Church Security Talk

Are you confident your church is as safe as it could be? In this episode, we explore the top five security trends affecting churches in 2026. From the importance of safety film on windows to proper door numbering and emergency plan orientation, we cover practical steps you can take to protect your congregation and vulnerable areas. What You Will Learn: Why safety film isn’t a bulletproof solution...

What if your school or church had a 90-second head start before tragedy struck? In this episode, we sit down with Sam from ZeroEyes, a company born out of a passion to stop gun violence before it happens. From its humble beginnings in a basement to preventing real-life gun violence threats across schools, churches, and public spaces, ZeroEyes is leading the way in proactive security technology. Yo...

Carrying a firearm comes with responsibility, but are you truly protected if the worst happens? In this episode, Simon breaks down the critical differences between firearm insurance and legal defense memberships, comparing leading providers head-to-head. He shares why he chose Right to Bear, a faith-based organization, and highlights the key protections every gun owner and every church safety team...

Another tragic shooting has struck my hometown of Minneapolis. On the first week of school at Annunciation Catholic School (K–8), an armed gunman opened fire during morning Mass, killing two children ages 8 and 10 and injuring 17 others. I’ll share what we know and, more importantly, what steps we should all be taking. What You Will Learn: Why patterns from past mass shootings (like Columbine and...

What if you could access world-class church safety and security training without ever leaving your home? In this episode, Simon shares the journey of creating the Securing Your Place of Worship Conference, from its humble beginnings to becoming a fully online training event that reaches leaders across 28 states. You’ll hear what makes this year’s 10th annual conference unique, who the expert speak...

Too many churches prepare for the wrong threats, and miss the risks right at their doorstep. In this episode, we talk with Cristin Kinman from Allegion about shifting the church security conversation from fear-based scenarios to preparedness that truly saves lives. You’ll learn why ranking risks accurately matters, how to tackle security one small step at a time, and the overlooked threats most co...

Could your church stop a gunman if he walked through the doors today? It happened again, this time in Kentucky. Just 24 hours after a tragic church shooting, we break down the chain of events, the signs that were missed, and the hard truths about church security. Simon walks you through the timeline, key warning signs, and most importantly, what your church can do right now to protect your communi...

What would you do if you had to defend your congregation with force? Join Right to Bear In this eye-opening episode, Simon sits down with the leadership team from Right to Bear, a faith-based legal defense membership for responsible firearm holders. Together, they explore real-life cases, legal misconceptions, and the emotional and financial tolls of self-defense scenarios, especially for church s...

What happens when a politically motivated attacker leaves behind more than just devastation—he leaves behind a roadmap? In this episode, we unpack the unclassified Homeland Security report following the deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. You'll hear a step-by-step analysis of the attack, what clues were missed, and how political violence is evolving. Learn how thi...

Imagine a school bus crashing into your church’s children's play area—no warning, no time to react. Would your church be ready? In this episode, we unpack a real incident where a school bus veered into a church playground in Minnesota. Learn why most vehicle crashes at churches are caused by everyday mistakes—not malicious intent—and discover the practical steps your ministry can take today to red...

In this rapid-fire Q&A, Simon tackles eight of the most pressing questions from church leaders and volunteers—from the status of the 2025 NSGP grant to selecting the right background‑check provider. Tune in for expert insights on everything from PA coverage and incident reporting to standoff measures and firearms qualifications. Some key things you will learn: How to Prepare for the 2025 NSGP...

Thinking of using FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to hire security guards? Don’t make a move before hearing this.  In this episode, Simon breaks down the complexities of using NSGP funds for contract security personnel. He reveals what’s allowed, what’s not, and why this path may not be as effective—or sustainable—as it sounds. Learn what FEMA expects, what churches often overl...

Are you prepared to safeguard your church community? In this episode, Simon sits down with Pastor Everidge Thomas of New Generation Church to discuss the importance of church security, the biblical responsibility of shepherding, and how to lead safety conversations with wisdom not fear. Plus, get details on the upcoming Church Security Operations Masterclass happening in Mobile, Alabama, on April...

