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Workshop teaches Missoula clergy about church safety

Posted at 8:37 AM, May 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-06 12:17:14-04

MISSOULA – Shootings or violent assaults at places of worship have been dominating the news cycle lately and a at Christian Life Center church leaders recently received some training on how to deal with those situations.

The two-day training session — which was held on Friday and Saturday — was put on by Strategos International, a company that provides protection services and training.

Friday’s session focused on church leaders and how to set up your own church safety and security team.

The training is aimed at keeping members of the congregation safe but also to keep them feeling safe and secured in the church so they continue attending.

“Oh sure…the younger generation, they expect to see security wherever they go. It’s just a part of our day to day world nowadays,” said Strategos Director of Business Development Guy Beveridge.

“And so the churches who aren’t doing security you may be turning off some people from church.  If they are looking for a reason not to come to church maybe that’s it not having security or safety for you,” he added.

Saturday’s session focused on other members of the church who still help with services like ushers and greeters.