Church security in the 21st Century

[Guadalupe]

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 | Bill Bumpas
Following the deadliest church shooting in the U.S. earlier this month, one Texas church is hoping to help other congregations get a security plan in place.

As churches across the country assessed security measures in the wake of the mass-shooting, mega-church Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, decided to partner with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, soon announcing it would be hosting a Church Security in the 21st Century seminar next month.

Mike Buster, executive pastor at Prestonwood, says the "wicked thing" that happened in Sutherland Springs will change the way most churches look at their own security.

"The security of our people is of upmost importance to us," he insists. "But at the same time, the only thing we want members and visitors alike to think about when they walk into the doors of our churches is their time of worshiping God as the church family. But in this day and age, it's critical to have a security plan in place."

Reservations for the December 5th seminar filled so quickly, they opened up another conference for December 12th, and others are in the works as well.

"The seminar that we're offering free of charge to these churches is going to assist them in developing an emergency plan that best suits their resources and their congregation," Buster explains. "Hopefully it will help them to build a culture of awareness with their members as well as their volunteers and really serve as a guide [for] them."

He adds that churches will have to find the balance between security and a spirit of worship. link