Sanctuary Peacemakers

Unity

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

  1. 2D AGO

    Disability Ministry & Church Safety: What Churches Need to Understand

    In this episode, I’m joined by John Fela, a special needs father, advocate, speaker, and author who works to support families navigating disability, especially fathers who often feel overlooked in that journey. We discuss how churches can better understand and welcome individuals and families affected by disability, how well-meaning volunteers can unintentionally misread behavior, why leadership must set the tone for disability ministry, and how church safety ministries can respond with wisdom, patience, and compassion. John also shares practical insight on sensory needs, avoiding isolation within the church, preparing volunteers, and creating a church environment where families are not merely accommodated, but truly welcomed. Learn more about John on John Fela's website. 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

    37 min
  2. APR 16

    Church Safety: The Sanctuary Blindspot (Welcoming vs Awareness)

    This episode features Robert Siciliano, CEO of Protect Now LLC and the architect of the Strategic Human Firewall. You can learn more about his work at protectnowllc.com. Churches are built on trust—but that same mindset can create blind spots. In this episode, I’m joined by Robert Siciliano to break down what he calls the “Sanctuary Blindspot”—the tension between being welcoming and staying aware. We talk about why people lower their guard in church environments, how situational awareness gets mistaken for paranoia, and the real danger behind the mindset of “it won’t happen here.” We also get into practical steps—what greeters and volunteers should actually be paying attention to, and how churches can stay approachable without becoming vulnerable. And if you want to learn more about Robert and his work, you can find him at protectnowllc.com. 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 If you’re interested in connecting with podcast guests or starting your own show, check out PodMatch—link in the description. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker

    33 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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