Witnesses say around 7 a.m. on a Saturday at Bethel Community Church of Southport, Pastor Jaman Iseminger, 29, was working in the church basement.
A woman named Lori Ann Barcroft, 46, showed up and asked for him by name. The volunteers, at the church for a cemetery clean-up project, directed Barcroft inside. They heard gunfire and watched her run away.
Iseminger was killed in what police call a cold-blooded shooting.
“It’s a sign of the times,” said Pastor Gary Johnson at Indian Creek Christian Church in a previous interview. His church is not only donating money to Iseminger’s family, but he’s also advising every church to think about security measures.
Vulnerable target
According to Bill Kincaid, professor in practical parish ministry at Christian Theological Seminary, in some cases, churches are more vulnerable to being targeted.
“More than once in this country there has been a wave of African-American church burnings. In other cases, churches have been vulnerable to violence because they have sided with a persecuted community,” Kincaid said. “There is always vulnerability and risk when a church offers hospitality. Most of the time, the danger isn’t great, but sadly, it has been on occasion.”
He continued to say, though the church building ought to be a safe space, people would have to disregard stories that persist in that false security of “just because you’re at church you’re safe.”
“This isn’t just an urban issue, which some make it out to be,” Kincaid said. “Some terrible tragedies have occurred in small towns and rural villages.”
Brad Bentley field sergeant with Indianapolis Metropolitan Police says there is always a potential for danger when you’re surrounded by large numbers of people.
“It comes down to probability,” Bentley said. “When you’re around a lot of people the chances of violence goes up. That’s just how it is!”
Security measures
Most congregations want to be a blessing to their community. In doing so they implement more ministries whether it’s day care, food pantries, or hosting various events. However, as the ministry grows security should advance with it.
Kincaid explains the need for oversight, which includes not only a ministry of presence, but also extensive screening and training of leaders and support for leaders of ministries.
This can involve significant financial resources and time.
“A lot of churches do provide security,” Bentley said. “They can get help with security and direct traffic in and out at larger congregations. But the church may have to budget for that. It’s the church’s judgment call, which a lot of factoring goes into depending on the neighborhood or event.”
Church security is not over the top and very necessary, believes Kincaid. He recalls during work, visiting a lot of churches and rarely seeing one that doesn’t have a doorbell and intercom. Many of them have security cameras, especially in areas where youth and children are.
“I hate to see bars on windows and fences on front porches because something is just so obviously lost at that point in terms of the church’s message, but I trust that those in such situations know what is best in their particular location and context. The staff and members should be protected,” he said.
Precautions
Even with all the security and technology, sometimes violence is inevitable. In those instances Bentley advises the following:
– Observe: Be vigilant. You know when something is out of place. If you see someone suspicious approach them or call the police.
– Money: Don’t keep large amounts of cash. Drop it off in a deposit box where it is safe.
– Night protection: Make sure the facility is alarmed.
– Documents: Write everything down. Serial numbers or other identification is important in case something is stolen.
– Surveillance: Make sure everything is recorded by video.
– Evacuate: If gunfire is heard, leave fast and call the police.
– Be prepared: Have first aid kits and have a plan.
“(Police) like to be bothered,” Bentley said. “Just call us if anything looks suspicious.”
Kincaid advises the church to welcome the community with open arms to combat any potential violence as well.
“Become a part of the immediate neighborhood or community,” he said. “Be seen as a trusted, known entity. Be recognized as a congregation whose presence enhances the neighborhood, so much so that if it were gone the community would be impoverished.”
