This course combines our S.A.F.E. Approach and our training on behavior pattern recognition.

S.A.F.E. Approach to church security
Our culture is awash in violence and churches don’t get an exemption.

Attacks can be motivated by hostility to faith, but most of the time churches are caught in the crossfire of a domestic dispute, a relational conflict or mental illness. Regardless of the motivation, the risk is the same. Since Christian leaders are charged to care for their flocks, these realities cannot be ignored.

Are your church staff, ushers, greeters, lay leaders and security team prepared to effectively handle an encounter that includes anger, rage or assault? Unfortunately, most places of worship must answer “no.” But change is possible. It’s time to get S.A.F.E.

In this course, we focus on:

• Safety
• Attitude
• Focus
• Empathy

The S.A.F.E. Approach helps churches
effectively respond to threats in a manner that maintains dignity and respect for all using biblical principles. The chief goal is to deescalate a hostile situation so that violence never occurs.

However, no matter how skilled your approach, some physical attacks cannot be prevented. Because of this, the S.A.F.E. Approach provides instruction for staff and volunteers on how to respond to a physical attack.

Level 1
Recommended for all church staff
Two hours of classroom instruction covering

Topics including:

• Interpersonal communication
• Safety awareness
• Recognizing and diffusing conflict and aggression

Level 2
Classroom instruction recommended for staff who regularly interact with the public and people under duress

Two additional hours of training focus on a series of physical skills designed to help you protect yourself when attacked. You’ll learn how to break free from choke holds, hostile grips, “bear hugs” and other types of assault.

Level 3
Classroom instruction recommended for staff and volunteers who may be called upon to protect themselves or others if physical conflict occurs

Four additional hours of training focus on learning team skills that stabilize a person who is intent on hurting himself or others.

Behavior Pattern Recognition for Church Personnel
When hundreds of people come together, conflict is inevitable. The church is no exception. Domestic violence, addictions and mental illness can spill over into your worship environment, causing disruptions both major and minor.

By learning to observe behavioral cues, body language and facial expressions, you can minimize disruptions and even acts of violence. In addition, this training helps us to fulfill our mandate to care for the flock, protecting our congregation and ministering to those who are in distress. This is an advanced course that trains staff and volunteers to spot suspicious behavior before it erupts.

Topics include:

• Education on the science of human behavior and how to see patterns.
• Effective responses to de-escalate potentially violent situations.
• Hands-on activities to learn and practice these skills.
• The biblical foundation for protecting the flock.
• History, demographics and trends for violent events in churches.
• Attackers’ motivations and mindsets.
• Behavior pattern recognition vs. behavioral profiling.
• How conflicts turn violent.
• The disconnect between what we perceive and reality.
• Developing and improving your situational awareness (without becoming paranoid).

You will:

• Learn to spot and respond to potential security issues before they erupt.
• Learn to respond calmly and effectively despite our natural instinct to react with panic.
• Learn how to de-escalate situations that involve high emotions, conflict and threats.
• Develop a “camera friendly” coordinated response to potential issues.

Who should attend?
Pastors, church administrators, facility managers, security directors and team members, children’s ministry staff, church staff, elders and key lay leaders