Sanctuary Peacemakers

Unity
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

We discuss safety and security in houses of worship, including team development, training, and real-world challenges facing churches today.

  1. 3d ago

    Why Do They Need to Know That?

    Most people asking questions about your church are simply trying to find their way. But what happens when the questions start becoming unusually focused on entrances, cameras, schedules, or safety procedures? In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at the difference between suspicious and simply noteworthy behavior, how separate observations can reveal a pattern, and why churches should also consider how much information they may be giving away themselves. The goal isn’t to treat unfamiliar people as threats. It’s to remain welcoming while recognizing when a little extra attention may be warranted. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  2. Sep 24

    Everybody Has a Radio. Nobody’s Communicating

    Having radios doesn’t necessarily mean your church safety ministry is communicating effectively. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at what happens when vague messages, unnecessary radio traffic, missed acknowledgments, and assumptions create confusion at the exact moment clear communication matters most. Good radio communication isn’t about complicated codes or sounding tactical. It’s about making sure the right information reaches the right people when they need it. Because when something goes wrong, the goal isn’t to have the most radios. The goal is to understand one another. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  3. Sep 17

    When the Problem Is on Your Own Team: Accountability in Church Safety Ministry

    Leading a church safety ministry sometimes means having difficult conversations with the very people serving beside you. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at the importance of accountability within the safety ministry—from addressing mistakes privately and maintaining consistent standards to coaching, retraining, and knowing when someone may no longer be suited for a particular responsibility. We also discuss why correction should provide a path toward improvement whenever possible and why protecting someone’s dignity doesn’t require lowering the standard. A strong safety ministry requires trust, compassion, and accountability. Sometimes protecting the congregation means making sure the people doing the protecting are held to the standards their responsibility demands. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  4. Sep 10

    102 Minutes That Lasted a Lifetime: Remembering September 11

    Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, some memories still feel remarkably close. In this special episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, I share a personal reflection I first wrote on the fifteenth anniversary of the attacks—the story of where I was, how I learned our country had been attacked, and the days I spent beside my father watching the tragedy unfold. A decade after writing those words, and following my father’s passing earlier this year, those memories carry a different weight. We’ll also reflect on why remembering tragedy matters, what September 11 taught us about service and sacrifice, and why those entrusted with protecting others must continue learning from the past without living in fear of it. Twenty-five years later, may we never forget. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  5. Sep 3

    Protected, Not Policed

    A church safety ministry should provide a sense of security without making worship feel like a security checkpoint. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at the balance between being present and being prominent. From positioning and team rotation to situational awareness, approachability, and the challenge of worshiping while remaining watchful, we explore what a quiet, effective safety presence can look like on an ordinary Sunday. The goal isn’t to make the congregation constantly aware of the safety ministry. It’s to create an environment where people can worship freely, knowing someone is paying attention. Protected—not policed. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  6. Aug 27

    Sometimes Safety Is Supposed to Be Boring

    Church safety conversations often focus on violence and active shooters. Those threats deserve preparation—but they aren’t the only emergencies a congregation may face. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look beyond security to the less dramatic but often more likely emergencies churches need to prepare for, including fires, evacuations, severe weather, and environmental hazards. We’ll discuss children’s ministry considerations, assembly areas, working with local fire departments, and why having an emergency plan means very little if nobody knows how to use it. Good safety preparation isn’t always exciting. Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing where to go, who is responsible, and what to do before the alarm ever sounds. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  7. Aug 20

    Less-Lethal Does't Mean Harmless

    Less-lethal tools can sound like the perfect compromise for a church safety ministry—but less-lethal does not mean harmless. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we take a practical look at options such as OC spray and gel, conducted electrical weapons, restraints, and impact weapons, along with the training, legal, and environmental considerations that come with them. We also examine an often-overlooked question: What happens when the tool doesn’t work? The goal isn’t to argue for or against less-lethal options. It’s to help church safety ministries understand their limitations, recognize the responsibility that comes with authorizing them, and make decisions based on what actually protects rather than simply what feels safer. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

  8. Aug 13

    I Thought That Was Legal: Why Church Safety Ministries Need to Know the Law

    Good intentions aren’t enough when your church safety ministry is operating on assumptions about the law. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at why understanding the laws where you serve matters—from trespass and use of force to firearms, custody disputes, protection orders, medical emergencies, and more. We’ll also discuss the difference between church policy and law, criminal and civil liability, and why insurance coverage shouldn’t be taken for granted. Knowing the law shouldn’t make your ministry afraid to act. It should help you prepare so that when something happens, you can respond with greater confidence and within the boundaries of the law. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

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About

We discuss safety and security in houses of worship, including team development, training, and real-world challenges facing churches today.

Information

  • Creator
    Unity
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Unity
  • Show Website
    Sanctuary Peacemakers