TROY, Mich. – Faith leaders from around Michigan gathered to talk about a topic not normally heard during service: security.
When you think of houses of worship, seldom do you think about security. Yet, the Security Leaders Coalition think about it frequently.
“As a public gathering place, churches have an obligation to keep the people safe,” said Mike Harvill, president of the coalition.
At moments considered sacred, violence has entered these safe spaces whether during small gatherings like in Charleston, South Carolina, or mega-churches like in Houston, Texas.
The Faith Based Security Network reports nearly 50 percent of all deadly force incidents at faith-based organizations don’t involve guns or active shooters.
Over 75%of deadly force incidents happen outside of the ministry, according to its incident study.
It’s why the Security Leaders Coalition held its conference, “Are You Prepared,” at Kensington Church on Saturday.
However, security is not only limited to having armed members.
“Security is much bigger than that,” said Pastor Chris Ruehle, the lead pastor at Daily Church. “I think it’s just being prepared and making way for first responders, making people alert and aware of surroundings.”
Security at houses of worship goes beyond the four walls of a building. There have been times when faith leaders within this coalition have had to look out for each other.
“So, if I have something happening at my church, I can let everybody else in the coalition know so they can be watching to see if a person shows up to their church,” Harvill said. “We have had that happen.”
Faith leaders say being on guard falls on everyone within places of worship, not just a dedicated team.
The hope? People are prepared and nothing happens than to not be prepared.