Resurrection Life Church
Safety Response Team Policy
Resurrection Life Church’s policies reflect our values and guide church leaders and members. Because no policy can anticipate every situation, these policies are not intended to override common sense or sound judgment.
Introduction
Our church is a public house of worship, and we welcome guests to join us in worshiping our Lord. At the same time, we must recognize the dangers present in the world around us. Recentevents have shown that American churches are not immune to tragedy caused by armed aggressors using firearms or other deadly weapons. To help protect parishioners, guests, and staff, we believe it is prudent to establish a Safety Response Team (SRT) trained to carry out a prepared response to an armed aggressor who attacks our congregation or guests. We also recognize the ongoing risk of unarmed individuals disrupting services, harming others, or damaging property.
Purpose
As a public house of worship, we believe it is wise and appropriate to take a thoughtful, balanced approach to safety and security. The Safety Response Team (SRT) is responsible for responding to disruptive, threatening, or harmful behavior and intervening when necessary. The SRT will include both armed and unarmed team members who are trained and prepared to respond promptly to potential threats, including lethal threats. During services, the SRT will remain attentive by observing the areas immediately outside the building, monitoring activity within the church, and using electronic security cameras as part of its safety efforts.
Definitions
Unarmed aggressor: A person who attempts or threatens to harm another individual or to damage church or personal property.
Safety Response Team (SRT): A team chosen by the Board and approved by the Pastor that is trained to respond quickly to an unarmed aggressor. The SRT’s role is to step in and take control before the person can harm anyone or disrupt a service. If needed, especially if the person mustbe physically removed or restrained, the police should be notified.
Active shooter: The United States Federal Government defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area, typically through the use of firearms.” Armed individuals who pose a threat to churches may be motivated by extremist religious ideology, jealousy, hatred, demonic influence, or mental instability.
Armed Safety Response Team (ASRT): A team selected by the Board and approved by the Pastor whose members are authorized to carry firearms and have received training to respond immediately to an active-shooter incident.
Preventive Measure
Preventing an attack is the most effective way to protect everyone’s safety. Studies suggest that half of active shooters have some connection to the church or its members, making it possiblethat an assailant may be known to the congregation. Congregants are encouraged to report suspicious individuals or threats of harm to the Pastor or another church leader. To support prevention and preparedness, any critical information shared with the Pastor, SRT, or elders shall be kept confidential.
Authorization to Carry Firearms on Church Property
Only individuals selected by the Board and approved by the Pastor are authorized to carry firearms on church property. All those approved to carry firearms shall have a valid current concealed weapons permit, or appropriate firearms training as approved by the Pastor. All othersare prohibited from carrying firearms anywhere on church property. Notices shall be posted in visible locations on the property and inside the church to inform members and the public of this prohibition. Any unauthorized person carrying a firearm on church property shall be required to leave immediately.
Congregational Response to an Armed Individual
If an individual armed with a firearm enters the sanctuary during a service, a member of the SRT or the elders shall immediately alert those present by announcing, “Person with a gun.” Upon hearing this warning, members of the congregation should drop to the floor while the SRT responds in accordance with its training.
SRT Response to a Threat
Members of the SRT shall respond to deadly threats in accordance with their training and thecircumstances presented. In the event of a non-deadly threat or an unarmed disruption during a service, an SRT member shall intervene and respond as necessary.
SRT Selection
Members of the SRT shall be recommended by the Board and approved by the Pastor.
Training
Considering the SRT’s responsibility to respond promptly to armed aggressors before innocent people are harmed, and to take control of unarmed aggressors before they harm others or disrupt a service, appropriate training is essential. SRT members shall complete training as necessary to maintain the level of competence required to fulfill their responsibilities.
Congregational Training
Congregational training shall include encouraging parishioners to remain vigilant, report suspicious or threatening behavior, and receive instruction on how to respond in the event of an active-shooter incident.