What, or Who Are Faith Guards?

And what role do they serve with church security and safety teams?

I suspect many, if not most people frequenting our Faith Guards website are themselves Faith Guards. That is, those of us who choose to devotedly give our time and resources to look out for the well-being and peace of the faithful, primarily during times of worship. We stand guard for our faith. Faith Guards, as the name suggests.

Each of us may volunteer for this heartfelt duty for any number of reasons, but the end goal for us all is the same: to keep the peace and ensure the safety of all. Now in semi-retirement from a career in law enforcement, I choose to dedicate no small amount of time and deliberation toward the safety and enjoyment of all attending services. I saw the need; I saw a lack of anything filling that need, so I filled the gap as I believe I should, knowing I could.

In today’s world, it’s wise, or maybe even necessary, for some to stand up and take on the role of church security. Call them what you will; Faith Guards, Safety Team, Security Team, Safety Ministry, it all amounts to the same and applies to all faiths. And while I may speak about church this, or church that, because that’s what I’m most familiar with, this equally applies to synagogues, mosques, mandirs, temples, and so forth, so please substitute in your mind the place that best describes where you worship.

We live in a time of division. Not just within our borders, but worldwide. A time of strife and opposition, where more than ever we need a way to come together to oppose forces of evil that would harm us, and to look out for each other when the need arises. Each faith faces its own challenges, and in some places, those challenges are literally deadly. After leaving my position in law enforcement, I must admit, the last thing I wanted to do was any form of security, or anything remotely police related. I trained as a cabinet maker, so that’s what I returned to for my time in semi-retirement, reporting to church every Sunday in shorts and a (very) casual shirt. But I saw those headlines both here in America and around the world, and I knew, with my knowledge and experience, that I was called to be there to silently guard for those within our faith.

And speaking of our faiths, they may be totally different, with different denominations within the same faith, but we all have one common interest: to worship in peace and practice our religion among our fellow faithful friends and family. Put all of this together, and this is where the motivation for Faith Guards began.

“It’s about reading the room”

The Birth of a Calling

When I first recognized the gap in preparedness within my place of worship, I felt an undeniable pull; a calling as I said previously, much like I was called from within to policing. I knew from my law enforcement experience, that faith communities, while warm and welcoming, are often unprepared for the unexpected. We live in an era where acts of violence or disruption during services, though rare relatively speaking, are no longer unthinkable. Sadly, we’ve all seen headlines to that effect. And with each one, the realization grows that waiting for someone else to step into the void could be a costly mistake.

But the need for vigilance isn’t always prompted by dramatic threats that make the news. Sometimes; in fact; statistically speaking; most times, it’s the small things, the subtle cues; a distressed individual, an unattended bag, a health emergency, that can escalate quickly if overlooked. This emphasizes that we’re also there to assist the frail or fallen as well as other matters or emergencies that may present at any given time. It’s not just about the worst of times, but helping anyone in need when we can. So, as Faith Guards, we must hone not just our tactical awareness but also our empathy and insight into human behavior, and anticipating the needs of those around us. It’s about reading the room, understanding the ways and flow of people, and knowing when something is amiss. Providing safety and service in and around the sanctuary.

When I considered forming a safety team, it wasn’t just a decision; it was a commitment. A promise to be there, consistently, to face whatever might come with readiness and grace. But as I looked around, it was evident there were few resources available to anyone wanting to take on this role. You can find some good, even great information in some places, but the scope of that information is often narrow or focused primarily on one part of what is a multi-part undertaking in a complex world. It is with that in mind; a balanced and well-rounded approach that addresses all facets of being a Faith Guard, that I created this website.

The Complexities We Face

Speaking of complexities, that’s exactly what we’re facing every day. The age-old foe of criminal behavior, with no small amount of relatively newfangled political protest and even terrorism, combines with environmental matters, and the ever-present issue of human error and personal issues. The challenges are many and our world is changing.

And there’s another layer of complexity; the emotional toll. Standing watch over a place of worship is not just about tactical readiness; it’s about emotional resilience. Witnessing distress, de-escalating conflicts, or being the first on the scene during emergencies can be taxing. Trust me, I know. Faith Guards often carry a weight unseen by others. That’s why support networks within teams and churches are crucial. Regular check-ins, opportunities for debriefing, and even access to mental health resources can be as important as any training.

It’s not just physical threats or criminal actions. We must also think about medical emergencies, mental health crises, familial differences, fires, natural disasters, and even interpersonal disputes. Each scenario demands clear-headed, compassionate action from those entrusted with safety. And let’s not forget that every church, synagogue, temple, mosque, or other place of worship is different from every other one. Even if two identical churches exist side by side, the people inside; their stories, struggles, motivations, expectations, and needs, make them alike outside, but completely different within.

Faith Guards must be adaptable. They must be ready to pivot quickly and calmly, assessing situations that may shift by the second. The reality of this role is a constant balancing act between vigilance and hospitality.

A One-Size-Fits-All Approach? Not Quite.

One size does not fit all. There are roughly 350,000 places of worship inside the United States. A safety team for a small country church where 20 people attend each week will be very different from that utilized by a synagogue with hundreds attending, let alone a so-called mega-church where thousands, even tens of thousands, gather every week. But the core principle remains the same: peace and safety for all involved.

