Church Security Talk

Are you confident your church is as safe as it could be? In this episode, we explore the top five security trends affecting churches in 2026. From the importance of safety film on windows to proper door numbering and emergency plan orientation, we cover practical steps you can take to protect your congregation and vulnerable areas. What You Will Learn: Why safety film isn’t a bulletproof solution and where to install it for maximum effect. The critical role of front desk training in identifying threats, de-escalating situations, and protecting your church perimeter. How reducing open entrances and numbering doors can save valuable seconds during emergencies. Why your emergency evacuation plans must face the right direction to be effective during high-stress situations. Join our church security video vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of training content, you can learn more here.

What if your school or church had a 90-second head start before tragedy struck? In this episode, we sit down with Sam from ZeroEyes, a company born out of a passion to stop gun violence before it happens. From its humble beginnings in a basement to preventing real-life gun violence threats across schools, churches, and public spaces, ZeroEyes is leading the way in proactive security technology. You’ll hear how their software integrates with existing cameras to detect weapons in real time, and why giving people even a few seconds of warning can save lives. What You Will Learn: How ZeroEyes detects weapons in real time using existing security cameras. Why a few extra seconds of warning can mean the difference between life and tragedy. The importance of creating safe learning environments without militarizing schools. Join our church security video training vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of training content, you can learn more here. 

Carrying a firearm comes with responsibility, but are you truly protected if the worst happens? In this episode, Simon breaks down the critical differences between firearm insurance and legal defense memberships, comparing leading providers head-to-head. He shares why he chose Right to Bear, a faith-based organization, and highlights the key protections every gun owner and every church safety team should consider. With personal stories from his time in law enforcement, Simon makes a compelling case for preparing before you ever need to use force. What You Will Learn: Why legal defense memberships (not insurance) are essential for responsible firearm carriers. The unique benefits Right to Bear offers, including 24/7 attorney hotlines, unlimited defense coverage, family protection, and psychological support. Real-world lessons from Simon’s career in law enforcement that reveal the emotional, legal, and financial stakes of using force. Get your defense membership here: https://protectwithbear.com/pages/kingswood

Another tragic shooting has struck my hometown of Minneapolis. On the first week of school at Annunciation Catholic School (K–8), an armed gunman opened fire during morning Mass, killing two children ages 8 and 10 and injuring 17 others. I’ll share what we know and, more importantly, what steps we should all be taking. What You Will Learn: Why patterns from past mass shootings (like Columbine and Virginia Tech) still shape the tactics of attackers today. How faith organizations and schools can recognize vulnerabilities and strengthen their security posture. The critical importance of finding “middle ground” between different perspectives on firearms — with the shared goal of protecting children and communities. Join our church security video training vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of training content, you can learn more here. 

What if you could access world-class church safety and security training without ever leaving your home? In this episode, Simon shares the journey of creating the Securing Your Place of Worship Conference, from its humble beginnings to becoming a fully online training event that reaches leaders across 28 states. You’ll hear what makes this year’s 10th annual conference unique, who the expert speakers are, and why accessibility and affordability are at the heart of this mission. What You Will Learn: Why online training is breaking barriers for churches and volunteers nationwide. A preview of the expert-led sessions, including legal trends, crisis communications, medical response planning, and risk management. How your church can benefit from networking, live Q&A, and extended video access through VIP membership. Join our church security video training vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of training content, you can learn more here.   

Too many churches prepare for the wrong threats, and miss the risks right at their doorstep. In this episode, we talk with Cristin Kinman from Allegion about shifting the church security conversation from fear-based scenarios to preparedness that truly saves lives. You’ll learn why ranking risks accurately matters, how to tackle security one small step at a time, and the overlooked threats most congregations face. Whether it’s property crime, severe weather, or child safety, you’ll get practical, low-cost strategies to protect your house of worship. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How to rank your risks so you prepare for the most likely, not just the most frightening threats. The four pillars of effective security: policies, procedures, training, and compliance. Why small, consistent actions (like securing doors or controlling keys) create a strong security foundation. Join our church security video training vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of training content, you can learn more here. 

Could your church stop a gunman if he walked through the doors today? It happened again, this time in Kentucky. Just 24 hours after a tragic church shooting, we break down the chain of events, the signs that were missed, and the hard truths about church security. Simon walks you through the timeline, key warning signs, and most importantly, what your church can do right now to protect your community. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How domestic violence can spill into sacred spaces, and why you must be ready. Why every second counts in an active threat scenario, and how to build a safety team that responds fast. What church leaders need to know about locking down facilities, identifying risks, and protecting their flock before law enforcement arrives. Join our church security video training vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of training content, you can learn more here.   

What would you do if you had to defend your congregation with force? Join Right to Bear In this eye-opening episode, Simon sits down with the leadership team from Right to Bear, a faith-based legal defense membership for responsible firearm holders. Together, they explore real-life cases, legal misconceptions, and the emotional and financial tolls of self-defense scenarios, especially for church safety teams. If you carry, are on a church team, or want to prepare wisely, this is a must-listen. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why “membership” is not the same as insurance, and why that distinction matters in a legal crisis. What happens after you use force, including real stories of church protectors facing charges despite clear self-defense. How Right to Bear provides 24/7 attorney access, expert witnesses, firearm replacement, and emotional support, all for under $200/year.  Join Right to Bear  

What happens when a politically motivated attacker leaves behind more than just devastation—he leaves behind a roadmap? In this episode, we unpack the unclassified Homeland Security report following the deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. You'll hear a step-by-step analysis of the attack, what clues were missed, and how political violence is evolving. Learn how this incident—and others like it—highlight growing trends and security gaps in high-risk environments. What You Will Learn in This Episode The New Trend in Targeted Violence: Why more attackers are surviving their acts to make political statements—and what that means for threat detection. The Power of Pre-Incident Clues: How manifestos, online posts, and behavioral changes often leave a trail of “leakage” before violence erupts. Security Blind Spots: Why "no known threats" doesn’t always mean “no real danger”—especially in high-risk locations or politically charged events. Join the “Netflix of Church Safety” for just $9/month! Access over 100 videos and 80 hours of expert church security training to strengthen your preparedness. Learn more HERE

Imagine a school bus crashing into your church’s children's play area—no warning, no time to react. Would your church be ready? In this episode, we unpack a real incident where a school bus veered into a church playground in Minnesota. Learn why most vehicle crashes at churches are caused by everyday mistakes—not malicious intent—and discover the practical steps your ministry can take today to reduce risk and protect lives. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why 69% of vehicle crashes into churches are due to pedal error, loss of control, or medical emergencies. The importance of installing physical barriers and redesigning parking lot layouts to protect high-risk areas. How training staff and volunteers in situational awareness can save lives in seconds. Join the “Netflix of Church Safety” for just $9/month! Access over 100 videos and 80 hours of expert church security training to strengthen your preparedness. Learn more HERE