Robert M. Cirtin, John M. Edie, and Dennis K. Lewis, Church Safety and Security: A Practical Guide. CSS Publishing Company, 2005.
Referenced in: Tax, Legal, and Risk-Management Issues
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This perhaps one of the most widely used and highly recognized volumes on church risk management. It is a good introduction to the issues. It is in the same genre as Group Publishing’s The Missing Ministry and Ron Aguiar, Keeping Your Church Safe, each featured on the section on Tax, Legal, and Risk-Management Issues. Each volume conveys similar content. Readers could peruse all three to determine which is best for them.
From the Publisher
The church has always been regarded as a safe haven – a spiritual sanctuary where people can come to worship God free from worries about violence or unethical behavior by those involved in church ministry. But our culture is changing, and church leaders can no longer assume that it won’t happen in my church. Like the rest of society, churches need to ensure the safety and security of their facility, staff, and worshipers.
This book provides a wealth of practical information on preparing for and responding to the challenges of a dangerous world. Robert Cirtin draws on more than two decades of law enforcement and investigative experience, and with his team of professionals outlines a how-to approach full of specific proactive steps churches can take to protect themselves and reduce the risk of costly lawsuits. Church Safety And Security is a must-have resource for anyone participating in or preparing for church leadership.
Topics covered include:
- Utilizing background screening to protect your congregation
- Safety and security issues for church-run preschool and day care programs
- Preparing for and responding to medical emergencies
- How to deal with issues pertaining to child abuse
- Legally mandated responsibilities of church staff members
- How to utilize security/surveillance cameras in the church facility
- Organizing a church security officer program
- Effectively coping with intruders
- Responding to violent acts when they occur
- How to conduct a thorough investigation
About the Author
Robert M. Cirtin is an assistant professor and director of the criminal justice program at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. He is also the president of Robert Cirtin Investigations, a company providing investigative and consulting services to churches, businesses, and government agencies. A former police officer and Missouri state investigator who has also served in full-time ministry, Cirtin is a frequent guest lecturer on a variety of safety and security topics. He is a graduate of Central Bible College and Lincoln University.
John M. Edie is the executive pastor of Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri, where he is responsible for facility management, staff coordination, and directing the church’s education division.
Dennis K. Lewis is the director of public safety for the Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Missouri.
Edward L. Spain serves as administrative director of neurosciences at St. John’s Regional Health Center in Springfield, Missouri.
Donna M. Washburn is an assistant professor of social work at Evangel University. She is also a licensed clinical social worker who has been a therapist for abused and neglected children in residential, hospital, and outpatient settings.
***For additional information on this resource, including reviews, click the bookstore links. Check the reference at page top or the links below for resource guides on related topics.***
Other Ministry Resource Guides on Church Administration: