S = See
If you’re asking, “Where do I start?” about beginning a safety ministry, a security team, becoming a Faith Guard, you’ve already taken the first step. One down, several to go, but fret not as any worthwhile journey begins with that first step. After all, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. For all elephant enthusiasts, please don’t take that slightly odd saying literally, but I digress. If you see a need, even if there is not an apparent problem front and center, you understand what lurks around the corner, so admirably, you are willing to take action. In other words, this is the most important step of all; making the decision to act. Nothing happens without this first step.
Where you worship there may already be a team or a few people performing these duties. If so, offer to help. If not, step forward and see if others want to work with you. Hopefully, for those who have already organized, they have formalized their duties with the church. If not, it’s important to understand the need to assign basic duties, form rules, and work within guidelines so everyone is on the same page and in compliance. Compliance? In my introductory article, “What, or Who Are Faith Guards?”, I mentioned a lack of widely recognized universal standards, so what exactly should you be complying with? Simply put, cooperation between the Faith Guards, the church, local laws, and your faith.
To be as complete as possible in our approach to this, I will start as if there is no safety or security team. At least, not a formal one. I will approach this as if starting from scratch. If there is already a team, or there are people already acting as Faith Guards, even without any official organization of their services, then simply pick up somewhere along the process where it applies to your situation. If you’re joining a well-practiced and long-established team, all the better, because if you’re new to this, reading through the following series will give you a much better understanding of what’s involved.
With approximately 350,000 places of worship across the country, the variables are too many to list here. Some will practice their faith at a small country church, many at a medium sized one in the burbs, and some at so-called mega-churches in the city. Some meet in open air, or at rented or borrowed locations. A few meet on boats, and by choice or necessity, others gather in homes. There are those who practice with live venomous snakes. Then there are ‘running’ churches, the ‘laying-on’ of coffins, sun dancing, Jazz funerals, and many more practices and traditions that are too numerous to list. What I’m getting at here, is that despite my trying to present a clear list of what needs to be done, addressed, and brought together to help build a safety team or ministry, I cannot possibly produce an all-inclusive guide and set of instructions that apply to everyone. You will have to adapt what is here to your particular set of circumstances, and possibly add more of your own to cover your needs.
To start with, we’ll break it down using the simple and appropriate acronym of “S.A.F.E.T.Y.”, which is what we’re all looking for. In this article, we’ll concentrate on the “S”, for “SEE”, as in, to SEE the need and decide to act.
S – See
The vaunted Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition of, ‘see’, in part: To perceive by the eye; to be aware of; to imagine as a possibility; to perceive the meaning or importance of.
That certainly summed up a lot of what I felt and experienced when I started down this road of church safety. For many of us, the moment we fully understand the need for Faith Guards, it’s an awakening. For others, it may be a process, but the end result is the same: that internal call to action means we comprehend the risks, vulnerabilities, and realization of what could be, and what we must do. And do we must, for to do nothing is to potentially miss what is a sacred call; hesitation that will weigh on our conscience until we act, and a potential risk to all if we do nothing before the need arises.
Who’s watching them?
But “seeing” is more than just recognizing the need. It also involves clarity, vision, and foresight. To truly see is to anticipate, to mentally walk through a regular day of worship and ask yourself, “What could go wrong here?” Not to invite fear, but to acknowledge reality. To look at the entry doors and wonder, “Who’s watching them?” To hear a fire alarm in your imagination and ask, “Would everyone know what to do?” To watch children playing and ask, “Is someone watching over them?” Seeing is stepping into a new level of awareness that doesn’t take the sacred environment of worship for granted.
Some people mistakenly assume that safety is only about reacting to a gunman or major threat, but it’s not. It’s about culture. It’s about readiness. It’s about mindset. And mindset begins with vision. When you see things through the lens of stewardship and responsibility, everything changes. The trash left in the aisle becomes a trip hazard, not a chore. The stranger loitering near the exit becomes a person worth watching, not ignoring. The quiet tension between two attendees becomes a concern worth gently monitoring, not dismissing.
