Church Security

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Nehemiah: Rebuilding The Walls

Church Security Course

Churches, Synagogues and Temples were once places people could go to worship without concern for their safety. We live in an increasingly violent world in which we too often hear about mass shootings by deranged or disturbed people. Unfortunately, faith-based organizations are frequently the targets chosen by mass-shooters. Additionally, a church can be held liable for certain acts.

Research indicates there are variables which increase the risk of violence:

  • 2-12% for those who have some type of psychiatric condition
  • 19% for those using marijuana
  • 25% for those using alcohol
  • 35% for those using other drugs
  • A combination of two or more of these doubles the risk of violence

When combined with the general rise in spiritual chaos, confusion and warfare, it is practical to acknowledge that many churches and synagogues are like hospitals;  sick people come looking for help. Is your organization prepared to deal with the risk some of these people may present if they act out violently?

Assault Prevention has been working with faith-based organizations for well over a decade; long before church shootings and security were a media sensation. A quick Internet search reveals church security programs springing up with increasing frequency. Although we are pleased this type of training is gaining recognition, we are concerned about the validity of some of these programs, as well as the credentials and experience behind these programs. Building a church security program with excellence extends well beyond self defense techniques or using a handgun. In our FAQ you will find an extensive list of clients with solutions provided by Assault Prevention.

Additionally, our frequent interaction with Pastors, Church Administrators and International Ministry Leaders indicate that budgets are tight. As such, we have developed this hybrid online learning experience to make this both affordable and accessible to faith-based organizations.

Assault Prevention Note: The reason we designed this hybrid online learning experience was to make it available to as many faith-based organizations as possible at an affordable price. Faith-based organizations consistently report this course is extremely valuable. Our objective is to provide you with sufficient information to continue training long after your involvement with us. We provide continuing educational support for 2 years.

The Curriculum

Lesson 1: Security Organization & Selection

This lesson will walk you through the organizational and administrative issues involved with creating and initiating a church security function, including how to select your team members; whether paid or volunteer. 

Lesson 2: Introduction

This lesson covers the statisical issues that are revealed through research in regards to violent crime and, specifically, church violence. If you know what is likely to occur, you also know what to prepare for.

Lesson 3: Identifying Vulnerabilities

Security and protection resources are usually limited by the number of people on your team. In this lesson you will learn, through a proprietary formula, how to identify the assets that are critical to the organization, how to identify primary threats and vulnerabilities, and how identify the probable adversary and targets of attack.

Lesson 4: The Legal Case

This lesson will walk you through, step by step, the legal implications and legal foundation for establishing a security presence in your faith-based organization. It will establish the legal right of self defense with civilians. We provide an appropriate use of force model under-girded by law in which civilians can operate comfortably. Your state statutes regarding self defense, use of force and security are covered in this section.   

Lesson 5: Assessing and Managing Violent Behavior

This lesson comes directly from the research of criminal psychology and forensic science. It focuses on violence categories & behavior, brain disorders & mental illness, how to predict violence, body language, characteristics of an armed person and what to do about the potentially violent person. At the end of this session, you will have a greater understanding of violent people and their behavior, how to recognize the warning signs and how to effectively interact in a manner that reduces the risk of violence.  

Practical Self-Defense: 2 disc DVD

With this manual, you will receive 2 DVD discs, which clearly demonstrate emergency physical control techniques for dealing with the violent individual. Not all self defense techniques are effective in real-life. There are 20 video lessons which focus on the most critical control techniques, which include proper positioning, verbal control & de-escalation, open-hand weaponless control techniques, pepper spray and disarming guns-knives-blunt objects. These techniques are rooted in a solid legal framework and are effective in real-life violence. The criterion we use for each technique we present is as follows:

  1. Is the technique legal in the context of use of force lawsuits and case law?
  2. Is the technique a gross motor skill, or as reasonably close as possible? 
  3. Will the technique work in real-life violence under high stress?
  4. Is the technique effective with this type of Adversary?
  5. Can the average person become proficient with the technique in a short period of time without dedicating years of practice to it?
  6. Can we practice the technique and use it in role playing situations without endangering life?

