Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In today's world, churches can no longer afford to overlook safety and security concerns. What was once considered a sanctuary from violence and emergencies is now subject to the same risks faced by businesses, schools, and public spaces. A well-organized church safety ministry is critical to protecting congregants and ensuring that emergencies—whether fires, severe weather, medical incidents, or violent threats—are handled effectively. This guide will outline the key elements of establishing a church safety ministry, emphasizing the importance of awareness, preparedness, and communication.
The Growing Need for Church Safety Ministries
Violence in churches is not new, but awareness of the problem has increased in recent years. As one expert noted, "The crimes and the problems that happen at other organizations have been occurring at church all along and we just haven't really taken a very close look at it."
Carl Chinn, a leading researcher on violence in places of worship, has tracked incidents since 1999 and identified a steady rise in violent encounters, with a notable spike beginning around 2008. These statistics underscore the urgency for churches to take proactive measures in forming safety ministries.
Churches across the country are responding to this growing threat by organizing safety teams. However, a church safety ministry is more than just a security team—it involves the entire congregation being alert, prepared, and willing to act.
The "See Something, Say Something" Principle
One of the most critical aspects of church safety is vigilance. Suspicious activity should never be ignored. As one expert explains, "Pay attention to what's going on around us during your normal day... inside the church... you're there to help people but you're also there to observe."
Common indicators of suspicious activity include:
- Unusually parked vehicles or unattended bags/boxes.
- Open doors or windows that should be secured.
- Individuals displaying excessive curiosity about security measures.
- People acting overly nervous, angry, or confused.
While any single sign may not indicate a threat, safety teams and church leaders must take a holistic view of the situation: "With all of these things that we covered, each one of them by themselves may not be anything. The goal here is to take a full view of absolutely everything that's going on and then make a determination on all of these factors if it's something that we need to check out."
If something seems suspicious, the best response is to alert the safety team or law enforcement so the situation can be assessed appropriately.
Fire Safety Protocol (RACE)
Fires in places of worship can be devastating, and churches must have clear protocols to ensure the safety of everyone inside. A simple and effective way to remember fire safety procedures is the RACE acronym:
- Rescue: Remove individuals from immediate danger.
- Alert: Activate the fire alarm and call 911.
- Confine: Close doors and windows to slow the spread of fire.
- Evacuate/Extinguish: If safe, use a fire extinguisher to put out small fires. Otherwise, evacuate immediately.
Having fire drills and educating congregants on evacuation routes can greatly improve a church's ability to respond to a fire.
Severe Weather Preparedness
Churches must also prepare for natural disasters such as severe storms and tornadoes. Safety teams should establish clear emergency protocols, including:
- Moving to a sturdy building and staying away from windows, glass doors, electrical equipment, and plumbing during a thunderstorm warning.
- Seeking shelter in the lowest level of the building (such as a basement) or an interior room away from exterior walls in the event of a tornado.
- Preparing emergency kits with first aid supplies, flashlights, and emergency communication tools.
Good Will Offering – Support Church Security Training
At Sheepdog Church Security, we are committed to equipping churches with free resources, training, and guidance to help protect congregations everywhere. If you've found this content helpful and would like to support our mission, consider making a Good Will Offering.
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While all of our resources will remain free, your generosity allows us to continue providing high-quality training and materials to those who need it most. Stand with us in safeguarding places of worship.
Active Shooter Response (Run, Hide, Fight)
While rare, active shooter incidents are among the most devastating threats a church can face. Church leaders and safety team members must be prepared to guide others during such an event. The "Run, Hide, Fight" strategy provides a clear framework:
- Run: If escape is possible, evacuate immediately, leaving belongings behind. Keep hands visible to ensure law enforcement can quickly identify you as a non-threat.
- Hide: If running is not an option, find a secure hiding place, lock doors, turn off lights, silence phones, and barricade the entrance if possible.
- Fight: As a last resort, use any available objects to disorient or attack the shooter.
Leaders must remember: "If you're in a leadership position at all in the church... people are going to look to you for some sort of guidance." Training sessions, drills, and scenario-based exercises can significantly improve preparedness for these high-risk situations.
Communication is Key
A strong communication system is essential for any safety ministry. Effective communication can prevent confusion and ensure a coordinated response in an emergency.
Recommended communication tools include:
- Two-way radios: These provide reliable communication between safety team members, ushers, hospitality personnel, and children's ministry staff. One church leader explains, "The children's ministry has radios, the hospitality (greeters and ushers) have radios, and of course, the safety team and key staff have radios."
- Mass notification systems: Churches should consider using mass messaging apps to alert the congregation about emergencies.
- Cell phones: While less reliable than radios in a fast-moving emergency, cell phones should be part of the communication plan for contacting law enforcement and emergency services.
Resources for Church Safety Ministries
Sheepdog Church Security offers valuable training and resources to help churches establish and develop their safety ministries. Some key offerings include:
- Safety Member Certification: A comprehensive, video-based online training program designed to equip church safety team members with essential skills in security team fundamentals, active shooter response, de-escalation, child protection, use of force laws, and emergency preparedness.
- Safety Director Toolkit: A resource-packed toolkit that provides church safety leaders with policies, procedures, training plans, emergency action guides, and access to expert-led workshops to streamline and enhance their church's safety ministry.
Conclusion
A proactive, well-organized church safety ministry is essential to ensuring the security of worshippers. By addressing potential threats through awareness, preparedness, and effective communication, churches can create a safer environment for their congregations.
Churches must embrace the collective responsibility of safety, ensuring that not just the designated safety team but the entire congregation is engaged in the mission of vigilance and preparedness. Whether through formal training programs, practical emergency drills, or improved communication methods, investing in safety today can save lives in the future.