Seeing also means watching with compassion, not suspicion. I was, but I am not now, nor are we law enforcement. We have no special powers or considerations, no qualified immunity; we are but people. We are guardians, protectors of peace, stewards of calm. We are there not to confront or control, but to support and safeguard. And those who serve must do so with humility and discretion, never ego. This is a calling, not a conquest.
Your conscience may call you to act because of something you saw on the news. Maybe a church shooting, a sadly startling event that thoroughly shocks the senses. High-profile incidents like this are enough to awaken anyone, and they are probably the highest-profile tragedy we fear, but for many, they are sufficiently rare within the confines of the United States to warrant an, “It’ll never happen here,” mentality. And, statistically speaking, they may be right, for the most part.
Just a Tiny Chance
Estimates vary, but it’s safe to say there are about 350,000 places of worship inside the United States. That encompasses all faiths and denominations. So, let’s return to shootings, meaning all shooting incidents and not just the much rarer fatalities from shootings, and we can estimate, admittedly a little on the high side, an average of two shooting incidents per week country-wide. Two per week out of 350,000, on a random basis, translates to a 1 in 175,000 chance. In terms of a percentage, that’s roughly 0.0006%. Tiny. Insignificant, almost. Using the most recent available statistics…
Year Shooting Incidents at U.S. Places of Worship Source
2020 103 Gun Violence Archive
2021 98 Gun Violence Archive
2022 109 Gun Violence Archive
2023 105 Faith Based Security Network
Sources: Gun Violence Archive (gunviolencearchive.org); Faith Based Security Network Reports.
So, chances are only 1 in 175,000, or 0.0006%? Not much to worry about there, so that means we really are pretty safe to take our chances then… yes? Again, statistically speaking, and I stress, purely on this single issue, maybe so, but let’s put this into perspective. Again, just this single issue: church shootings.
In 2026, at the time of writing this, the chance of winning the average U.S. state lottery is just under 1 in 14,000,000. The chances of winning the *Mega Millions* or *Powerball* national lotteries are about 1 in 290,000,000+, but still, so many of us buy those tickets with the hope we win. We understand the tiny chance, but what if, and for a few moments, we dream of what might be. If you lowered those lottery odds to 1 in 175,000, and told everyone about that, you could safely expect a massive surge in ticket sales by the hopeful with dreams aplenty. This demonstrates how we are sometimes willing to invest in a tiny chance and dream that it can happen but dismiss a far larger but admittedly still tiny chance that something might happen. A church shooting, on a purely random and statistical basis, is about 80–100 times more likely than winning the average state lottery and 1,657 times as likely as a national lottery grand prize. When numbers and chances are so small, we tend to manipulate our hopes and fears to suit, but there’s so much more to it than this.
A Virtual Certainty
As you ponder that unlikely worst-case scenario, maybe even take a little comfort in those tiny percentages, consider what is likely. Indeed, what will probably happen. For example, someone falls or trips over and hurts their knee. Or maybe there is an incident of loss or theft. These are simple, everyday occurrences which we’re all familiar with. These simple matters are also concerns for Faith Guards, because looking out for the safety of those in church is for almost any reason, to include both intentional and unintentional, as well as accidents and incidents involving both people and property.
Now, all of a sudden, we have gone from 1 in 175,000 to a virtual certainty. That’s not hyperbole; that’s life. And we haven’t even mentioned the chances of weather-related events, fire, and internal matters. Internal matters? Absolutely, like embezzlement, molestation, or abuse. Sadly, those last three horrendous betrayals are often reported within places of worship.
The Broader Scope of Seeing
Seeing the need for Faith Guards extends beyond physical safety to emotional and spiritual security. A place of worship is a sanctuary, a refuge where people seek solace, community, and connection with the divine. Any disruption, whether a physical threat, a medical emergency, or an internal betrayal, can shatter that sense of peace. Faith Guards are tasked with preserving this sacred environment, ensuring it remains a haven for all who enter.
