In churches across the Unitedcheidend States, from quiet Midwestern towns to bustling coastal cities, a new trend is emerging among the faithful. Increasingly, congregants are not only bringing their Bibles to services but are also arming themselves and engaging in specialized security training as incidents of violence in places of worship surge.
Kris Moloney, a veteran with a background in both military and law enforcement, founded Sheepdog Church Security in 2014 to address this growing concern. Initially, his endeavor was a response to the isolated threats he perceived to his own community in Minnesota. However, as the frequency and severity of attacks on religious institutions have risen, so has the demand for Moloney’s services. His company now specializes in training volunteer safety teams that protect congregations while discreetly carrying concealed firearms, ensuring a balance between openness and security.
Across the nation, the narrative is shifting as violent attacks in houses of worship become more frequent. National statistics indicate a troubling increase in such incidents, prompting a broader segment of the religious community to rethink their security measures. Sheepdog Church Security, at the forefront of this change, advocates for a nuanced approach—arming and training volunteers in emergency response tactics, from handling medical emergencies to neutralizing active shooters, all while keeping faith at the center of their mission.
Moloney’s approach involves comprehensive training programs that include practical drills simulating real-life scenarios such as bomb threats and active shooting events. The curriculum not just focuses on immediate crisis management but also on prevention and de-escalation techniques. Moreover, the program is deeply integrated with Christian principles, with Moloney incorporating Scripture alongside tactical advice in his training materials and online platforms.
The response to this new reality is diverse across states and congregations. In Tennessee, church leaders are undergoing active shooter training sessions. Similarly, in Houston, following the shooting at Lakewood Church, clergy have begun to participate in security workshops. These measures have sparked a ripple effect, with churches nationwide, including those in Idaho, where there’s a perceivable rise in threats, organizing conferences and training sessions to bolster their preparedness.
The necessity for such measures is underscored by an array of incidents that have rattled communities. In Pennsylvania, a church service was disrupted when a man attempted to shoot the pastor mid-sermon. Another chilling event occurred in Houston, where a woman opened fire in a megachurch, leading to critical injuries before she was subdued by security.
These developments have ignited a debate within religious communities about the balance between maintaining a welcoming environment and ensuring the safety of worshippers. While some leaders, like Rev. Stephen Cady of Asbury First United Methodist in Rochester, New York, argue against arming congregants to preserve the sanctity and peace of worship, others feel that preparedness could not come at a higher moral cost.
Amidst these differing views, federal agencies like FEMA have seen a notable increase in applications for security grants from religious organizations, signaling a heightened awareness and proactive stance towards preventing violence. The debate extends beyond Christian circles, with Jewish communities, historically more accustomed to security concerns due to longstanding threats, also reinforcing their defenses post-tragic events like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
The narrative surrounding security in houses of worship is complex and layered with theological, ethical, and practical considerations. As religious leaders and congregations navigate these waters, the central challenge remains: how to reconcile the imperatives of faith with the pressing need to protect and secure their communities in an increasingly volatile world. The evolution of church security continues to reflect broader societal tensions surrounding violence, religion, and the right to safety in sacred spaces.