings (office buildings, government buildings, malls, etc.) have stepped up their security, it makes churches look like much easier targets.

We should also mention that sometimes churches are target of hate crimes just as other houses of worship (such as mosques and synagogues). This can especially be true if the pastor has taken a strong stand on social issues. An unbalanced man might attack people in a church merely because he hates God.

So what are churches and church leaders to do? Hawkins is not calling for posting guards at every door and screening everyone with metal detectors. He says: “Good security is like an iceberg; the general public should only see about 10 percent of what you have.”

Improving security begins with increased awareness and education. A number of faith-based organizations are being formed to help churches and other houses of worship. And consultation with local law enforcement is key.

It is sad that we have to protect ourselves even in church, but that is the world we live in today. Pastors and Christian leaders would be wise to consider how to protect those to whom they minister. I’m Kerby Anderson, and that’s my point of view.