JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — What happened in Charleston, S.C. has Jacksonville pastors taking a different look at how to prepare for an emergency.
"This is a different season,' said Mark Griffin, pastor of Wyman Chapel A.M.E. "Every church leader has to take a look at their security protocol. We are seeing more violence in the church."
Griffin leads two churches in two different locations and has said security already exists, but now he wondered if it is adequate.
"This situation will cause us to reassess what it is we have in place and make sure it is adequate for these type of situations," he said.
The words 'church' and 'security' may seem like an oxymoron; Ken Jefferson said it is not.
"There are lot of critics that feel that pastors or even parishioners don't need to have certain protection in places," said Jefferson."That is totally wrong."
The former Jacksonville Sheriff's officer is a member of the security detail at Impact church. He said he has served in that capacity 13 years.
"You have to have eyes that are watching people as the come in," he said. "Watching their body language, watching what they're carrying."
Jefferson said it's called preparing for the worse. He said in some churches security members may be in uniform, some may not. But as long as churchgoers know that they are there so they can worship without worry.
He said the Charleston tragedy will bring changes to some churches and heighten security at others.
"Even though we are a house of worship and we welcome all, they are going to be very watchful now as to who comes into the congregation," he said.
Jefferson said church security is not in place to discourage believers, but it is the new reality. He said churches, like schools, are considered 'soft targets' and demand better protection in today's environment.
"The bible tells us to watch as well as prayer,' said Jefferson. "So I would suggest that you prayer with one eye open."
Some insurance companies are also encouraging their churches to beef up security.
