Qualifications for Safety and Security Team Members
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. ~ Acts 6:3 (ESV)
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife [literally, a one-woman man], managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Timothy 3:8-13 (ESV)
Members of a church's safety & security ministry (Safety/Security Committee, Safety/Security Director, Safety/Security Team) fall into the general category of deacons. While elders provide spiritual direction and oversight (including preaching and teaching), deacons are primarily relied on for the physical work of the church. This includes serving meals, cleaning, building maintenance, office work, etc.
The first seven deacons cared for widows and orphans in the church, and probably also in the community. This enabled the Apostles (Elders) to focus on prayer and teaching. This is also the role of deacons (whether they bear that title or not) in the modern church. Pastors and teachers need time for studying and preparing lessons and sermons, as well as counseling. They may do some visitation, but larger congregations require more people to do this work.
The role of deacons in the safety/security ministry is to protect the church, both people and property. Unless the congregation is very small, the pastor(s) do not have time to manage security. And they obviously cannot be at the door or in the hallways while standing on the platform.
A church needs qualified persons to serve in its safety/security ministry. There are two areas of qualifications: biblical and task specific. As deacons, the security director and members of the committee and the team must be “of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Paul provided details of this in his letter to Timothy:
- Dignified
- Truthful
- Sober (no substance addiction)
- Financially honest
- Not greedy
- Faithful believer
- Have a clear conscience
- Blameless (good reputation)
- Faithful spouse (if married) and parent (if there are children)
- Financial integrity
- Trustworthy
More specific to the safety & security ministry are other requirements:
- Be a member or regular attendee of that congregation
- Be physically able to do the job
- Have no disqualifying criminal convictions
- Fill out an application
- Submit to and pass background check and reference check
- Be reliable, timely
- Be able to understand and follow policies, guidelines, directions and directives
Understandably, false statements on an application or resume would disqualify someone from serving in the Safety & Security Ministry, as would convictions for felonies and certain grievous misdemeanors.
Once on a security team, there are some continuing qualifications:
- Attend and pass initial orientation and training
- Continue training –
- New training
- Refreshment of previous training
- Participate in drills, practice skills
- Keep all required certificates, licenses and registrations up-to-date
- Faithfully attend church services and classes
Most of the qualifications for serving as deacons in the church, including as security team members, have to do with ones character. Your congregation or denomination may have other requirements for serving in their Safety/Security Ministry.
Other considerations in being a member of a Safety & Security Team in your church can be found on Sheepdog Church Security in the Safety Team Academy and related downloadable training packets (such as Church Safety / Security Team Academy).