Strengthening Exterior Church Security
Introduction: Protecting Beyond the Sanctuary
When most people think about church security, their minds go immediately to the sanctuary—the place where worship happens, sermons are preached, and prayer is offered. But the greatest threats often emerge before anyone even sets foot inside. The surrounding property, especially parking lots, is the true frontline of defense. Faith-based security experts emphasize that if we want to protect our congregations, we must start outside the building.
Biblical Basis for Exterior Defense
Our mandate to defend the church doesn't come from a worldly perspective—it’s rooted in Scripture. Nehemiah 4:18 tells us, "for the builders everyone had a sword girded by his side and so build it and he that sounded the trumpet was by me so we labored in the work and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared."
This picture of vigilance reflects God’s call for His people to take up a defensive posture. Just as Nehemiah’s workers built the wall with swords at their sides, today's church safety teams must “build” a wall of vigilance around the congregation—ready to act when necessary. We are the modern-day guardians called to defend the church, our place of worship, fellowship, and refuge.
The Reality: Most Deadly Attacks Start Outdoors
Statistics paint a sobering reality. According to Carl Chinn and the Faith-Based Security Network, over 75% of deadly force incidents at churches and faith-based organizations start outside the building, often in the parking lot.
This figure isn’t just a number—it’s a call to action. Neglecting exterior security leaves a glaring vulnerability that attackers can exploit. Strengthening perimeter defense can stop threats before they reach the heart of the church community.
Real-World Examples: Violence on Church Grounds
Several tragic incidents illustrate how critical it is to monitor church property:
- Ames, Iowa (June 2, 2022): Two students were shot and killed in a church parking lot by a former boyfriend just before a Bible study.
- East Baltimore, Maryland (November 16, 2021): A church custodian was murdered after letting construction workers into the building.
- Los Angeles, California (November 17, 2021): A pastor was shot and killed outside his church after teaching a Sunday morning class.
- Tampa, Florida (November 14, 2017): A volunteer feeding the homeless was shot in the back outside a church by a suspected serial killer.
In all these examples, violence occurred outside—in the areas many churches fail to properly secure.
Proactive Exterior Measures: Patrolling and Monitoring
One of the most vital steps in strengthening exterior security is proactive patrolling. It’s not enough to have cameras recording footage for after the fact. As the source bluntly states, "Cameras are great as long as we're watching them."
Passive surveillance doesn’t prevent crime—it only documents it. Real-time monitoring is essential. If the church is open, someone must be watching the camera feeds.
Likewise, foot patrols are essential. Yes, weather can be brutal—whether it’s the freezing cold of Minnesota or the sweltering humidity of Alabama—but consistent patrolling saves lives. As Sheepdogs, we must accept the duty to endure discomfort for the sake of protecting our flock.
Identifying Suspicious Behavior Outdoors
Knowing what to look for can prevent a tragedy. Some key behaviors that should raise a red flag include:
- People sitting in a parked vehicle for more than a few minutes without a clear reason.
- Vehicles driving by multiple times, occupants clearly watching the church.
- Individuals wearing tactical gear or long coats inappropriately for the weather (though caution is needed with “auditors”).
- People leaving and returning to vehicles suspiciously during service times.
- Strangers creeping around the perimeter of the property.
- Individuals "car shopping," pulling on door handles to check for unlocked cars.
- Carrying bags or boxes inconsistent with normal church activities.
- Face coverings like balaclavas when not medically necessary.
These indicators, spotted early, give the team the critical moments needed to intercept a possible attack.
Engaging Suspicious Individuals: The Two-Person Contact and Cover Method
When approaching someone who seems suspicious, safety teams must act carefully and professionally. The recommended procedure includes:
- Alert the rest of the security team to the situation.
- Approach with a two-person team: One member engages (contact) and the other supports from a short distance (cover).
- Friendly engagement: Begin with a warm, non-threatening greeting such as, “Hi there! Welcome to church. Is there any way we can help you?”
- Situational assessment: Gauge the individual's behavior. Do they appear agitated, evasive, aggressive?
- Verbal de-escalation: Keep language non-accusatory and calm, aiming to de-escalate tensions.
- Prepare for rapid escalation: Be ready for the possibility of violence but act with measured caution.
- Involve law enforcement if needed: If the individual refuses to leave, becomes hostile, or their behavior indicates a threat, call the police immediately.
Engaging people early often “derails” bad intentions. A potential attacker who realizes they’ve been spotted may abort their plan altogether.
Understanding Different Threats: Surveillance, Attackers, and Auditors
Not all threats are the same. Exterior threats generally fall into three broad categories:
- Surveillance Actors:
These individuals are scouting the church for vulnerabilities. They may be planning a theft, a break-in, or something worse.
Patrols and camera monitoring disrupt their plans.
- Attackers with Violent Intent:
They arrive intending to harm. They may carry weapons concealed in bags, under coats, or on their person.
Early detection and proactive engagement are key to stopping them.
- Auditors (or First Amendment Activists):
These individuals often intentionally film interactions with security teams to provoke a reaction. While usually staying on public sidewalks, they aim to create viral videos showcasing "violations" of their rights.
Avoid engaging aggressively. Watch closely, inform law enforcement, and let the police handle them.
Understanding who you are dealing with dictates the appropriate response.
Conclusion: Exterior Vigilance Saves Lives
The fight for the safety of the church doesn't begin at the sanctuary door—it begins at the curb, the sidewalk, the edge of the parking lot.
By maintaining a biblical commitment to defense, recognizing the statistical realities of exterior attacks, learning to spot suspicious behavior, and developing smart and safe engagement strategies, church safety teams can protect their congregations more effectively.
As Nehemiah’s builders labored with weapons in hand, so must today’s Sheepdogs remain vigilant. Exterior security isn’t an afterthought—it’s the first and most important line of defense. Whether it's rain, heat, or cold, the call remains the same: Be watching. Be ready. Protect the flock.