This Church Safety and Security Ministry Guide is intended to help Safety Directors of small to medium size churches with training their volunteer teams. This guide was developed by painstakingly researching nationally recognized publications and by consulting with experts in church security, crime prevention, emergency medical response, fire safety, pastoral protection, security, and a number of other fields of study. It contains chapters on everything from Active Shooter Neutralization to Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse.

We are all looking for relationships and environments that are safe, that give us life. Sadly, however, many people suffer as a result of the failure to create a safe place within the church environment. Drawing upon the authors’ experience in counseling those who have suffered spiritual abuse, Church as a Safe Place offers help to those who are victims of abuse or anyone committed to ensuring that church is a “safe” place.

This is a handbook for pastors, elders, and all Christians who want to see how Scripture presents the process of discipline that should operate in the Christian community. It was written in response to the various concerns that threaten to tear apart marriages, families, friendships, and congregations--concerns that call for a biblical approach to discipline that can heal fractures, restore right relationship, and ensure the health of the church. Developed around the five corrective steps found especially in Matthew 18:15-17, this book helps church leaders deal with the sorts of problems that require the church’s disciplinary response. Charting a course that combines discernment with appropriate action, this simple, readable handbook can have a profound effect on the community of believers.

More than twenty years have passed since the first edition of this book was published. During that time over one million copies have been printed, and the book has been used in churches throughout the United States and in mission fields around the world. Portions of the material have been translated into at least five foreign languages, and a Chinese edition was published in Hong Kong.

This a handbook to help leaders and members in churches and other places of worship understand and implement the appropriate rules of behavior during services and other activities. Information on etiquette during meetings, social activities and worship services is discussed as well as appropriate behavior for children during worship services. Important information on proper dress, treatment of guests and other topics is also shared. Scripture references are included to emphasize the importance of following etiquette rules in places of worship.

The Church Security Handbook: Because It Can Happen HereAttacks on churches are on the rise. Yet the temptation is to think that it can't or won't happen in our city or congregation. The Church Security Handbook takes a practical, biblical approach to answering critical questions about security including: * What are the odds of an attack on my church?* Does church security indicate a lack of faith in God?* How can we have a security team without a "fortress mentality"?* Does a security team have to be armed?* How do we select and train our team?The Church Security Handbook is written by the experienced, real-world professionals at Strategos International, www.strategosintl.com

The church across North America has struggled to minister effectively with children, teens, and adults with common mental health conditions and their families. One reason for the lack of ministry is the absence of a widely accepted model for mental health outreach and inclusion. In Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, Dr. Stephen Grcevich presents a simple and flexible model for mental health inclusion ministry for implementation by churches of all sizes, denominations, and organizational styles. The model is based upon recognition of seven barriers to church attendance and assimilation resulting from mental illness: stigma, anxiety, self-control, differences in social communication and sensory processing, social isolation and past experiences of church. Seven broad inclusion strategies are presented for helping persons of all ages with common mental health conditions and their families to fully participate in all of the ministries offered by the local church. The book is also designed to be a useful resource for parents, grandparents and spouses interested in promoting the spiritual growth of loved ones with mental illness.

Churches are supposed to be a safe haven, but many deal with the tragic reality of child sexual abuse. This guide, supported by a multidisciplinary team of child abuse experts, helps churches and faith communities formulate policies and procedures to protect children and address possible abuse in their ministries.

Identifying and equipping men for the role of church Elder is not an easy task...The role of Elder is perhaps one of the most important roles in the world, since the church is both the body and bride of Jesus. That means church leaders need more than surface opinions about the men who might possibly fit the role of Elder. They need a way to evaluate and train those candidates. This workbook-style handbook is designed to help church leaders do just that, in a wise, careful, and thoroughly Biblical way.Some contexts where this handbookmay be helpful:•When an existing Elder team needs to bring others onto their team•When a Pastor needs to establish an Elder team from scratch•When an Elder team needs a “refresher” about their role, or would like additional training regarding the Biblical mandate for Elders• As a discipleship curriculum for men, where the role of Elder is held up as a “model” for how they can lead their families with the heart of a shepherdThis handbook is not offered as a magic formula or fool-proof method for finding or equipping men for the role of Elder. No such thing exists. Scripture clearly teaches that men are only appointed to the role of Elder by the determination of the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28). Instead, this handbook is designed to serve as a tool in that Spirit-led process. It is an aid in discerning the will of the Spirit, first through assessment of the man being considered, and secondly through training for those who appear to be called to serve as Elders.With over 260 study questions, a variety of self-assessment tools, scripture memorization, and “quizzes” to test the candidate's understanding and applicationof the concepts included, The Elder Training Handbook is a serious-minded tool for discovering, encouraging, and equipping men to shepherd, protect, and lead the New Testament church.