Could your church stop a gunman if he walked through the doors today?

It happened again, this time in Kentucky.

Just 24 hours after a tragic church shooting, we break down the chain of events, the signs that were missed, and the hard truths about church security. Simon walks you through the timeline, key warning signs, and most importantly, what your church can do right now to protect your community.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

How domestic violence can spill into sacred spaces, and why you must be ready.

Why every second counts in an active threat scenario, and how to build a safety team that responds fast.

What church leaders need to know about locking down facilities, identifying risks, and protecting their flock before law enforcement arrives.

Want to be better prepared for incidents like this?

Join us for the 10th Annual Securing Your Place of Worship Conference — happening Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (CST).

This fully virtual conference is your chance to gain expert insights on threat assessment, legal coverage, church safety teams, and real-world crisis response. It’s built for pastors, staff, and safety team members alike.

Reserve your spot NOW:

What would you do if you had to defend your congregation with force?

Join Right to Bear

In this eye-opening episode, Simon sits down with the leadership team from Right to Bear, a faith-based legal defense membership for responsible firearm holders. Together, they explore real-life cases, legal misconceptions, and the emotional and financial tolls of self-defense scenarios, especially for church safety teams. If you carry, are on a church team, or want to prepare wisely, this is a must-listen.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

Why “membership” is not the same as insurance, and why that distinction matters in a legal crisis.

• What happens after you use force, including real stories of church protectors facing charges despite clear self-defense.
• How Right to Bear provides 24/7 attorney access, expert witnesses, firearm replacement, and emotional support, all for under $200/year.

Join Right to Bear

What happens when a politically motivated attacker leaves behind more than just devastation—he leaves behind a roadmap?

In this episode, we unpack the unclassified Homeland Security report following the deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. You'll hear a step-by-step analysis of the attack, what clues were missed, and how political violence is evolving. Learn how this incident—and others like it—highlight growing trends and security gaps in high-risk environments.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

• The New Trend in Targeted Violence: Why more attackers are surviving their acts to make political statements—and what that means for threat detection.
• The Power of Pre-Incident Clues: How manifestos, online posts, and behavioral changes often leave a trail of “leakage” before violence erupts.
• Security Blind Spots: Why "no known threats" doesn’t always mean “no real danger”—especially in high-risk locations or politically charged events.

Join the “Netflix of Church Safety” for just $9/month! Access over 100 videos and 80 hours of expert church security training to strengthen your preparedness.

Learn more HERE

Connect with Simon

Imagine a school bus crashing into your church’s children's play area—no warning, no time to react. Would your church be ready?

In this episode, we unpack a real incident where a school bus veered into a church playground in Minnesota. Learn why most vehicle crashes at churches are caused by everyday mistakes—not malicious intent—and discover the practical steps your ministry can take today to reduce risk and protect lives.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

• Why 69% of vehicle crashes into churches are due to pedal error, loss of control, or medical emergencies.
• The importance of installing physical barriers and redesigning parking lot layouts to protect high-risk areas.
• How training staff and volunteers in situational awareness can save lives in seconds.

Join the “Netflix of Church Safety” for just $9/month! Access over 100 videos and 80 hours of expert church security training to strengthen your preparedness.

Learn more HERE

Connect with Simon

In this rapid-fire Q&A, Simon tackles eight of the most pressing questions from church leaders and volunteers—from the status of the 2025 NSGP grant to selecting the right background‑check provider. Tune in for expert insights on everything from PA coverage and incident reporting to standoff measures and firearms qualifications.

Some key things you will learn:

• How to Prepare for the 2025 NSGP Grant
• Why you should treat the application as “coming any minute” and start your vulnerability assessment now
• The key to getting reluctant pastors and boards on board with safety teams
• From mass‑notification apps (Alert Com, Push Pulse) to moving your incident reports from pen‑and‑paper to searchable, electronic logs
• Setting realistic shooting‑qualification benchmarks and minimum safety‑team equipment based on the tasks you ask them to perform

Join our church security video vault for just $9 a month. With over 100 videos and 80 hours of in-depth training, you’ll be equipped to protect your congregation with confidence.

Learn more here.

Thinking of using FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) to hire security guards? Don’t make a move before hearing this. In this episode, Simon breaks down the complexities of using NSGP funds for contract security personnel. He reveals what’s allowed, what’s not, and why this path may not be as effective—or sustainable—as it sounds. Learn what FEMA expects, what churches often overlook, and what strategy could be a smarter long-term move.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

• Why only 50% of your NSGP grant can go toward hiring security personnel—and why that might not be enough.
• The 4 key steps you must follow if you're considering contract security as part of your grant application.
• Why investing in security technology might be more effective and sustainable than hiring guards.

Check out our Scenario Cards.

Join the Netflix of Church Safety for $9/Month, click here.

Like to read, Check out these books.

Are you prepared to safeguard your church community? In this episode, Simon sits down with Pastor Everidge Thomas of New Generation Church to discuss the importance of church security, the biblical responsibility of shepherding, and how to lead safety conversations with wisdom not fear. Plus, get details on the upcoming Church Security Operations Masterclass happening in Mobile, Alabama, on April 5, 2025.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• The Key to Church Security: Why safety isn’t just about protection but ministry.
• Leading Without Fear: How to discuss security concerns with church leaders in a way that encourages preparedness rather than panic.
• Masterclass Insights: A preview of the April 5th training on security culture, emergency operations, and threat assessment.

Join Simon on Saturday April 5, 2025 at New Generations Church in Mobile, Alabama for a 4 hour Masterclass, learn more here:

Struggling to secure NSGP funding for your nonprofit? In this episode, we tackle the most frequently asked questions that have helped nonprofits secure over $18 million in funding. Discover why many applications fail, who should write your vulnerability assessment, and the key mistakes to avoid. Whether you're applying for the first time or refining your approach, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you succeed.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• The #1 reason why most NSGP applications fail (and how to avoid it)
• How to structure a winning vulnerability assessment for maximum impact
• The critical eligibility criteria you need to know before applying

If you need help with your NSGP grant application you can reach Simon here.