Church Security – Planning is As Important As the Plan

The two extreme views about safety and security planning for churches: Some people feel there is no way to prevent a wild-eyed shooter from running into a church lobby and opening fire, so they feel there is no point in trying to develop response plans. Others are so concerned about possible violence they want security teams, all-new locks and alarms, and practice drills on a regular basis.

A balanced view: The most effective security response in most settings is to plan for extreme potentials, but put the emphasis on consistent and continuous moderate and logical approaches to safety and security. This is the same kind of planning and concern that should be done by homeowners, travelers, women alone, and in care for children.

In the area of church security planning, the planning process itself is almost as valuable as the plan that is developed. It achieves several positive things:

1. The leadership team of the church can show their concern and interest for the church family in a tangible way, by directing and supporting safety and security plans. Pastors, worship leaders and deacons are looked to by others as a source of approval and encouragement. Church safety and security planning is one way to have a positive impact.

2. The entire church family can be involved in matters that directly affect them. Greeters and ushers, teachers, child care, maintenance staff, and every church member, all can have a role in ensuring that they are more safe and that they do not do things that could create harmful situations for others.

3. Planning requires observing and evaluating, and that is something that often is neglected in church buildings. Doing a monthly walk-about to see the status of doors, windows, areas that might be unsafe or insecure, and the condition of the building in general, can be very beneficial. A safety and security audit may be the first time some leaders have ever really gotten to know the facility in every nook and cranny.

4. Planning brings people together. If the leaders keep a balanced perspective, safety and security planning can be a positive, forward-thinking process, much like planning for growth, planning for a new building, planning an event, or any other planning activity.

There is value in planning, completely apart from the plan! All church members can do their part to encourage a systematic approach to considering church safety and security. It does not have to be excessive or based on any specific fear. The idea is to realize that the church building is valuable, every item in it has both monetary and emotional value, and the members and visitors who come to the house of worship should be able to feel that their safety and security has been considered.