8 Tips for Church Safety Planning

A place of worship is meant to be a peaceful place where people can walk through the door feeling welcome, safe, and secure. However, events like the Charleston, SC church shooting in 2015 have shaken church goers and ministry leaders, challenging them to evaluate their level of security at their places of worship.

Countless active shooter incidents since then have reminded us that acts of violence are neither predictable nor rare, and no place — not even religious establishments — are immune to tragedy.

This is why safety planning is vital. With effective safety planning, your place of worship can proactively address safety concerns and be prepared to effectively act in a crisis. Here’s how to get started with your church’s safety plan:

 

Be open with the congregation

If there’s one thing history has taught us when it comes to active shooter situations, it’s that not having a plan can be detrimental. Ministry leaders should inform their congregations of safety precautions that are currently in place and well as safety protocol for emergency situations. Keep in mind, though, plans should be simple and flexible. Emergency situations are unpredictable and chaotic, and those involved must have the flexibility to make decisions based on unique circumstances while still following safety protocol.

Create a safety committee

Identify and train leaders within the congregation who are prepared to respond in emergencies. These safety committee members should be present whenever there is a service or event at your place of worship. Teach them to view their position on the committee as a ministry to the church and the safety of its members, not as a requirement to be combative or threatening.

Develop written policies on who is approved to carry

In South Carolina, licensed carriers are permitted to have a concealed weapon in a religious sanctuary as long as they are given permission by a church official. To avoid any legal complications, provide your safety committee members with written permission if you intend for them to carry.

However, don’t assume that everyone on your safety committee must be armed. Carrying is just one way to address safety at your church or other place of worship.

Include your ministry team

Once you’ve appointed your safety committee, train them alongside your ministry team. There are two main reasons for training your ministry team. First, your church attendees are already accustomed to following the ministry team’s lead. Therefore, in an emergency situation, this will be their instinct. If your ministry team is not trained to effectively respond, then the congregation will flounder when an immediate response matters most.

Another reason for involving your ministry team in safety and first response training is because ministry team members will likely be the first to notice a problem. For example, a pastor or worship leader standing on stage facing the congregation would be the first to see an attacker walk into the back of the sanctuary. Or, someone greeting church goers as they arrive may notice a suspicious person who appears to be concealing a weapon under baggy clothes. In these instances, the right response is vital.

Know the difference between a disturbance and an act of violence

A disturbance is not the same as an act of violence, and they should be treated differently. Disturbances can often be deescalated, while acts of violence require emergency response.

Implement scenario-based training

Your safety and ministry team members need more than a training packet complete with a list of do’s and don’ts. They need scenario-based training that forces them to make decisions in order to strengthen and accelerate their critical thinking skills. Your training should also include instructions on how to effectively communicate with first responders when they arrive at the scene.

Require regular refresher training for safety team members

Just like passing out a pamphlet with safety protocol is ineffective, so is a one-time training workshop. In emergency situations, instinct is what takes over. Therefore, emergency response must be taught frequently and absorbed at a level that makes it an instinctual response for those being trained.

In addition to ongoing training, make a habit of meeting with and briefing your ministry and safety team prior to events.

Keep life-saving medical equipment on hand

Your place of worship should keep Bleeding Control Kits and an AED on hand so that you or someone in your congregation can treat life-threatening injuries until EMS arrives.

If you do not have a Bleeding Control Kit or you need training on how to use one, contact ProActive Response Group at (864) 479-8246. For more information about security training and a threat assessment for your place of worship, click on the banner below.

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Jim Tapscott

Instructor

Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.

Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.

Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.

Jimmy Pregel

Medical Instructor

I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.

Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.

As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.

Chris Taylor

Instructor

Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.

In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.

Tyrie Fowler

Instructor

Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).

Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.

Steven Anderson

Instructor

Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.

In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.

Rob Christian

Instructor, Sales

Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.

When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.

8 Tips for Church Safety Planning

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Founder

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. He has worked undercover in multiple state and federal investigations and in high-pressure environments, including active shooter events and hostage negotiations. Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as assistant team leader and also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD and is a frequent guest commentator for FOX News, Law & Crime Network, and On Patrol Live.

Founder

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

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