Security Best Practices for Churches: Protecting and Preserving

On a Sunday morning, a congregant arrives at church expecting a warm welcome but notices unfamiliar individuals lingering in the hallway. Feeling uneasy and unsure whether they belong, the discomfort follows the congregant into the service. This situation underscores the need for thoughtful church security that balances safety with a welcoming atmosphere.

With my experience assessing government buildings where high-profile employers may work and large corporate operating facilities that are subject to threats and protests, I often consider other locations that have been targeted in the past or places where people find solace and safety.

Churches are meant to be places of peace, reflection, and community. They are often open to everyone and designed to feel welcoming. At the same time, churches bring together large groups of people, including children, seniors, and volunteers, sometimes with little formal security in place. That combination makes safety planning not just a practical concern but a responsibility.

Understanding the Risks

Churches face many of the same risks as other public gathering places, including theft, vandalism, and disruptive behavior. However, gun violence in places of worship is rising. By last September, there had been at least 20 high-profile shootings in houses of worship over the past two decades.

While twenty seems like a high number for gun violence, these incidents remain rare, but their impact is severe. Special events such as holidays, weddings, funerals, and youth activities often heighten risk because attendance is higher. The goal of security planning is not to expect the worst, but to recognize that risks exist and to prepare thoughtfully.

Building Awareness

One of the most effective security measures is awareness. Staff, volunteers, ushers, and greeters should feel comfortable paying attention to what is happening around them and speaking up when something feels off.

This does not mean profiling or being suspicious of newcomers. Instead, it means noticing behavior rather than appearance, such as someone who seems unusually agitated, refuses assistance, enters restricted areas, or behaves aggressively toward others.

Churches benefit from clear guidance on what to do if concerns arise. Who should be notified? How should information be shared? When expectations are clear, people are more confident and less anxious.

Greeters and ushers are especially important. They naturally observe who is entering the building and can offer help while quietly identifying potential issues early.

Physical Security Measures

Most churches can improve security without major construction or expensive systems. They do this by focusing on simple, practical steps that rely more on planning, awareness, and use of existing resources than on costly physical upgrades.

Access Control— During services or events, it is often wise to limit which doors are unlocked while still complying with fire codes. Unused doors can be locked, monitored, or clearly marked as emergency exits only. Clear signage and friendly volunteers help guide visitors to the main entrances.

Lighting— Consistent, uniform lighting plays a significant role in safety. Parking lots, walkways, and entrances should be well-lit, with consistent illumination and minimal dark corners. Good lighting discourages unwanted behavior and helps people feel safe when arriving or leaving, especially at night.

Landscaping and Visibility— Property maintenance matters as well. Overgrown bushes, low-hanging trees, or decorative features that block sightlines can create hiding places. Simple trimming and thoughtful layout improve visibility and reduce risk without changing the property's character. Care and upkeep also communicate that the building is well-maintained, helping prevent vandalism.

Technology— Technology can support church security when used thoughtfully. Access control systems, emergency notification tools, panic buttons, and two-way radios can improve response times and coordination. Decide on tools that fit the church's size, budget, and culture. Technology should support people, not replace good planning or awareness.

Video Cameras—CCTV with recording capabilities can help deter crime and support investigations after an incident. Cameras are most effective at entrances, parking areas, and near children’s spaces. Clear signage lets people know cameras are in use and helps manage privacy expectations.

Sunday Schools and Daycare

Similar to a school, parents place their utmost trust in a house of worship’s Sunday school and nursery programs. Access to nurseries, classrooms, and youth spaces should be controlled during programs. Locked or monitored doors, along with clear policies, help prevent unauthorized entry.

Children’s ministries require special attention. Secure check-in and check-out procedures help ensure that children are released only to approved caregivers. This can be done with badges, matching tags, or simple verification steps. If a private school is affiliated with the church, all school security measures should be implemented each day the school is in session.

Background checks for staff and volunteers who work with children and youth are an essential best practice. While checks are not foolproof, they reduce risk and demonstrate due diligence. As an added layer of security, ensure that at least two adults are always present with children (with additional adults as group size increases), so no one adult is ever alone with a child.

Emergency procedures for children should be age-appropriate. Staff and volunteers should know how to shelter in place, evacuate, or reunite children with caregivers if needed.

Planning for Emergencies

Every church should have an emergency action plan for common situations like medical emergencies, severe weather, fires, evacuations, and disruptive behavior. The plan should be written, shared, and regularly practiced to ensure that staff and key volunteers know their roles and who makes decisions during an incident.

Coordination with local police, fire departments, and emergency medical services is essential. Inviting first responders to tour the facility helps them understand the layout and improves response times during emergencies. Providing them with the church's floor plans and parking lot layouts is also a best practice.

Security is not a one-time project. Churches change, programs grow, and risks evolve. Periodic assessments help identify gaps and keep plans up to date. Even minor improvements such as better lighting, updated procedures, and refresher training can make a meaningful difference over time. Budgeting for gradual improvements allows churches to strengthen safety without overwhelming resources.

Final Thoughts

A common concern is that security measures will make a church feel unwelcoming. However, when people feel safe, they are more comfortable focusing on worship and community. Church security does not mean turning a place of worship into a fortress. It means being prepared, paying attention, and taking reasonable steps to protect the people who gather there. When done well, security supports the ministry rather than detracting from it.

Security is essential for caring for people in every church's mission. Reasonable safety precautions protect congregants, staff, and visitors. Friendly volunteers and clear communication help maintain a welcoming atmosphere. Explaining security measures fosters understanding and trust, especially for children and vulnerable members.

Security should feel like care, not control. With thoughtful planning and a balanced approach, churches can remain open, welcoming places while responsibly protecting those who gather within them.