When the Threat Is the Reaction

When the Threat Is the Reaction

Bomb threats should always be taken seriously, but they should also be handled with calm, clear thinking. In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at bomb threats from a church safety perspective and discuss why the greatest danger may not always be the threat itself, but the reaction it creates. From suspicious packages and evacuation decisions to rally points, parking lot awareness, and avoiding tunnel vision, this episode focuses on the importance of maintaining situational awareness before, during, and after a threat is received. A bomb threat may focus everyone’s attention on the building, but safety ministries must continue watching the bigger picture. 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 [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 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-today/1775678538?i=1775679079] Website [http://www.apple.com]: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ [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 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-mind/1867089416?i=1867089417]

What Safety Ministries Should Keep Confidential

Not everything a safety ministry knows needs to become public church information. In this episode, we talk about the importance of confidentiality within church safety ministry and why sensitive information must be handled with wisdom, discipline, and care. From family situations and custody concerns to leadership matters and private church issues, safety ministries often become aware of things that should stay within the right circle of responsibility. This episode explains why confidentiality is not secrecy for its own sake, but a matter of trust, dignity, and ministry. If safety is ministry, then protecting people includes protecting their private information. 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 [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 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-today/1775678538?i=1775679079] Website [http://www.apple.com]: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ [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 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-mind/1867089416?i=1867089417]

Protecting the Vulnerable: Understanding Dyslexia in the Church

What happens when a child believes they’re “dumb”? In this episode, dyslexia researcher Russell Van Brocklen joins us to discuss dyslexia, learning differences, and how churches can play a vital role in helping children move from frustration and shame to confidence and growth. Learn more from Russell and download his free guide, “3 Reasons Your Child’s Dyslexic Education Isn’t Working and What to Do About It”: https://mailchi.mp/dcacd9a6f9ae/3-reasons-ebook [https://mailchi.mp/dcacd9a6f9ae/3-reasons-ebook] 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 [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 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-today/1775678538?i=1775679079] Website [http://www.apple.com]: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ [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 [https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-mind/1867089416?i=1867089417]

What Children’s Ministry Workers Should Know About Safety

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at the overlap between children’s ministry and safety ministry. Children’s ministry workers do not need to become safety team members, but they are often the first adults present when something happens in a classroom. That means basic preparation matters. We talk about why teachers should have first aid knowledge, how basic radio use helps them call for support, why situational awareness matters around children and parents, and how emergency procedures can help workers respond calmly until help arrives. The goal is not to add pressure to children’s ministry workers. It is to equip and support them as they care for the children entrusted to the church. 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

When a Church Steps Into the Crowd

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at what happens when a church leaves its own property and steps into a public setting like a parade. Using real experience from a city parade, I talk about the balance safety ministry members have to keep: enjoying the event, smiling, waving, and representing the church well, while still staying aware of the crowd, the children, the float, the parking lot, and the movement around them. This episode also looks at practical concerns like children handing out candy, staying together as a group, watching the area around a float, communicating during the event, and making sure no child gets separated or left behind. The goal is not to make public events feel tense. It is to serve with wisdom, stay attentive, and help the church represent Christ well when it steps into the crowd. 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