Henry Co. Sheriff’s Office, local pastors create church safety DVD

HENRY COUNTY, Tenn. — Experts say that crimes against churches has increased in recent years, and one local sheriff’s office is working to make sure their local congregations are safe.

Church is supposed to be a place of peace, service and fellowship, but many times this place of safety can be the victim. Local religious leaders have come together with their local sheriff’s office.

“We can’t stick our heads in the sand,” Missions Pastor James Twilbeck with the Western District Baptist Association said. “We have to be aware of what’s happening in our world today, and that even here in little Paris, Tenn., church security is an issue that we have to deal with.”

Officials say in 2014 there were 176 deadly force incidents documented at churches and other faith-based organizations, a 21 percent increase from 2012.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office has worked with a local pastor to create a DVD designed to help the county’s churches.

“In today’s society and times, churches are not exempt from thefts and crimes being committed within the church,” Lt. Scott Wyrick said. “That’s what kind of sparked us to put out these DVDs.”

The DVD addresses topics including first aid and natural disasters, background checks, tithes and offerings, insurance and being observant.

Officials say they want to be proactive in protecting their congregations and that the DVD is not just for the 200 churches in Henry County but all of West Tennessee.

“God has entrusted us with the lives of the people who are there, and we have to make sure that we are doing everything to protect those lives,” Twilbeck said.

Copies of the DVD have been sent out to every church in Henry County. If your church has not yet received a copy, please contact Belew or Chief Deputy Damon Lowe at 731-642-1672.