Turning the corner of a new year brings with it a familiar sense of renewal and perspective. We look back on accomplishments and challenges with gratitude and wisdom, and ahead to goals and opportunities with hope and intention. Context from the past sharpens focus for the present, and 2025 reflects a convergence of concurrent trends.
On one hand, there is a growing interest—particularly among younger generations—in Christianity and the grounding principles offered by religion more broadly. On the other, institutional bulwarks within the culture continue to grow increasingly secular and progressive.
A recurring pattern reflected in both scripture and history is that movements of light are often met with corresponding resistance. Interest in Christianity, and hostility toward it, appear to be rising simultaneously.
The Family Research Council—a Washington, D.C.–based faith-oriented think tank—has published recent studies documenting an increase not only in political opposition toward Christianity in the West, but also in tangible acts directed at churches and places of worship.
While many incidents remain acts of vandalism, reported cases have stayed markedly higher since 2020 than in the years prior. More concerning, violent incidents—including arson, bomb threats, and the use of deadly force—have increased from 1 reported case in 2023 to 12 in 2024 (Free to Believe, 2024).
Scripture repeatedly exhorts its reader, “Do not be afraid”—365 times by some counts—an apt reminder as one year closes and another begins. At the same time, scripture consistently calls believers to preparedness and wisdom. Nehemiah offers a clear example: as the people rebuilt, they remained vigilant, tools in one hand and a sword in the other.
As churches assess annual achievements and challenges, budgets and resources, many are considering how to steward growing interest in faith against a backdrop of increasing friction, while continuing to minister to both current and curious congregants.
Much like the many members that comprise the body, preparedness is most effective when approached as a coordinated system rather than a singular solution. Today’s congregations benefit from both historical wisdom and contemporary tools; they have access to practices, training, and technology that allow for greater mitigation and response than at any previous point in history.
While core elements will always include communication, training, and infrastructure—such as controlled access points or surveillance where appropriate—modern tools can strengthen these foundations. There are systems that address several of these considerations and can augment a well-rounded preparedness strategy.
In crisis situations, the greatest challenge is often not a lack of good intentions, concern, or even courage, but a breakdown—or prolonging—of communication. Relaying and receiving critical information are of paramount importance; yet in emergent circumstances where time is compressed, every delay compounds risk.
Even with strong plans and procedures in place, individuals are often required to recall protocols and act decisively under duress. Determining who should initiate contact, ensuring information is relayed accurately, and alerting internal and external parties of danger must all occur within moments. Reliance on cell phones or informal communication methods can introduce delays or conflicting messages, particularly in environments supported by rotating volunteer teams.
Compounding this challenge is a common misunderstanding of how emergency dispatch functions. While life-saving systems such as 911 are indispensable, they are not instantaneous. Calls must be routed, jurisdiction verified, and key details gathered through structured questioning before responders are deployed.
When multiple callers report the same incident—often from differing perspectives—dispatchers must reconcile incomplete or conflicting information before forming an accurate assessment. This necessary process, even when executed efficiently, consumes valuable time.
For this reason, many churches are evaluating emergency communication systems designed specifically to streamline initial response. These systems reduce reliance on verbal explanations by providing responders with immediate, location-specific alerts and basic incident classification, allowing response efforts to begin while additional details are still being clarified. At the same time, internal notifications help ensure that staff and leadership are aware of the situation and able to coordinate a measured response.
Equally important is simplicity. Emergency systems are most effective when they require minimal instruction and perform reliably under stress. Familiar activation methods—often modeled after traditional fire alarms—reduce hesitation and dependence on individual judgment at critical moments.
When paired with modern communication infrastructure, these straightforward designs support faster, more coordinated responses without altering the character or openness of the worship environment.
Preparedness is most effective when approached as a layered system rather than a standalone solution. As churches consider both opportunities and challenges in the year ahead, Nehemiah’s example serves as a reminder that preparedness is not a matter of fear, but of resolve—continuing the work at hand while acknowledging the realities in which that work is carried out.
Supporting productive conditions for ministry requires clear plans, training, and reliable communication tools. Modern systems can play an integral role within a comprehensive emergency response framework by addressing known challenges in emergency communication, including speed, clarity, coordination, and location awareness. These tools remain quiet in the background during ordinary days, yet stand ready to provide clarity and immediacy when extraordinary circumstances arise.
John McNutt is the chief executive officer and co-founder of BluePoint Alert, www.bluepointalert.com. Since its inception in 2013, BluePoint Alert has expanded its reach to 27 states and diversifying its applications beyond K-12 schools to include manufacturing, municipal, religious, and corporate markets.
