Does your church have armed security on site?

[erinlough]

Some Guy on MS NBC said his church has armed guard standing in the back and only one door open during the service. I don’t go to church so I’m curious how many churches have that kind of security.

[LisaM]

1. Not that I am aware of.

I would not go to a church with only one door and an armed guard, though.

[JDC]

2. Nope

[BigmanPigman]

3. I think most people think that God will protect them.

[RKP5637]

10. That worked out well. n/t

[BigmanPigman]

15. Maybe at the next service they should take up a collection

and use the money for bullet proof vests.

[Hoyt]

5. Seldom go to church, not very religious. But I do understand/support community aspect of churches.

But, I would not attend a church that had to have security or thought it is OK for the congregation to come armed.

That just seems to detract from the whole reason to attend.

[Journeyman]

6. The synagogue around the corner from me has guards outside during services . . .

I spoke with one a few weeks ago, asked if he was there to protect the cars or against some more nefarious fear. Unfortunately, they weren't there just for parking control. No idea if they're armed. They weren't openly carrying. But they definitely had a look of hard men who could produce weapons with a moment's notice.

Sad state of affairs, here in the land of my birth.

[unc70]

7. None that I know have such security

I do not personally know any churches with armed security. We tend to be pacifists.

[NutmegYankee]

8. Few churches have guards.

It's very uncommon.

[LeftInTX]

9. Large churches tend to hire security for traffic control...

I assume the same security probably stays for the service.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

11. Do Nuns count?

[Brother Buzz]

13. Armed with rulers?

Be very afraid!

[demtenjeep]

12. ours does

off duty city police

plus other half carries-has ccw

[randr]

14. One of our local churches is full of gun nuts

I know them. The Trump crowd around here gather once a week to pretend they are Christians and then head to the local range for a weekly shoot.

[Lee-Lee]

16. Its actually very common but unseen to most church members

I have helped many churches set up plans and systems like this.

It is typically a few members that have law enforcement and/or military experience who form a security committee. Always invitation only and usually not spoken of outside the group.

They will work out plans for who sit where, and the ministers will have a prearranged sign or signals they can give from the pulpit if they see someone out of place walking in so they can make the others aware.

Around here the local sheriffs offices and police departments even run special seminars on it for the clergy, keeping them up to date on threats and advising on security measures and plans.

If you attend a church of any size the odds are your church has some sort of security committee/team in place and at work, but that you are just not aware of it. I would advise any church that doesn’t to at least consider the idea and come up with a plan consistent with the values of the congregation and the skill sets of the members who would be willing and able to participate.

[underpants]

17. Very interesting. We got to a pretty big church but only on Easter

Mostly so the grandparents can show off their one and only grandchild (my daughter).
I'd wondered about that and have found myself taking a look over my shoulder from time to time.

We just saw the new Thor movie. There's a scene with earth weapons (M16's) and I found myself checking the exits by the screen when it started. BTW I'm waiting for a week or so before seeing the new Star Wars movie. Sad that I have to consider this in my family's life.

[zeusdogmom]

18. No security guards

But our ushers go thru a special "awareness training" every year. One usher is usually outside the sanctuary in the gathering area just to monitor comings and going.

The training is not intense - God forbid someone walks in with a gun intent on killing there is nary a chance to call 911. There is some discussion on looking for unusual behaviors.

For the most part it is how to give instructions when calling the ambulance or fire dept. - which parking lot to use, which door to use, etc. And yes the emergency vehicles have been called. Twice one Christmas eve - someone went down during each candle light service. And just a couple of weeks ago during the 11:00 service.

I can't imagine the horror of being in a mass shooting situation. Simply cannot imagine it.

[shenmue]

19. Not mine

http://stgeorgetampabay.org