Lesson 6: High Stress Performance & Genetic Heritage as it Relates to Self Defense

There is an automatic reaction between the brain and body under high stress. This is what a security team member would experience when dealing with a violent individual. This issue needs to be addressed. Left unchecked, people will either under-react or over-react to high stress. This section covers the physiology of high stress and the appropriate response to it.  

Lesson 7: Assassins, Attackers, and Near-Lethal Approachers and Mass Shooters

The people who commit violent acts have certain behavioral characteristics that are well documented through research from the FBI, Homeland Security, the Secret Service, the National Institute of Justice, the Department of Justice and other great international sources. We have combed through all of the available data on your behalf. This lesson will teach your team members what to look for.

Lesson 8: Terrorism

Although not yet a high priority in the United States, there are radical groups that have openly professed their determination to disrupt the lives of people of faith. This section will educate your team members regarding how these groups operate and proactive steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of terrorist acts on your property.

Bonus DVD: Church Security Principles

Filmed in a church, this DVD will walk you through: Asset Survey & General Principles of Protection, Site Advance, Protective Intelligence, Surveillance, Command Post Operations & Emergencies and Post Operations.

What you receive with the Nehemiah Church Security Course

  • A 130 page PDF Church Security Course Manual.
  • Online videos reinforcing the Lesson plans.
  • 20 videos on our 2 disc DVD set.
  • A bonus DVD covering additional specific church security principles.
  • Two years of free educational support.
  • The Runt mini stun gun.

 Cost: $595.00


Assault Prevention Note: Each organization that orders this course is licensed to use it freely within their organization. This course may be facilitated in a group setting or selected personnel may take it individually. If you choose a group setting, we recommend your facilitator/presenter be someone who has some minimal experience in safety or security. The materials are not complex. The Curriculum is self-explanatory with sections clearly defined, key principles highlighted and discussion issues at the end of each section. The physical techniques are gross motor skills that are not gender, age or athletic ability specific. Assault Prevention has taught these techniques for years to all ages and levels of physical skill. Additionally, these techniques are well retained with minimal practice. The DVDs are a great resource and may be utilized as part of the presentation, or as a tutorial for the facilitator in preparation for a group setting. 

Your paid delivery of the Church Security Course as a PDF from Assault Prevention LLC grants you a non-transferable license to retain an electronic copy of the PDF file for reading and to print as many copies as are needed for use within your organization. You may not create copies of the Church Security Course or excerpts thereof, whether electronic or printed on paper, for sale or distribution. The author has done his best to provide accurate and up-to-date information in this document, but cannot guarantee that the information is correct or will fit your particular situation. Upon receipt of payment, you will receive via email, the Church Security Course. Check your “spam” or “bulk” folder if you don’t receive the document within 48 hours of your transaction with your credit card or PayPal account. By purchasing this course you are agreeing to these terms. You are also agreeing by purchasing this course that you are of legal age in the state you reside to possess an electronic incapacitation device.

Assault Prevention Recommendation: we recommend your organization make copies of the manual for each team member. When each member has completed Lesson 1, meet as a group for practice, discussion or action points regarding that lesson plan; then move on to the next lesson. 

Real World Application

Our training provides real-world application in several ways.

  • Part of the curriculum takes you through our proprietary method of identifying real risk. This formula is one that can be applied for years to come. This is important because few companies provide such a tool. They would rather have you coming back to them every time your circumstances change. Our method of identifying risk is one you will be able to apply to changing environments and circumstances.
  • The emergency physical techniques that we teach are based on principles that are far different from most self-defense programs or martial arts. They are practical and based in real-world application. The founders, assessors and instructors involved with Assault Prevention have significant experience with violence in the real world. We know what works and what is ineffective. Not every use of force option is something that is applicable to a church or crowded sanctuary. Additionally, we have significant experience providing these services to churches and synagogues.  
  • Most people who might serve in this capacity within a church are able to master the techniques we teach. There is no requirement for those who attend to have former martial arts or self defense experience.

Benefits of Training

  • A Safer Environment for Worship.
  • Reduced Liability.
  • Opportunity for a New Ministry.
  • Spiritual, Personal & Professional Growth for those who participate. 
  • Real World Application beyond the walls of the church.
  • Ability to carry-on training without external assistance.
  • A Documented Master Emergency Plan.
  • Professional, Certified Training.

Refund & Return Policy: there are no refunds or returns on courses.