What works for one congregation might not work for another. A bustling urban church with complex logistical needs, complete with traffic and parking considerations, will have vastly different challenges compared to a rural chapel with limited resources. Cultural differences, local customs, and community norms also play a role. The physical layout of a single building or multiple buildings within a larger complex, surrounding traffic and access, and the ability to move both large and small numbers of people quickly, efficiently, and safely must all be considered when planning for safety.

Additionally, small congregations often face unique hurdles, such as limited volunteer pools or constrained budgets. But these communities can still be proactive by establishing simple yet effective safety protocols: basic communication systems, clearly marked exits, designated helpers, and regular drills. Faith Guards in these contexts often wear multiple hats, blending roles of hospitality, first aid, physical assistance, and security.

“Hope isn’t a plan, it’s a fantasy”

A Surge of Interest

Over recent years there has been a surge of interest in becoming a Faith Guard, but the exact role of those undertaking this invaluable endeavor is not clearly defined. Those experienced in security, such as law enforcement officers both active and retired, former military, and folks in positions of authority of one kind or another, are often pulled in or volunteer to organize those who step forward. Sometimes this leads to formal organization and training, but there is no universally recognized procedure to follow.

Generally speaking, we rely on good old common sense and the cooperation of the willing with recognition and acceptance of church leadership. But too often, there’s no real organization at all. At many places of worship, there’s no safety team or Faith Guards at all; maybe trusting in divine goodwill, or in the law of averages. You know, as in, “It won’t/can’t happen here.” Which works perfectly, until it does happen, whatever that may be.

The reality is, it takes more than crossed fingers to stack the odds in your favor. Hope isn’t a plan, it’s a fantasy. If we truly believe in the value of our faith communities, we must be proactive. That said, preparation isn’t about living in fear; it’s about living responsibly.

“…this is not just a responsibility, it’s a calling”

Risk and Reward

What if we decide that, ‘probably won’t happen’ is good enough? If your church has not had any major incidents in the past, true, it may not have any in the future. But can you say that with certainty? Better yet, can you guarantee it? After all, who wants to see uniformed security guards in church? That’s not the atmosphere we’re trying to promote! You want a house of worship, not a security convention.

These notions present strong emotions and opinions both for and against, but they can be addressed without a strong and obvious uniformed presence, and also with, depending on what is needed at your church. Each and every place of worship can provide adequate protection as they best see fit. Larger churches may need some form of a uniformed presence, not necessarily full-fledged police officers, but smaller ones may not. But again, either of them can decide to go with whatever approach best suits them.

The rules are what you make them, what they need to be, making your Faith Guards as open for all to see as you wish, or concealed, or both. Similarly, the degree to which one is equipped or armed is also open to discussion. Nothing should be locked in, or out. The call is yours. The real risk is doing nothing, trusting to fate. Take this opportunity to better serve your flock, as your flock and leadership best see fit.

And remember, this is not just a responsibility, it’s a calling. The work of Faith Guards is more than a task; it’s a commitment to safeguarding peace, to standing up when others might hesitate, and to showing leadership in times of uncertainty.

A Call to Share and Learn

So here within the Faith Guards website, we gather to consider our options, to share our experiences, to learn, teach, tell, and clarify as we answer the questions eternal: who, what, where, why, when, and how. By pooling our efforts and working together, regardless of belief, we can strengthen our position and better watch over the flock as we passionately go about our chosen role as Faith Guards.

We aim to build bridges across denominations and faiths, recognizing that the desire for peace and safety transcends boundaries. Through collaboration, we can develop comprehensive, adaptable solutions that benefit everyone.

Via this website, we will reach out and ask input from those already undertaking this role, those who are just getting onboard, and those who are still pondering what, when, and how to do it all. Collectively, we have an enormous amount of wisdom and experience we can share with each other. This highlights one of the core principles of Faith Guards; that no matter the faith or denomination, we can share our collective knowledge, expertise, and experiences with each other, and help fellow believers.

Nothing we do is perfect. No one doing what we do is perfect; but we can make it better, make it safer, recognize issues before they overcome us, and provide the best we can so that the flock can worship in peace.

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A Closing Call to Action

Now, I invite you, whether you’re already a part of a safety team, just starting to explore the idea, or even if you’re simply curious, to take an active role in this growing and vital conversation.

Share your stories. Have you experienced a situation where your preparedness made a difference? Did you face a challenge that taught you a valuable lesson? Your insight could be the missing puzzle piece someone else needs to protect their community. Every situation has its unique qualities, both good and bad, and later understanding what should or should not have been done can be invaluable insights to pass on.

Ask questions. Maybe you’re unsure about how to start a team, or you’re wondering about best practices for your specific place of worship. No question is too small, and every question opens a door to learning. And in the immediate future, we will address the steps to forming your team.

Offer your advice. Those of you who have been doing this for years, your experience is priceless. Share the tips, strategies, and solutions that have worked for you, as well as what didn’t, and what you wish you had done, or hadn’t!

Connect with each other. Find encouragement, camaraderie, and shared purpose here at Faith Guards. Together, we can strengthen our faith communities and honor our calling to watch over the flock.

Let’s make this website not just a resource but a living, breathing community of Faith Guards. Let’s build a network of support, information, and inspiration that reaches far beyond the walls of any one building, crossing faiths, denominations, and borders. Join us. Together, we can make worship safer, more peaceful, and more steadfastly protected. As Faith Guards, we stand watch; stand together.