Safety Member Certification

Our Safety Member Certification provides essential training to reduce crime and minimize casualties in houses of worship. We train your team in various safety and security topics, confirming their understanding through testing. This comprehensive program equips your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle routine safety operations and emergency situations effectively.

Testimonials
"Taking the courses at Sheepdog Church Security Academy has helped us develop and improve all these things that pertain to keeping the flock safe. Our Mission is to create a safe environment, so attendees can worship our God and don't have to concern themselves with safety. Our team acts like greeters, smiling and welcoming everyone that comes in while maintaining an increased level of awareness." - Brad Parkhurst, Safety Team Ministry Leader, Movement Christian Church

"This program is the best training program for church security, it has a vast variety of training. My entire team is certified with Sheepdog, and anyone that joins the team has to be certified first before they can participate in the team. After 32 years with the MetroHealth Police Department, I found Sheepdog's training to be exceptional and perfectly suited for our church's needs." - Onix Garcia, Director of Security, West 58th Street Church of God

"The training I received from Sheepdog enhanced my previous Law Enforcement training. Sheepdog training refreshed my memory and gave me additional tools to work with. First Aid, natural disasters, active shooters, teamwork, de-escalation of individuals, radio codes, firearms training, emergency response plans, and so much more." - Tom Beaty, Sagebrush Church, Santa Fe, NM

Who Is This Training For?

  • Church Safety Team Members: Equip your team with the skills needed to protect your congregation.
  • Church Leaders and Volunteers: Ensure all key members are prepared to respond to emergencies.
  • One-Person Safety Teams: Gain the support and training you need to effectively safeguard your community.
  • Churches with Limited Resources: Access affordable, expert-led training without the need for external trainers.
  • Informal Safety Team Leaders: Learn comprehensive safety strategies beyond just firearms training, addressing a wide range of potential risks.

Comprehensive Training

  • Security Team Fundamentals
    Intro to safety and security as they relate to Houses of Worship.
    Covers: Ministry Basics | Patrolling | Emergency Response | Radio Procedures | Reporting
  • Active Shooter Response
    Develop strategies to mitigate violent intruder attacks.
    Covers: Why Churches Need to Prepare | Civilian Response Plan | Engagement Procedures
  • Deescalating Disruptive Persons
    Verbal persuasion techniques to reduce violence and control situations.
    Covers: Engaging the Subject | Maintaining Control | Issuing Commands
  • Protecting Children from Abuse
    Best methods for preventing and responding to child abuse.
    Covers: Signs and Symptoms of Abuse | Child Protection Policies | Reporting Abuse
  • Use of Force Laws
    Training on the legal limitations and implications of using force.
    Covers: Citizen’s Arrest | Understanding Use of Force | Unarmed Control Techniques
  • Arson and Fire Safety
    How to save lives and church property from a fire.
    Covers: Preventing Arson | Fire Science | Response Plans | Safety Inspections | Fire Drills
  • Storms and Disasters
    Protecting people and property against dangerous weather.
    Covers: Identifying Risks | Safety Inspections | Disaster Drills | Safety Plans
  • Mass Trauma Emergency
    Saving Lives during a Mass Trauma Event.
    Covers: Mass Trauma Events | The 3 B's of Care | High Threat Situations | Care and Aftermath
  • Sample Video

    Watch the video to see a short preview of our Safety Member Certification training. This clip provides a quick look at the high-quality, expert-led instruction included in our program. 


    A clip from the Basic Use of Force Laws video.


    Flexible, On-Demand Training

    Let Us Train Your Team on Your Schedule

    Sheepdog Church Security's Self-Paced Training offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to complete their training on their own schedule. This method is ideal for those who prefer to train at their own pace and on their own time, providing access to our entire library of streaming instructional videos.

    • Anytime, Anywhere Access: Your team can access our entire video library at any time, ensuring they receive the necessary training without scheduling conflicts.
    • Consistent Quality: Each video is crafted to deliver comprehensive, expert-led instruction, ensuring your team gains the skills and knowledge needed to handle any situation effectively.
    • Efficiency and Convenience: Save time and resources by allowing your team to train independently, yet thoroughly, with our structured and well-organized video modules.

    Let us handle the training while you focus on creating a secure and welcoming environment for your congregation.
    Church Security Training Video Screenshot

    Stay Connected and Get Support

    Office Hours with Kris Moloney: Join Our Active Community of Students and Alumni

    As part of our commitment to supporting your church’s safety team, we invite your team members to our Thursday morning Zoom meetings for Office Hours with Kris Moloney. These sessions, held every Thursday at 10 am Central Time, provide an invaluable opportunity for your team to ask questions about the training materials, seek guidance, and participate in open discussions about safety and security topics as they relate to houses of worship.

    • Direct Access to Experts: Your team members can get their questions answered by Kris Moloney, founder of Sheepdog Church Security.
    • Community Support: They can connect with fellow students and alumni to share experiences and insights.
    • Ongoing Learning: Your team will stay informed about the latest best practices in church safety and security.

    By participating in these sessions, your team will receive the support and resources needed to succeed in their training journey and beyond.