A Faith Guard’s warm greeting
Consider the elderly congregant who struggles with mobility. A Faith Guard notices the uneven pavement outside the entrance, or that mat in the doorway with the curled corner that often catches underfoot, and they ensure they are addressed before causing a fall. Or think of the new visitor, visibly nervous and unsure where to go. A Faith Guard’s warm greeting and subtle guidance can ease their anxiety, fostering a sense of belonging. These acts, though small, are profound in their impact, embodying the principle of serving with grace and humility.
Medical emergencies, often overlooked, are another critical area. A congregant might suffer; heaven forbid; a medical emergency during a service, or a child could have an allergic reaction. Faith Guards trained in CPR, AED use, or basic first aid can make the difference between life and death until the arrival of an EMT. Establishing protocols for medical response; knowing where the nearest AED is, ensuring clear access for paramedics, or designating a team member to call 911 all enhances preparedness. These measures reflect the foresight that defines the “SEE” principle.
Addressing Resistance
Some may question the need for Faith Guards, citing their trust in divine protection. This perspective, while rooted in faith, overlooks the biblical call to stewardship. Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Just as we plan meals, secure our homes, and guide our children, we take practical steps to live responsibly. Faith Guards extend this prudence to our places of worship, acting as shepherds who watch over the flock.
Faith Guards operate with discretion
Others may fear that safety measures create an atmosphere of mistrust. This concern sounds potentially valid but is misplaced. Faith Guards operate with discretion, blending into the congregation, not standing out as enforcers. Their presence is a quiet reassurance, not a source of tension. By engaging the community, sharing safety plans, encouraging vigilance, and fostering open communication, Faith Guards build trust, not suspicion.
The Role of Community
Seeing the need also means recognizing the power of community. Faith Guards don’t work alone; they collaborate with clergy, staff, and congregants. A single pair of eyes can’t catch everything, but a community that’s alert and informed becomes an extension of the safety team. Encourage congregants to report unusual behavior, not out of paranoia, but as an act of care. Train ushers to spot potential hazards, from a blocked exit to a distressed individual. Involve youth leaders in ensuring children’s safety during activities. This collective effort aligns with the Faith Guards motto: “Stand watch; stand together.”
Learning from Others
The absence of universal standards, as noted earlier, is both a challenge and an opportunity. Without rigid protocols, Faith Guards can learn from diverse experiences across faiths. A synagogue’s approach to securing large holiday gatherings might inspire a church’s festival preparations. A mosque’s community outreach to address local tensions could guide a temple’s response to vandalism. By sharing stories and strategies, Faith Guards bridge divides, embodying the principle of serving all faiths. Platforms like Faith Guards facilitate this exchange, creating a repository of wisdom that strengthens every community.
A Continuous Journey
Recognizing the need is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous journey. Each service, each season, each interaction brings new insights. A Faith Guard might notice a recurring parking lot issue or a gap in emergency communication. These observations fuel ongoing improvements, ensuring the safety ministry evolves with the community’s needs. This continual process reinforces the idea that seeing is active, not passive; a commitment to vigilance and growth.
As a former police officer, I’ve witnessed the gap between an incident and the arrival of help. “When seconds count, emergency services are minutes away” is a reality, not a critique. Faith Guards fill that gap, standing watch before, during, and after services. We can’t prevent every incident, but we can mitigate risks through preparation, training, and compassion. An ounce of prevention, as they say, is worth a pound of cure.
Looking Ahead
The journey to becoming a Faith Guard begins with seeing, but it doesn’t end there. In the next article, we’ll explore ‘A’ for ‘ASSESS, where you’ll evaluate your place of worship’s vulnerabilities, strengths, and resources. For now, hold fast to the vision that sparked your call to action. Embrace the responsibility to protect, not out of fear, but out of love for your community and faith.
Because once you SEE the need, you’ll never unsee it again.
**NOTE** Yes, I use AI generated images as it provides context and visual interest at times. Those images are also without restriction, meaning I don’t have to pay for stock images, thus reducing cost. Sadly though, as you will see in some of those images, AI has a very hard time spelling some things, so please afford me some creative license with them.