Latter-Day Inferno: Worshippers Face Fire and Bullets as Faith Leaders Rethink Security and Protection
The awful attack at the LDS Church in Grand Blanc, MI is a stark reminder of the evil targeting our sacred places of worship in America. While investigators continue to piece together the events, one fact is already clear: the threat environment in America is escalating, and leaders, communities, and faith-based organizations must rethink what security truly means.
Carl Chinn, President of the Faith Based Security Network (FBSN), the professional membership organization for those who provide security for houses of worship and other faith-based organizations, has been preparing for exactly these kinds of challenges. With decades of experience in security for large venues, as well as a lifetime commitment to protecting houses of worship, Chinn understands both the tactical and spiritual dimensions of security. The mission of the FBSN is to ensure that regardless of the denomination, people should be able to gather without fear of deadly violence.
In his 2012 book (Evil Invades Sanctuary) Chinn wrote, “Faith-based organizations are in the direct line of fire in the battle raging between good and evil. Whether from terrorists, petty criminals, fallen leaders or hurricanes, religious organizations must prepare for adversity.”
The FBSN is uniquely positioned to offer insight into what it takes to safeguard events where people expect peace, not violence. This includes all denominations.
Carl Chinn and the FBSN team can provide urgent context on how to balance faith and safety in an age when violence can erupt anywhere. They are calling for a renewed national conversation on proactive security, training, and preparedness—before the next tragedy occurs.
Would you like to speak with Carl Chinn today about what this means for churches, parachurch organizations, and the need for faith-based security?
Related Articles:
Investigators probe for motive in Michigan LDS church shooting, fire – ABC News
OPTIONAL Q&A:
- What is FBSN’s assessment of the current threat environment for houses of worship after the Grand Blanc attack?
- In your experience, what are the most common security gaps that churches and faith-based organizations overlook?
- How should leaders reconcile their mission of openness with the need for vigilance when you’ve said these institutions are in the “direct line of fire” between good and evil?
- What specific steps can congregations take right now to harden their facilities without creating a fortress-like atmosphere?
- How important is training and preparedness compared to physical infrastructure improvements when it comes to preventing or mitigating attacks?
- What role should local law enforcement play in partnering with churches, and how can those relationships be strengthened before a crisis?
- For smaller congregations with limited resources, what low-cost but high-impact security practices do you recommend?
- You’ve called for a renewed national conversation on proactive security—what does that conversation look like, and how do you see FBSN leading it?
ABOUT CARL CHINN…
Carl Chinn is the President / Founder of FBSN, a thought-leader / teacher on intentional security readiness and operations at faith-based organizations. Among other contributions to ministry security, Chinn developed the threat intelligence program for New Life and managed it for ten years. He brought the same program to the Colorado Springs community through the Faith Based Safety Coalition which now serves as a model for other coalitions across the U.S.
ABOUT DAVID DIXON…
David is the Board Chairman for FBSN and is the Executive Director of Operations for Second Baptist Church, where he has served nearly 40 years. A Texas police officer for over 35 years. He is currently the sworn Police Commissioner for the City of Spring Valley. He is a former Special Response Team member, an active shooter instructor and a sought-after church security expert.
ABOUT MIKE HARVILL…
Mike is an FBSN Board Member and is the Security Director at Kensington Church, a multi-campus church in Michigan. He is also a co-founder and President of the Security Leaders Coalition in Michigan. He is an instructor for AVERT, Sabre OC Spray and Narcan. He regularly speaks to various organizations about church security.
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