I often get questions from churches asking what level of safety and security they should provide, if any. I have talked with churches that opt for no planning or preparedness and others that are very prepared and equipped to respond to most scenarios. A lot of the discussion seems to be around the resources available, or not available, in some cases. Others may be the lack of awareness or political will to make any needed changes. Let’s break it down into three categories of building a security team: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. With any creation, you first need a vision, mission and values to accomplish the goal, as it was with the story of Three Bricklayers1.
Summary of the Lesson: Mission, Vision, Values, and Distinctives
The story of the three bricklayers, illustrated by Jim Baker, is a powerful parable that illustrates the significance of purpose in our work. After the great fire of 1666 in London, architect Christopher Wren was tasked with rebuilding St. Paul’s Cathedral. In 1671, he observed three bricklayers working on a scaffold. When asked what they were doing, their responses varied greatly:
- The first bricklayer said, “I’m working hard laying bricks to feed my family.”
- The second replied, “I’m building a wall.”
- The third, with a gleam in his eye, said, “I’m building a great cathedral to The Almighty.”
This story highlights how different perspectives on the same task can lead to vastly different levels of motivation and productivity.
Key Applications
- Big Picture Thinking: Understanding how your work contributes to a larger goal can enhance motivation and satisfaction.
- Attitude: A positive attitude and pride in one’s work can significantly impact performance and morale.
- Connection to Mission: Employees who align with their organization’s mission, vision, values, and goals tend to be more engaged and productive.
The Power of Purpose
The story also serves as a metaphor for the power of purpose. The third bricklayer’s sense of purpose transformed his attitude and gave deeper meaning to his work. This concept, often referred to as a “calling,” reflects our universal need to matter and make a difference. Viktor Frankl, in his book The Meaning of Life, emphasized that having a purpose beyond oneself can be a crucial factor in overcoming adversity.
Leadership and Purpose
Leaders have a responsibility to help others find their “cathedral” – their higher purpose. This involves guiding individuals to discover their unique purpose and supporting them in pursuing it. As Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently stated, even a street sweeper should strive to do their job so well that all will recognize their excellence.
- First Bricklayer: Depicted crouching, focused on laying bricks.
- Second Bricklayer: Standing, building a wall.
- Third Bricklayer: Standing tall, envisioning the cathedral.
The same methodology of the bricklayers can be applied to safety and security teams:
- Team Procedures: Be sure to have a plan and procedure. Shop – Kearnan Consulting Group, LLC
- Team Briefing: A team leader briefing the safety and security team before an event, with a whiteboard showing the plan.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Team members monitoring the parking lots, public gathering areas, security cameras and keeping an eye on different areas of the venue.
- Evacuation Plan: A diagram showing the church layout with marked emergency exits and evacuation routes.
- First Aid Station: A designated first aid station with team members ready to provide medical assistance.
- Patrolling: Security team members patrolling the premises, ensuring all areas are secure.
- Emergency Drills: Church members participating in an emergency drill, guided by the safety team.
- Communication Network: A visual representation of the communication network, showing how team members stay connected during an event.
- Safety Signage: Various safety signs around the church, such as “Emergency Exit,” “First Aid,” and “No Entry.”
- Incident Reporting: A team member fills out an incident report form after handling a situation.
- Volunteer Training: Volunteers being trained by experienced team members on safety protocols and procedures. Document the training and be sure the training supports your procedures.
In summary, failing to plan is the fastest way to plan to fail. Start with what you have with the intention of improving with the goal of achieving best practices. Rely on benchmarks and standard procedures to train your security teams. Go to Shop – Kearnan Consulting Group, LLC for national best practice emergency operations, safety and security plans. Having the tools and guidance needed to effectively manage risks, respond to incidents, and maintain a safe environment will lead to greater success and peace of mind for all involved.
- Focus on creating a safety team using the building blocks and guidance provided by DHS/CISA.
- Build upon the foundation with best practice plan that aligns with regulatory authorities.
- Stand Tall and Prepared, a competent team is a confident team.
Train, study and mitigate threats to your standard of care without the fear of undue risk and liability. For more information on how to build and optimize a safety and security team, visit my website.
