Church Violence and Security: Thoughts for Churches in 2026
When we think about violence at churches, active shooter incidents often come to mind. But are those really the most common threats churches face? In this episode of On the Path, Steven sits down with Concilium analyst JD to explore what the data reveals about violence at churches, where security vulnerabilities often go overlooked, and why effective church security involves much more than preparing for an active shooter.
From parking lots and weekday activities to de-escalation, firearms, and prevention strategies, JD shares practical insights for church leaders and safety teams. Together, they explore how churches can create safer environments without sacrificing their welcoming, ministry-focused identity. After all, church security isn't simply about protecting people—it's about supporting the mission of the Church and creating an environment where ministry can thrive.
Concilium Online (https://concilium.us/) Concilium Resources (https://concilium.us/resources/) Music by Aaron Porr For more information, email info@concilium.us (mailto:info@concilium.us)
9 Oct 2026
Stranded in Sudan: No Water, No Fuel, No Rescue
What happens when a mission trip takes an unexpected turn in the middle of the Sudanese desert? In this episode of On the Path, Steven sits down with Concilium President Scott Brawner as he recounts a harrowing experience from 1999. With a broken-down Land Cruiser, dwindling supplies, no reliable communication, and hundreds of miles of unforgiving desert, Scott and his team found themselves in a situation where every decision mattered.
Through this firsthand account, Scott shares lessons about preparation, resourcefulness, teamwork, and faith under pressure. It's a powerful reminder that good intentions alone aren't enough when serving in challenging environments. As Scott puts it, "Sentiment is not a strategy." Join us for an unforgettable story that illustrates why wise preparation and faithful stewardship are essential to resilient and effective ministry.
Concilium Online (https://concilium.us/) Concilium Resources (https://concilium.us/resources/) Music by Aaron Porr. For more information, email info@concilium.us (mailto:info@concilium.us).
18 Sept 2026
Insight Brief - Sept 18, 2026
What’s happening around the world—and what does it mean for Gospel workers serving there? In this episode of On the Path, Steven is joined by Concilium global analyst Matt for a high-level tour of emerging developments across the Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
From emerging violence in the Philippines and renewed conflict in Yemen to security concerns in Nigeria, South Africa, and Europe, Matt helps us look beyond the headlines to consider the implications for churches, mission organizations, and Gospel workers. Along the way, we also explore an important question: amid instability and uncertainty, where might the Church find opportunities to faithfully serve?
11 Sept 2026
Reflections on 9/11 - How Missions Changed
In this episode of On the Path, Steven sits down with Concilium President Scott Brawner to reflect on how 9/11 reshaped the environment in which churches and mission organizations send people around the world. Drawing from decades of firsthand experience before and after the attacks, Scott explores how approaches to security, crisis response, risk management, and stewardship have evolved.
What have we learned over the past 25 years and where do we still have work to do? Join us as we look back and consider what faithful, wise, and resilient ministry looks like in the world we're called to serve today.
28 Aug 2026
A Story from the Road: A Walk to 7-Eleven
What could possibly go wrong on a quick walk to 7-Eleven?
For a group of teenage basketball players serving internationally, an ordinary request for snacks became an unexpected lesson in awareness, leadership, and the responsibility that comes with caring for others.
In this episode of On the Path, we share a story from one of Concilium’s teammates about a coach, a group of young athletes, and a few tense seconds on an unfamiliar street. It’s a reminder that preparedness isn’t only for evacuations, emergencies, or worst-case scenarios. Often, it shows up in the small decisions we make long before a crisis ever happens.
How do we recognize risk without living in fear? How do leaders balance freedom with responsibility? And what does faithful stewardship look like when other people have been entrusted to our care?
Sometimes the most important lessons come from a simple walk down the road.
21 Aug 2026
Insight Brief - Aug 21, 2026
In this episode of On the Path, host Steven joins Concilium's Director of Analysis, J.D., for a global security briefing designed for churches, mission organizations, and international workers. They examine Haiti’s election-related instability, violent online extremism in the Philippines, tensions across the Middle East, complex security threats in Niger and Nigeria, and the risks surrounding the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq.
14 Aug 2026
How Great Leaders Respond in Crisis
When crisis strikes, why do some leaders provide clarity and confidence while others become overwhelmed by the chaos? In this episode of On the Path, Concilium President Scott Brawner draws on more than two decades of international crisis management experience to explain how leaders can navigate high-stress incidents with wisdom, composure, and hope. The discussion explores how crises affect decision-making, why rumors often outpace facts, and the leadership principles that consistently make the greatest difference, including emotional regulation, honest communication, visible leadership, and separating facts from assumptions. Scott also explains why preparation, relationships, crisis planning, and prayer must be established long before an emergency occurs, reminding leaders that they do not rise to the occasion in a crisis they fall back on their preparation. Whether you lead a church, ministry, or nonprofit organization, this episode offers practical insights for strengthening resilience and faithfully stewarding the people entrusted to your care.
13 Jun 2024
Violence during U.S. Church Activities from 2019 to 2023
From January 2019 through December 2023, Concilium analyzed 143 violent incidents involving church activities and locations, nine foiled imminent attacks in which an armed person with expressed or probable violent intent entered church property during a church activity, and three foiled planned attacks. Those 155 incidents are listed in Concilium's publication, "Violence during U.S. Church Activities from 2019 to 2023", and, with a few exceptions, were originally covered in Insight Digest, Concilium’s publication for U.S. churches addressing Security in the Context of Ministry.
Sign up for Concilium's Insight Digest (https://concilium.us/insight/)
Concilium Online (https://concilium.us/)
Concilium Resources (https://concilium.us/resources/)
Music by Aaron Porr
For more information, email info@concilium.us (mailto:info@concilium.us).
17 May 2024
Why Security Training for Short Term Missions
Hundreds of people participate in short term missions trips each year. Security training equips these people with practical tools and knowledge in order to more effectively serve in the locations God has called them to go.
Concilium Training (https://concilium.us/equip/)
Concilium Online (https://concilium.us/)
Concilium Resources (https://concilium.us/resources/)
Music by Aaron Porr
For more information, email info@concilium.us (mailto:info@concilium.us).
30 Apr 2024
The Gospel Advance in Ukraine
The Ukraine Church continues on the path of resilience and influence during the darkest of days. Setting an example that is humbling and encouraging for believers everywhere.
Concilium Online
Concilium Resources
Music by Aaron Porr
For more information, email info@concilium.us.
17 Apr 2024
Case Study of Bomb Hoaxes or 'Dry Runs' at American Churches
Federal charges have been filed against an Arizona man accused of purposefully leaving a backpack in a California church's restroom in November 2023 to create the belief a bomb was inside. The publicly released criminal complaint reveals that the man also left a backpack at an Arizona church and appeared to scope out two other churches in Colorado and California. Concilium's Director of Analysis, J.D. VerHoeven, discusses what church safety teams can learn from these incidents.
Sign up for Concilium's Insight Digest (https://concilium.us/insight/)
Concilium Online (https://concilium.us/)
Concilium Resources (https://concilium.us/resources/)
Music by Aaron Porr
For more information, email info@concilium.us (mailto:info@concilium.us).
20 Mar 2024
Haiti 2024: Realities and Perspectives for Security-Risk and Crisis Management
Concilium's President and Director of Security discuss the principles of risk management and crisis response in Haiti with the recent resignation of Haiti's prime minister and gangs controlling much of the capital, Port au Prince.
Concilium Online (https://concilium.us/)
Concilium Resources (https://concilium.us/resources/)
Music by Aaron Porr
For more information, email info@concilium.us (mailto:info@concilium.us).
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