Minneapolis, Minnesota – In an era plagued by rising violent attacks in places of worship across the country, churchgoers are taking matters into their own hands. The surge in violent incidents has prompted a growing number of parishioners to arm themselves and enroll in specialized ‘warrior training’ programs before attending weekly services.
One such company leading the charge is Sheepdog Church Security, founded by Kris Moloney in 2014. Initially created to train volunteer safety teams to protect houses of worship, the company has seen a significant increase in demand for its services over the past decade. Moloney, with a background in the military and law enforcement, emphasizes the need for a balance between safety and maintaining an open, welcoming atmosphere in churches.
The program offered by Sheepdog Church Security provides manual on safety drills tailored for churches and helps establish ‘safety ministries’ comprising armed and unarmed volunteers prepared to handle emergencies like medical crises or active shooter situations. With the number of church attacks on the rise, Moloney’s training has become increasingly sought after, with a focus on practical scenarios and hands-on training.
As churches nationwide grapple with the potential threats they face, pastors and congregants are also taking steps to enhance security measures within their congregations. From active shooter training sessions for church pastors in Tennessee to security conferences organized by leaders at Clays Mill Baptist Church in Kentucky, the push for better security in places of worship is gaining momentum.
In Idaho, a state that has witnessed a noticeable increase in security teams within churches, the presence of formalized security teams offers churches the opportunity to professionalize and effectively train volunteers. While the idea of security teams in congregations may be met with resistance by some, experts like Moloney advise starting with non-controversial safety measures before addressing more serious threats like violent shooters.
The shifting attitude towards churches and the decline in public respect for religious authority have contributed to a changing landscape in church security. With acts of hostility against churches doubling and violent attacks tripling over recent years, the need for robust security measures has become more apparent than ever. From arming guards to training congregants, churches are exploring various avenues to ensure the safety of their members while maintaining the sanctity of worship spaces.