RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

The recent horrific church shooting in Charleston, SC causes us once again to ponder the question, "Should guns be used to protect children's ministries?"

Many churches ban concealed weapons.  They say it goes against religious teachings of non-violence and that guns shouldn't be in a place of worship.  They argue that God's response to violence is never greater violence.  And many states specifically ban guns in church.

But a number of states have recently passed laws allowing concealed weapons in churches.  Approximately 25 states now allow concealed carry weapons in churches.

Personally,  I believe it is vital to protect your children's ministry.  Here's what that looks like for us.

• An armed police officer is present in our children's ministry area during all weekend services.  This person is hired and in uniform.

• Everyone must present a printed ID badge before being allowed to enter a children's ministry area.

• Once service begins, all children's ministry areas are locked down. 

• We have a volunteer security team that patrols all areas.  Many of these are police officers or former police officers who carry a concealed weapon.  

• For clarity - none of the people mentioned above come into the children's ministry rooms.  They are outside the door or in the hallways.  I would never recommend having someone with a concealed weapon inside the room with the kids. 

Whether you believe guns should be used to protect our children's ministries or not, one thing we do agree on.  Safety and security must be a top priority.  Why?  First and foremost to protect our children and volunteers.  Secondly, parents want to know that their kids are safe at church.  I honestly think a parent seeing a uniformed officer in the children's area is a factor in them returning.  It shows you take the security of the children very seriously and value them.

What do you believe?  Should guns be used to protect children's ministries?  Do you have people who are armed present in your children's ministry areas?  Weigh in and share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

It's been more than eight months since 26 teachers and children were murdered in Newtown, Conn.

But parents appear to be no more at ease than they were immediately after the incident. 

33% of K-12 parents say they fear for their child's safety at school, unchanged from last December.

Here's the results of a recent Gallup poll.



Parents have the same safety expectations when their children are at church.  This means that churches that meet parent's safety concerns will attract families.

• Have a police officer present in the children's area during services and events.
 
• In addition to a police officer, have a volunteer safety and security team that is present during services and events.
 
• Once the service begins, lock the doors of the children's areas. 
 
• Limit your access points into the children's areas.
 
• Have an evacuation plan in place.
 
• Only allow approved people in your children's areas.

• Have a check-in and check-out security system in place.