Guardian Insights Seminar Series:
Protecting the Flock:
A Safety Ministry Workshop
Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 8 AM to 4 PM Eastern
Event Overview
Houses of worship have long been viewed as sanctuaries of peace — but recent years have shown they are not immune to violence. Studies, including research from the A-Mark Foundation, highlight that churches and other faith communities have increasingly become targets of shootings, stabbings, and arson. These incidents remind us that vigilance and preparedness are essential, even in sacred spaces.
The good news: churches can take meaningful, practical steps to protect their congregations without sacrificing their ministry of hospitality. This workshop, Protecting the Flock: A Safety Ministry Workshop, is designed to help pastors, church leaders, and safety teams understand the nature of these threats, respond effectively in a crisis, and build ministries that balance safety with spiritual care.
Over the course of one day, you’ll learn from experts in ministry, law enforcement, and emergency response. Through presentations, real-world scenarios, and open discussion, you’ll discover how to:
- Recognize the realities behind modern threats to houses of worship
- Develop practical response plans for emergencies and incidents
- Understand how police respond to critical events and how to cooperate effectively
- Build and strengthen your church’s safety ministry for long-term impact
This is not about creating fear — it’s about building confidence. By equipping your team with knowledge, strategy, and tested practices, your church can remain a place of peace, prepared to meet challenges without losing its mission.
Event Details at a Glance
📅 Date & Time
Saturday, October 11, 2025
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🍴 Lunch Provided
Mission BBQ
(included in registration)
💲 Registration
Early Bird Price: $45
(through October 5, 2025)
Standard Price: $57
👥 Who Should Attend
Pastors, elders, church leaders, ushers, greeters,
safety & security team members, and anyone
responsible for the care and protection of a congregation.
Why Attend? What You’ll Gain
Practical skills, law enforcement insight, and a ministry-first approach
Walk away with clear next steps your church can use immediately—without losing the heart of hospitality and discipleship.
Clarity in Crisis
Learn step-by-step response plans for emergencies and incidents that can be applied immediately in your church.
Law Enforcement Insight
Understand how police respond to active shooter events, what they expect from safety teams, and how to cooperate effectively.
Practical Tools for Safety Teams
Discover how to prepare volunteers to act with confidence while keeping a ministry-first, hospitality-driven posture.
Balanced Approach
Build a safety ministry that protects the flock without sacrificing the mission of welcome and discipleship.
Expert Training in One Day
Hear from leaders in ministry, law enforcement, and emergency management—focused on the realities churches face today.
Networking & Support
Connect with 200+ pastors, leaders, and team members who share your commitment to protecting God’s people.
Agenda
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
8:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Host: Max Beck, Facility Manager & Safety Response Team Director at Grace Community Church
8:10 AM
Crisis to Cavalry
Paul Cobb — Elder & Emergency Management Coordinator, Crosspoint Church (McKinney, TX)
- Simple, effective response plans for church emergencies
- What safety teams should do while waiting for first responders
- Transitioning control when law enforcement arrives
Includes a short break with a vendor spotlight from Right to Bear
10:45 AM
Police Response to Active Shooter Events
Sgt. Steve Jastrzembski — Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office
- How law enforcement responds to active shooter situations
- What safety teams and congregations should expect
- Best practices for supporting and cooperating with police
11:45 AM
Lunch (Provided by Mission BBQ)
1:00 PM
The Case for Church Security
Kris Moloney — Safety Consultant & Instructor for Houses of Worship
- Why every church needs a safety ministry
- Balancing hospitality with preparedness
- Interactive interview format with Max Beck
Followed by a short break and optional vendor presentation
2:30 PM
Q&A Panel Discussion
Featuring Paul Cobb, Sgt. Steve Jastrzembski, and Kris Moloney
- Attendees can submit questions throughout the day or ask live
- Practical answers from ministry, law enforcement, and safety perspectives
4:00 PM
Closing & Dismissal
Meet the Speakers & Host
Learn from experienced leaders in ministry, law enforcement, and church safety.
Decades of combined experience in protecting houses of worship.
Paul developed Crosspoint Church’s security ministry more than 12 years ago in partnership with Congregational Security, Inc., where he also serves as Principal Trainer. He oversees church safety teams, special services, consulting, and firearms training — all with a hospitality-first approach. His ministry experience and ability to simplify complex response plans make him a trusted voice in church safety.
Paul Cobb
Speaker
Sgt. Jastrzembski began his service as a U.S. Army Reserve Military Police Officer while still in high school, later earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Ancilla College. He has served multiple combat deployments, including leading a 24-man security team for U.S. Forces–Afghanistan. Since 2006, he has built a distinguished career with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office, serving in SWAT leadership, school safety, and now as Patrol Day Shift Commander. He also serves as Chief Instructor for the U.S. Army 2-100 Training Detachment.
Sgt. Steve Jastrzembski
Speaker
Kris Moloney has trained and equipped churches nationwide in developing proactive safety ministries. With years of consulting and teaching experience, he emphasizes balancing protection with ministry, helping churches prepare for modern threats without losing their mission of welcome. His session will be presented in an interactive interview format with host Max Beck, drawing out practical, real-world lessons for every attendee.
Kris Moloney
Speaker
For 13 years, Max has overseen the operations of Grace Community Church, where he also directs a 60+ member Safety Response Team. His passion is not only keeping the church facilities running smoothly but also ensuring that the congregation is safe and secure. Max’s leadership and local expertise make him the ideal host to guide this important workshop.
Max Beck
Host / MC