    Why Choose Us?

    • We provide online, expert-led training that goes beyond basic instruction, ensuring your team is ready to protect and serve your congregation.

    • Our curriculum is specifically designed for the unique environment and challenges faced by houses of worship, making it more relevant and effective than generic security training.

    • Our training programs have been successfully implemented by hundreds of churches, resulting in well-prepared, confident safety teams ready to respond to any emergency.

    • Save time and resources by letting us handle the training. Choose between self-paced learning or join one of our exclusive accelerated cohorts for a more interactive experience.

    Here is what the Experts Say...

    Reviews from Law Enforcement and Other Security Professionals

    Overall Rating 4.8 stars

    Imagine the peace of mind knowing your safety team is fully prepared to handle any emergency. No more worrying about untrained team members or inadequate responses. With our Safety Member Certification, you'll have a team equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect your congregation effectively.

    Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now and transform your safety team into a confident, capable unit ready to ensure the safety and security of your church community.

    We're so sure you’ll be happy with your purchase that we offer a “30-Day Money-Back Guarantee”. If for any reason you wish to opt out, we will promptly issue a full refund.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Tap each question to learn more about our individual certification program.

    • Feel Free to Call 612-470-7364 with your Questions...

      Please call Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Central Time. 612-470-7364 (Seriously, if you have a question, Call Kris.) Leave a Voice Mail, if Kris doesn't answer.

    • What does certification with Sheepdog Church Security Academy mean?

      Certification with Sheepdog Church Security Academy signifies that students have been comprehensively trained in various safety and security topics relevant to houses of worship. This certification process not only involves thorough training but also requires students to demonstrate their understanding of the material through rigorous testing.

      Training from a third-party instructor, like Sheepdog Church Security Academy, which has trained safety team volunteers in every state, is often superior to in-house developed training with no testing. The structured curriculum and objective evaluation process ensure that the knowledge and skills imparted are of the highest quality. Additionally, training developed by Sheepdog Church Security Academy benefits from a well-established reputation, which is often more reliable than training from an unknown individual within the church.

      Sheepdog Church Security Certification is a company-level certification, meaning it is recognized by the organization and its standards, but it does not grant any authority or privileges beyond those recognized by law.

    • How can I register multiple students for the Safety Member Certification program?

      You can register multiple students using the Group Orders feature. This allows you to purchase several seats at once during checkout. After the purchase, you will receive an invite link that you can share with each student, allowing them to create their accounts and enroll in the program. This streamlined process saves time and reduces administrative work.

    • How long does it take to complete the certification course?

      The Safety Member Certification course is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible. The course consists of 8 modules, each requiring approximately 2 hours to complete, totaling around 16 hours of training. You have an entire year to complete all the training, allowing you to start and stop the modules as needed. This flexibility ensures you can fit the training into your schedule and thoroughly cover each topic without the pressure of a strict timeline.

    • Do you have any recommendations for teams training together?

      Yes, we recommend a collaborative approach to training. Have your team complete one module every four weeks. After finishing each module, organize a team meeting to discuss the materials and share insights. This way, everyone can benefit from different perspectives and a deeper understanding of the content. After the meeting, your team will have another four weeks to complete the next module. Continue this cycle until all modules are completed. This structured yet flexible plan encourages teamwork and ensures a thorough grasp of each topic.

    • How does the Safety Director Training Toolkit complement the Safety Member Certification program?

      The Safety Director Training Toolkit is designed to complement the Safety Member Certification program by providing church leaders with a comprehensive set of tools and resources for broader safety and security management. While the Safety Member Certification focuses on individual skills and knowledge necessary for handling safety and security situations, the Toolkit empowers Safety Directors with additional resources for developing and implementing church-wide safety policies and procedures. It includes customizable materials, strategic guides, and interactive training options, making it an ideal resource for those who are looking to enhance their safety leadership and create a culture of preparedness and resilience within their congregation. Together, these programs offer a holistic approach to ensuring the safety of your church community.

    • Do you offer in-person training in our area?

      We have suspended our Onsite Instructor Program due to several significant challenges.

      First, the cost of bringing an instructor onsite was prohibitively high. Travel expenses, accommodation, and the instructor's time contributed to a substantial financial burden.

      Second, despite meticulous planning, scheduling conflicts were inevitable. It was almost impossible to find a time that suited everyone, resulting in some team members missing out on essential training.

      Additionally, new members frequently join safety teams throughout the year, necessitating continuous training updates. This meant that churches were compelled to spend a considerable amount of money annually, yet only a portion of their team received training at any given time.

      By transitioning to online training, we eliminate these issues, providing a more cost-effective, flexible, and inclusive solution. Every team member can now access the same high-quality training materials at their convenience, ensuring comprehensive and consistent preparation for all.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: These courses are licensed for one (1) person and cannot be shown or shared with others. Certification with Sheepdog Church Security does not grant any authority or privileges not recognized by law. Sheepdog Church Security disclaims liability for any personal injury, property or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the acts or omissions of any person who has completed our training.

    Contact Sheepdog Church Security with any questions at kris@sheepdogchurchsecurity.net