Struggling to secure NSGP funding for your nonprofit? In this episode, we tackle the most frequently asked questions that have helped nonprofits secure over $18 million in funding. Discover why many applications fail, who should write your vulnerability assessment, and the key mistakes to avoid. Whether you're applying for the first time or refining your approach, this episode is packed with exper...

Simon Osamoh welcomes Lt. Col. Dave Grossman to discuss his upcoming Bulletproof Mind Church Safety Conference in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They cover the urgent need for church safety, rising threats, and the role of faith-based security teams. Register Here: https://bulletproofworship.com/register Key Topics: Threats to Houses of Worship: From domestic violence to groups like Hamas and the Taliban...

Simon dives into the latest updates for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), including the newly introduced National Security Supplement (NSS). Whether you're a house of worship, or nonprofit organization, these updates are crucial for your 2024 grant application strategy. Simon and his team at Kingswood Security have helped nonprofits secure over $13.5 million in NSGP funding, and they’re...

Employee handbooks are important governance of a church safety and security program. Join us for the 9th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship Online Conference on Tuesday, September 10th! This year, nonprofit attorney at law Virginia (Ginny) Cronin will lead us through how to create strong governance by implementing an employee handbook. Don't miss out for this online event—register now: https://...

Do you look at other church safety and security programs and wish you were where they are? Well every church safety and security team started right where you are with one person! Join us for the 9th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship Online Conference on Tuesday, September 10th! This year, Wes Pederson from Eagle Brook Church and Mike Lynch from Traders Point Church will be tackling tough quest...

Join us for the 9th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship Online Conference on Tuesday, September 10th! This year, the Reverend Tim Kingsley will guide us through how to build crisis teams at your church. Don't miss out—register now: https://www.worshipsecurity.org/conference We're excited to feature Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Carl Chinn as keynote speakers. Plus, we've got signed books, free cour...

Join us for the 9th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship Online Conference on Tuesday, September 10th! This year, Pastor Trena Turner will take us through an embezzlement case study and provide best practices to improve your church financial controls. Don't miss out—register now: https://www.worshipsecurity.org/conference We're excited to feature Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Carl Chinn as keynote s...

Join us for the 9th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship Online Conference on Tuesday, September 10th! This year, Drew Moldenhauer will guide us through the critical topic of surviving an active shooter situation. We're excited to feature Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Carl Chinn as keynote speakers. Plus, we've got signed books, free courses, and decision decks to give away! This fully virtual confe...

Join us on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 8:20 PM for the 9th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship conference. This fully online event allows you to participate from anywhere, saving you the cost and hassle of travel. With 10 dynamic presentations, including insights from Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Carl Chinn of the Faith Based Security Network, this is an event you won’t want to mi...

Hi everyone, Simon recently appeared on the Hey Chaplain podcast. In this episode, he had an in-depth discussion about the importance of communication and empathy, the role of mentors in law enforcement, and how the presence or absence of our fathers can shape our lives. We hope you find the conversation as enlightening and thought-provoking as we did.   Need Simon’s help with vulnerability a...

Need Simon’s help with vulnerability and risk assessments, emergency preparedness, training, or a Nonprofit Security Grant (NSGP) application. Reach out to him at: team@kingswoodsc.com   Decision Decks: Church Safety and Security Scenario Cards Six Deck Box Set: https://a.co/d/8OUDO6q Conflict Deescalation Scenarios: https://a.co/d/6tNrJsZ Safety Team Scenarios: https://a.co/d/ciEwDJa Threat...

Need Simon’s help with vulnerability and risk assessments, emergency preparedness, training, or a Nonprofit Security Grant (NSGP) application. Reach out to him at:   team@kingswoodsc.com   Decision Decks: Church Safety and Security Scenario Cards Six Deck Box Set:   https://a.co/d/8OUDO6q Conflict Deescalation Scenarios:   https://a.co/d/6tNrJsZ Safety Team Scenarios:   ht...