Seven Areas of Consideration for Church Security

By Bryson Haden, Pastor • Hattieville Baptist Church, Hattieville

Security for places of worship remains a topic that often sparks debates and can sometimes be overlooked. Every church should have a security plan in place. Creating such a plan does not signify a lack of faith but demonstrates wisdom in ensuring the congregation's safety. When I conduct security analyses for churches, I frequently uncover genuine vulnerabilities that require attention. Fortunately, someone within the community is usually qualified or can be trained to address these vulnerabilities. Churches, pastors and parishioners need to take proactive steps instead of waiting for a reactive response.

I have over 20 years of ministry experience, including the last 13 as a pastor, along with an extensive background in law enforcement, fire service and private security. Throughout my career, I have directed and participated in security consulting, planning, training and physical security for various organizations and events, including faith-based groups, corporations, political conferences, large-scale events, retailers and executives. In recent years, I have planned, directed and provided security for the BMA of America National Meeting, SOAR and the Celebration Conference. Currently, I am a consultant for Healthy Church Solutions, where I focus on church security.

My passion is equipping churches with customized security assessments, plans and training that align with their ministry goals. By merging safety with a mission-centered approach, I aim to assist churches in protecting their congregations while fostering an environment of worship and community.

An effective perspective on church security should embody a balanced approach to both spiritual and practical concerns. Creating a comprehensive security plan that includes well-trained, ministry-focused individuals while addressing potential emergencies and identifying vulnerabilities is essential for any faith-based organization. These are seven areas of consideration for church security teams and plans:

• Spiritual Maturity in Security Teams — Prioritize spiritually mature individuals who align with the church’s mission and values. This ensures that the team operates as an extension of the ministry rather than just a security detail. Avoid selecting team members based on popularity or influence within the congregation. Instead, focus on their commitment, discretion and ability to serve. Scrutinize those who aggressively pursue this role.

• Comprehensive Training — Training should encompass more than just physical security. It should include emergency medical response (CPR, first aid, AED usage), fire safety protocols and evacuation procedures, conflict de-escalation and managing disruptive individuals with sensitivity, communication skills for effective coordination during emergencies and an ongoing update of training to address new challenges and technologies.

• Team Structure and Rotations — Design a rotation schedule that allows team members to avoid burnout and maintain their spiritual engagement by participating in worship services with their families. Assign roles based on skills, such as medical personnel, situational awareness monitors and greeters who serve as a welcoming presence while remaining vigilant.

• Partnership with First Responders — Build relationships with local law enforcement, fire departments and EMS teams by inviting them to walk through the campus to familiarize themselves with exits, key locations and potential hazards; scheduling joint drills or scenario-based training to practice coordinated responses; and maintaining an updated emergency contact list while communicating your security plan with them.

• Preventing Complacency — Security can become routine and uninspiring. To maintain engagement, hold regular team meetings for updates and feedback, conduct mock drills to simulate various emergencies, rotate responsibilities to keep roles fresh and dynamic and celebrate the team’s dedication while reminding them of their ministry’s value.

• Balancing Safety and Hospitality — Ensure that security measures do not undermine the welcoming atmosphere of the church. Select friendly individuals for visible roles, such as greeters, who can also discreetly observe and respond if necessary.

• Regular Plan Review — Revisit the security plan periodically to ensure it remains relevant. Involve church leadership, team members and external professionals when appropriate.

An emphasis on combining ministry with preparedness creates a framework that protects the congregation and allows for trust and unity. Security, when approached as a ministry, becomes an extension of the church’s mission to care for its members physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Contact me at blhaden@gmail.com if you have any questions.