03/29/2026
Yesterday was the FBSN Regional Church Security Conference in Grand Rapids, MI.
265 in attendance.
It was my understanding that it was the largest regional event FBSN has had.
It was a great group of presenters both in main sessions and breakout sessions, along with dedicated vendors.
As for 21 Gatekeeper…
I had the opportunity to speak during the first session of the morning on the topic—Positioned in the Kingdom: From Security Posts to Kingdom Purpose.
And then later in the afternoon, I continued two breakout sessions focused on Gatekeeper Roundtable, where the attendees were given an opportunity to go through various scenarios as a group via a tactical/spiritual coaching approach.
Though I knew that I would not win any popularity contests going into this event, because as of these last couple years, my perspective of our ministry has changed based on where I have felt led by God, and my approach hasn’t always been in alignment with those I serve, lead, and train. I did know there was a call to “Seek first the kingdom of God” Matthew 6:33 in what would be presented within the realm of church security. I certainly didn’t know what God would bring out of this when I submitted the topic months ago. I felt led to choose a topic without having any content created for the topic. And the content didn’t actually start coming together until these last few weeks as I was trying to be intentional with relying on Him. I also felt led to be the first presenter, and intentionally requested the first session. I felt a deeper call to set the tone with whatever God was doing.
What came to the forefront of what was presented to the frontline yesterday was a challenge to the very belief systems of the church security ministry. Is our ministry truly a ministry of safety…security…protection? How we define our ministry defines the parameters of how we operate within the ministry. It sets the scope of our authority. Is our definition or identity of the ministry in alignment with how God defines our…HIS…Ministry?
What does Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the Peacemakers…” truly mean and how does that change our identity of our ministry within the Kingdom Mission reflected all throughout the Bible?
During a conflict, this ministry that is called in first is the very same ministry that is spiritually formed the last within the local church…
We have a serious conflict between Pastoral care and Protective Care.
During a conflict, the “protectors of the flock” are situationally standing in the very place of the Shepherds of the Flock (Elders, Pastors, Overseers). The church has a duty that THE Shepherd of the Flock, Jesus, and the shepherds of the local church are being represented. Either the Shepherds of the flock need to be tactically trained and church security takes an observe and report stance (Highly unlikely) OR the “Protectors of the flock” need to be spiritually trained…equipped…discipled as Shepherd-Aligned Peacemakers of the Flock.
In order for this to happen, a change in the mindset must take place with both Church Leaders and Security Ministry leaders…for both of those groups to accept that their view of the “Church Security Ministry” may not be in alignment with the Kingdom.