Setting aside a preacher who don’t know “Come Here from Sick’em” about the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus, there are probably three things that turn people away from a church. They are: 1) unkept restrooms, 2) nurseries without proper care providers, and 3) an uncomfortable feeling about the safety of the worship environment. In tornado alley (used to be Oklahoma but now Illinois ranks number 1) people want to know where to go if the weather gets bad in a hurry. And, when we continually hear about mischief caused by bad people entering spaces set aside for education or worship, it is hard not to think about safety. While we at churches need to trust God more than we do, safety was a ministry focus. During Old Testament times as the “children of God” rebuilt the walls of the temple (Nehemiah 4) and worshipped (Nehemiah 7) there were people designated to watch over and defend the flock. Church safety is one piece of the ministry pillars that support FCC.

Storms arise quickly at almost anytime of year. When public alert systems blare, we need to know safe places for refuge. It is generally a poor decision to try to run or drive away from safe areas to escape the event. As a portion of the safety team, there are maps located in each building which direct us to safe areas for storms. Each member should be familiar with the maps. And one of the duties of the “safety team” is to assist movements of all the congregation to those areas in a reasonable manor. Generally, the necessity for relocating and directions will be delivered from the pulpit. As they say on airplanes, “the best exit may be behind you” as you sit in the same pew each week.

There are several members of the church who have fire training. The buildings are up to codes and Pittsfield Fire Department conducts walk-throughs for training purposes. We have tested alarms which function to alert key individuals and the alarm company, and fire suppression equipment (including hand-held extinguishers) in place to assist with delaying a fire until the congregation can evacuate. Personal awareness and common support are keys to safe and expedited evacuations.

At least three health-related events happened this past year resulting in a person requiring medical attention. Whether it was a slip and fall event, a sudden dizziness and collapse or just excessive heat, your friends needed help. When there is a pause in the service or you see someone in trouble, please make a decision as to whether you can help or just need to make space for others to work. It is always helpful to offer a quick prayer and invoke God’s grace on the person(s), but maintain a physical awareness of emergency needs also.

And, finally to me at least, we live in a world of people who do harmful things to others for unknown reasons. FCC has a security team including people observing cameras, doormen and observers throughout the campus to minimize these threats. The best way to have a safe worship space is to have a friendly and welcoming environment until it cannot be that way. Some of you know, I am a hugger and extend a hand frequently. My Grandma suggested hugging as a good way to determine how big the hole needed to be just in case you had to bury them (just kidding, maybe). Self-awareness and communication are the driving factors to control bad behavior. Then, say or do something more than observing or filming on your phone. We choose to rely on Police officers when our assessment indicates that we cannot handle situations. The amount of time required for a response has it’s own impact on the decisions. If it is the hair on the back of your neck that is tingling, notify one of the Team to start the actions.

In closing, there are people at FCC who feel that your safety during each worship experience here is our spiritual mission. We want a welcoming and safe campus for all who share that goal.

Submitted by David Bishop