Church Security (Part 2)

By Bryson Haden, Pastor • Hattieville Baptist Church, Hattieville

Executive Editor’s Note: See the first article in this series, Seven Areas of Consideration for Church Security, on page 5 of the Feb. 19 issue or our website at baptisttrumpet.com/2025/02/18/seven-areas-of-consideration-for-church-security.

This article aims to provide insightful information and a thought-provoking overview of the critical aspects of church security and preparedness. My goal is to present a biblically grounded perspective while specifically addressing the modern challenges and concerns faith-based organizations encounter.

Biblical Foundations for Security

• Historical and Biblical Examples — The appointment of gatekeepers in I Chronicles 26 and the prayerful establishment of guards in Nehemiah 4 highlight the importance of vigilance in protecting the people and the mission of God.

• Spiritual and Practical Integration — Nehemiah’s reliance on prayer (Neh. 5:9) emphasizes that planning for safety is both a spiritual and practical responsibility.

Modern Context of Church Security

Here are some statistics regarding church security:

• Nearly 2,000 incidents of violence at faith-based organizations (1999-2018).

• Over 1,050 deaths with robbery as the most common motive.

• 75% of incidents begin outside the sanctuary.

Statistics are based on research by the Faith Based Security Network and the FBI.

Key Lessons and Actionable Steps

• Awareness, Preparedness and Response — Recognize that, while most churches may never face violence, proactive diligence is crucial. Develop a comprehensive safety and security plan that emphasizes the most likely incidents. A visible presence serves as a key deterrent against most criminal and violent behavior.

• Consequences of Violence — Incidents frequently result in a decrease in attendance, community reputation and the mental health of congregants. Recognize that trauma affects everyone involved, even indirectly.

• Infrastructure Enhancements — Invest in security cameras, automatic door locks and proper lighting. Maintain a visible security presence to deter potential threats. (I do not recommend wearing badges or “security” labels. Here, "presence" refers to noticeable vigilance.)

• Robbery Mitigation — Ensure tithes and offerings are handled discreetly and stored in locked containers. Reassess the timing during worship services for collecting offerings. Minimize the public visibility of valuables such as electronics and sensitive documents.

Other Risks and Preparedness

• Medical Emergencies — Recognize that medical emergencies happen more often than violent incidents. Make sure your church is equipped with first aid kits, trauma supplies, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and train designated responders to operate independently of any healthcare professionals present.

• Fire Safety — Develop and train for fire evacuation plans that include clearly marked evacuation routes, regular inspections of fire extinguishers, established muster locations and maintaining an accurate headcount for each gathering.

• Child Safety — Vet nursery workers, children’s pastors and volunteers carefully; implement controlled access to areas designated for minors; regularly check the sex offender registry; and stay vigilant against internal and external threats.

Proactive Measures Against Violence

Acknowledge that perpetrators are often familiar to the church or exhibit suspicious behavior before incidents occur. Train teams to recognize and document suspicious actions, engage in tactful questioning and active monitoring, report concerns to law enforcement when necessary and maintain a professional yet approachable security presence, emphasizing vigilance without creating fear.

Pray, Plan, Protect

No plan is foolproof, but a well-trained and courageous team can reduce risks and respond effectively. Balance faith and stewardship with action:

• Pray for wisdom and guidance.

• Plan diligently to address known risks.

• Protect with humility, understanding the mission to safeguard God’s people and ministry.

This article aims to establish a framework for creating custom security policies and training programs for any congregation. I've highlighted the most likely threats and challenges that today’s churches face. I’m happy to assist in developing a more comprehensive and customized security strategy for your church or faith-based organization. Feel free to contact me at blhaden@gmail.com.