Behind the Scenes of a Mega Church Security Team

As the head of security at one of the largest churches in the country, Samson Smith has an important but often overlooked job. In this article, he gives readers an inside look at what it's really like to keep a mega church safe and running smoothly each week.

Training and Priorities

Samson explains that his number one priority is to protect the senior pastor and ensure that only approved visitors have access. Extensive training is required for all security volunteers on crowd control, deescalation techniques, and handling emergency situations. Background checks are also performed on regular volunteers.

Handling Unique Situations

Unfortunately, not every Sunday goes as planned. Samson shares some of the more memorable incidents his team has dealt with, such as an Easter service involving a live lion or controlling excited fans after a book signing. Quick thinking and teamwork helped them manage situations safely while limiting liability.

FAQs

What qualifications are required to join the security team?

Volunteers must pass a background check, complete 40 hours of training, and be physically fit for crowd control.

How many security staffers are on duty each weekend?

For their largest campus, over 50 trained volunteers are scheduled each Sunday to monitor all areas of the property.

Have there ever been any serious injuries on the job?

Thanks to their preparation and experience, the security team has managed even complex situations like an Easter lion attack without life-threatening injuries.

Is it difficult to balance security needs with a welcoming atmosphere?

Samson says it can be a challenge at times but their goal is always to protect visitors' safety while maintaining a friendly, helpful presence.

In summary, this gives a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of a mega church from the perspective of its security chief. With tens of thousands attending each week, their role is vital in ensuring each service runs smoothly.