The Safety and Security Team at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West has shared important resources in response to the recent Congregational Safety Webinar hosted by the Grand Canyon Synod. As our faith communities continue to prioritize the safety of congregations, these tools can help assess vulnerabilities and develop comprehensive safety plans for houses of worship.

The first resource, the Houses of Worship Security Self-Assessment, is designed to help church leaders identify potential security weaknesses and take corrective actions. This comprehensive self-assessment can guide congregations in recognizing risks and enhancing their preparedness. Access the assessment here.

For a more holistic approach to safety, the Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship guide helps churches develop thorough security plans. This resource emphasizes proactive planning, offering guidance for safeguarding worship spaces and addressing potential threats. View the guide here.

Another vital tool is the A.L.I.C.E. Active Shooter Training, a five-step training program for active shooter situations. The Lord of Life team worked with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Counter-Terrorism Unit to implement this training. Congregations are encouraged to explore this training to increase awareness and preparedness in the face of such threats. Learn more about the training here.

For broader emergency preparedness, the Emergency Guidelines for Churches outlines how to plan for various types of emergencies. From natural disasters to human-made crises, this guide offers practical advice to protect your church community. Access the guidelines here.

Finally, the Power of Hello Guidelines promotes vigilance among staff and congregation members by teaching a four-step process to identify potential behavioral threats. Simple but powerful, this guide helps create an environment of awareness and action. Read more about these guidelines here.

We extend our gratitude to the Lord of Life team for sharing these resources, empowering congregations to be better prepared. The Grand Canyon Synod remains committed to supporting the safety and security of our congregations as we continue this vital conversation.