Overview
​Introduction:
Each month, it seems, we are confronted with a news story that details the horrors of an act of violence against those who profess the name of Christ. With increasing frequency, we are given the opportunity to ask ourselves very jarring questions about how we can and how we must care for and protect those under our care. Those very questions should bring us to examine this critical topic and perhaps, by God’s grace, come away with tangible, measurable, meaningful tools that can be deployed to help fulfill our mandate. Perhaps our time will result in a blueprint or maybe simply a catalyst for further discussion. Either way, our time is well spent in the pursuit of keeping our people safe.
The individual components of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP’s) are context weighted and subject to constant updating as on-going data is refreshed. The mechanism of the “After Action Report” (AAR) is the driving force behind doctrinal changes to methodologies. TTP’s are conceived, adopted, trained, applied and tested. In many cases, what we thought would work great didn’t work at all or worked at a woefully inadequate level. So, back to the drawing board we go. The slate is rarely completely cleaned but rather is modified and refined to better inform the next iteration of the conception, adaptation, etc., model.
Biblical Overview:
The focus of the material on this site is not to articulate a theology of the defense of self and others. This task is squarely on your shoulders and you have probably already done the work necessary to Biblically defend your understanding. The Westminster Larger Catechism, 134, 135 and 136 adequately speaks to this challenge:
Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defense thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labor, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild and courteous speeches and behavior; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.
Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.
Moral Overview:
The consideration of deploying a church security team can and will create a moral and philosophical tension. Church life, by definition, encompasses the spirit of openness and hospitality. The Statue of Liberty has an inscription which reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” This is the welcome mat at the feet of lady liberty. How much more does the Church of Jesus Christ offer hope, refreshment, rest and safety to a lost, ship-wrecked people. Jesus, Himself, said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29. Every fiber in our being cries “Come” while the mission and perspective of your team can and must cry, “Go away.” Each visitor and new-comer must be equally viewed as potential blessing or potential threat. The distraction of diligent, focused, skeptical observation will war against the bliss and beauty of corporate worship. The thoughts of the potential use of deadly force and violence against an aggressor must cohabitate with thoughts of peace, solitude, fellowship and worship. This is the tension that your security team members will dwell in. Their view of church life will probably be altered and this reality has to be dealt with squarely and honestly. The alternative, however, is unthinkable consequences. At the end of the day, the evil doer has a vote in this discussion. They get to set the table according to their twisted, satanic mindset. They get to act and we must react.
Legal Overview:
The context of the resources offered on this site are from the perspective of living in Oregon and Oregon law makes a distinction between private persons, private security professionals and sworn peace officers. All three classes share the general rights, privileges and responsibilities of the individual citizen, while, at the same time, enjoy expanded privileges and responsibilities. Other states, obviously, have their own distinctions and definitions. Please consult with legal experts concerning your state’s laws. Don’t assume that your local law enforcement officers have a comprehensive understanding of all the laws that govern your activities (especially retired law enforcement). Laws are continually changing and it is imperative that you be up to date on the laws that specifically pertain to your activity. Furthermore, it is critically important that you consult with your insurance carrier to determine what coverage is needed. Please, please, please consult with professionals who are subject matter experts. We are surrounded by well-meaning people who have an opinion on these topics, however, the consequences of erroneous information is extremely grave.
Private Security Professionals:
It is our understanding that churches in Oregon are not required to obtain Private Security Professional certification for our security team members. However, the training required for this certification is, in general context, identical to what our team members need. Oregon governs Private Security Professional activates under the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). This training involves unarmed and/or armed tracks. Oregon regulatory, civil and criminal law along with methods and procedures are specially applied to each track independently. We recommend that your team leader (in Oregon) go through DPSST training and certification in order for your team members to receive the most up to date information. Furthermore, it could bolster your legal and civil standing in the unpleasant likelihood that you will need to defend yourselves in court proceedings as a result of your activates. We should want to be viewed by a district attorney or defense attorney as more than just a bunch of good ole boys with guns. Many people can mistakenly view a church security team as simply a group of individuals who possess a concealed handgun license, carry a firearm and are prepared to use their weapon to stop an “active shooter.” While this status is clearly a significant part of the job description, it falls short of providing a comprehensive perspective.
Policy/Procedure Manual:
The first action of any new work to develop and deploy a security team should be to articulate a clear and comprehensive manual that defines and outlines the mission, qualifications and activities of the team.