Special Sheepdog Coffee Zoom with Richard Hughbank

Since 1999, the Faith-Based Security Network's Deadly Force Incident (DFI) Study has tracked deadly force incidents affecting churches and ministries across America. Every case represents a tragedy, but together they also reveal trends that can help us better protect the people God has entrusted to our care.

One trend has become increasingly difficult to ignore.

We are witnessing an increase in mass casualty attacks directed toward houses of worship.

These attacks come from a variety of motivations. Some are fueled by personal grievance, others by domestic violence, and still others by extremist ideologies. Regardless of the motive, church security teams are asking the same question:

How do we recognize the warning signs before violence reaches our doors?

Most security training focuses on responding once an attack begins. While that training is essential, prevention begins much earlier—with understanding how individuals become radicalized and what factors contribute to targeted acts of violence.

This Saturday's Sheepdog Coffee will address that very topic.

Our guest speaker is Dr. Richard J. Hughbank, a retired U.S. Army Military Police officer, combat veteran, homeland security professor, counterinsurgency instructor, and internationally recognized terrorism researcher. Drawing from decades of operational experience and academic research, Dr. Hughbank examines how ordinary individuals can become homegrown violent extremists and why understanding that process is critical to recognizing and mitigating threats before lives are lost.

Before turning the program over to Dr. Hughbank, we'll share several findings from the FBSN's Deadly Force Incident Study highlighting the increase in mass violence directed toward houses of worship and discuss why these trends make today's conversation so important.

Because this topic impacts every congregation—not just those affiliated with the Faith-Based Security Network—we have chosen to make this week's Sheepdog Coffee open to the public. Our goal is to place practical information on recognition, prevention, and mitigation into the hands of as many pastors, ministry leaders, church security operators, law enforcement officers, and concerned members of the faith community as possible.

If understanding the pathway to radicalization helps even one church recognize warning signs sooner or prevent an act of violence, then this conversation will have been worthwhile.

Please forward this invitation to your pastors, ministry leaders, security team members, law enforcement partners, and anyone who has a heart for protecting God's people.