Churches, like schools, shopping areas, and offices, are public places and need to be prepared to respond to potentially threatening situations. 

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance (BMIC) and the Center for Personal Protection and Safety (CPPS) have worked together to provide security conferences across the nation, teaching churches about safety and security plans and teams.

In response to requests for additional safety and security resources, BMIC and CPPS have produced The Church Safety and Security Guidebook/DVD Kit. The step-by-step manual and accompanying DVD are designed to help churches develop a ministry-focused safety and security plan.

Contact: Jennifer Murphy, 260-481-5665

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Sept. 15, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Churches, like schools, shopping areas, and offices, need to be prepared to respond to medical and weather emergencies, theft and vandalism, the effects of domestic violence, and disruptive individuals. Churches need to know how to protect their people from harm while providing a welcoming environment. A ministry-focused safety and security program is the key.

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company (BMIC) and the Center for Personal Protection and Safety (CPPS) are working together to provide churches with safety and security information that meets the unique needs of ministries today. In 2011, the two organizations have collaborated in bringing security conferences to churches that address their particular needs with safety and security. Brotherhood Mutual hosted three Signal Fire conferences (Greenville, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Lincoln, NE) and by year's end CPPS will host 14 conferences sponsored by Brotherhood Mutual. More than 1000 people have attended these conferences.

"We want to give churches across the U.S. access to ministry-minded security experts so they will have the tools and resources to prepare and protect their people and ministries," says Hugh White, vice president of marketing for Brotherhood Mutual. "We believe having a safety and security ministry is a critical mission for every church."

Now, in response to requests from conference attendees and others for more safety and security resources, BMIC and CPPS have developed The Church Safety and Security Guidebook/DVD Kit. The kit includes a 250-page step-by-step manual, a five step quick start guide, and 20-minute DVD to help churches develop a ministry-focused safety and security plan -- regardless of their size or budget. More information on this resource is available at store.brotherhoodmutual.com.

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company is one of the nation's leading insurers of churches and related ministries and has been in business for nearly 100 years. Brotherhood Mutual serves more than 35,000 churches and ministries in 39 states and the District of Columbia, helping ministries manage risk by providing property, liability, commercial auto, workers' compensation, and foreign travel insurance. BMIC also provides hundreds of safety resources and free legal assistance to ministries across the country. For more information on Brotherhood Mutual, please visit brotherhoodmutual.com.

The Center for Personal Protection and Safety is one of the world's leading providers of customized safety and security training, consultation, and technology solutions. Led by former U.S. Department of Defense, State, and FBI officials, CPPS consults with and trains individuals from Fortune 500 corporations and more than 900 colleges and universities across North America. For more information on CPPS, please visit cppssite.com.

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Jennifer Murphy, 260.481.5665.

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company offers comprehensive property, liability, workers' compensation and commercial auto insurance for churches and related ministries throughout the United States. Other programs include foreign liability and travel assistance for short- and long-term mission trips. The company's home office in Fort Wayne, Indiana employs more than 250 people, with independent agents in 39 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.brotherhoodmutual.com.