Key Takeaways:
A church security plan should address physical safety, emergency response preparedness, surveillance, child protection, and staff training.
Prioritize securing entry points, maintaining fire safety, and having a trained, communicative security team.
Technology like surveillance cameras, mobile alerts, and secure check-in systems improves response time and overall safety.
Regular reviews, drills, and updates to security protocols are essential for staying ahead of threats.
Even small churches can implement meaningful security measures with limited resources or no budget with smart prioritization.
Table of contents
How to Create a Church Security Checklist: A Practical Guide for Protecting Your Congregation
Church Isn’t Immune— And That’s Exactly Why This Matters
There’s nothing like the peace of a Sunday morning. Sunlight streaming through stained glass, coffee brewing in the fellowship hall, and the choir warming up in the background.
But the world isn’t as peaceful as the sanctuary. Churches are soft targets for those who wish to do harm, and pretending otherwise is a luxury no congregation can afford.
We live in a reality where everything from theft and vandalism to active shooter threats are a risk houses of worship must recognize. That doesn't mean you should build a fortress, but it does mean you need a plan.
Safety isn’t just a legal liability or a PR concern. It’s a reflection of how seriously you take your responsibility as a leader.
What Is a Church Security Plan (And Why Your Security Needs Work)?
A church security plan is a coordinated approach to protecting your people, property, and peace of mind. Think of it as your playbook for everything from minor medical emergencies to catastrophic threats. It’s not just alarms and cameras— it’s policies, people, training, and tech working together.
An effective security plan should cover:
Emergency response (fire, medical, weather, active threats)
Access control and surveillance
Child safety
Volunteer and staff vetting
Communication protocols
Ongoing training and evaluation
The Ultimate Church Security Checklist (Seriously, Don’t Skip This Stuff)
1. Fire Safety: The Bare Minimum Every Church Needs
Test all fire alarms monthly— replace batteries.
Check fire extinguisher expiration dates.
Inspect sprinkler systems if you have them. Consider sprinklers.
Run fire drills on a semiannual or annual basis.
2. Secure Entrances, Exits, and Critical Zones
Keep unused doors locked before, during, and after services.
Or station a trusted security member at house of worship entrance
Install deadbolts or access control systems on sensitive areas like offices, nurseries, and media rooms.
Make sure exit paths are always clear.
Install and regularly check alarm systems for unauthorized access.
3. Surveillance Systems: Eyes Where You Need Them
Position cameras in high-traffic areas, parking lots, and dark corners of the building.
Check footage regularly.
Post visible signs that surveillance is in use and consider a 30-day record retention policy for video in case it is needed for a future incident.
4. Trained Security Personnel: Volunteers Aren’t Enough
Place trained security personnel at entry points and around the property.
Equip them with radios, not just cell phones. Fast, silent communication is key.
Don’t rely solely on volunteers.
5. Communication Tools: The Lifeline in a Crisis
Radios or walkie-talkies should be standard for the team.
Have a mass text or app-based alert system for emergencies.
Make sure your congregation knows how they’ll be notified during a crisis.
Crisis alert system for other houses of worship in the area
6. Emergency Exit Maps: No One Should Be Guessing
Post exit maps in hallways, classrooms, and gathering spaces.
Include multiple exit routes and clearly mark “You Are Here” spots.
Update maps when layouts or exits change.
7. Background Checks: No Exceptions, No Excuses
Run them on everyone—pastors, volunteers, greeters, janitors. Everyone.
Use reputable third-party services, not just Google searches.
Re-check annually, especially for those in contact with minors.
8. Dedicated Security Team: Train, Don’t Just Assign
Recruit individuals with military, law enforcement, or safety experience.
Provide ongoing training on de-escalation, emergency response, and spotting red flags.
Have clear roles and enforce them so all angles are covered.
9. Emergency Plans: Prepare for the Stuff You Hope Never Happens
Cover active shooter response, medical emergencies, fires, and severe weather.
Work with local emergency services to develop and refine plans.
Practice emergency first aid as part of scenario drills.
Institute active emergency drills.
Have an updated evacuation and reunification plan.
Drill each scenario twice a year. Practice makes perfect.
10. Children's Ministry Safety: The Highest Stakes Area
Implement digital check-in and check-out systems.
Require guardian ID tags for pickup.
Limit access to children’s areas for safety.
11. Partner with Local Law Enforcement
Invite police and fire officials to walk through the facility.
Ask for a threat assessment— it’s free and usually thorough.
Coordinate on having officers present during large services or events.
12. Regular Security Audits
Walk through the building monthly. Look for blind spots, bad lighting, or maintenance issues.
Review procedures annually and always get new leadership up to speed fast.
Gather feedback from staff and volunteers.
Consider an opening and closing procedure.
13. Technology That Works for You
Biometric locks, panic buttons, motion sensors.
Use group communication apps (like Signal or Zello) for faster alerts.
Evaluate your tech stack annually and upgrade as needed.
14. Safety Culture: Get the Congregation Involved
Teach people to spot and report suspicious behavior.
Share safety tips in bulletins, emails, and announcements.
Make security everyone’s job.
15. Protect your Security Team with Right to Bear
In case a crisis unfolds, your security team needs the right legal protection.
Right To Bear will protect your team should defensive action become necessary.
100% attorney fee coverage from acts of self-defense or in the defense of others.
Expert guidance in case of an emergency.
Developing a Church Security Plan That Isn’t Just a Paper Exercise
Here’s how to build a church security plan:
Assess vulnerabilities: Walk your property. What would you target if you were the bad guy? A risk assessment is needed at this stage.
Delegate roles: Make sure every team member knows their job— during services and in emergencies.
Write detailed protocols: Fire, shooter, tornado— cover them all.
Practice drills: Quarterly is ideal.
Improve property conditions: Slippery floors and broken locks aren’t just safety hazards— they’re lawsuits waiting to happen.
Create an emergency communication tree: Know who contacts whom in what order.
Bring in professionals: Don’t leave security to the untrained eye.
Best Practices for Maintaining Long-Term Church Security
Stay alert: Complacency is the enemy of safety.
Adapt your plan: What worked five years ago is outdated today.
Balance hospitality with caution: You can be warm and watchful.
Use live-streaming strategically: If attendance dips during high-alert events, live streaming maintains community while minimizing risk.
Debrief after every incident or drill: Learn. Improve. Repeat.
Safety Is a Ministry, Not a Buzzkill
Protecting your congregation doesn’t mean creating fear. A thoughtful church security checklist shows your members that their well-being matters. It’s not about paranoia; it’s about responsible planning for real-world risks and the kind of threats churches increasingly face.
Security is essential. If people don’t feel a sense of safety, they’ll hesitate to return. When your team is trained, your procedures are clear, and your coverage includes physical, digital, and spiritual measures, your ministry becomes a place where people can truly connect, grow, and thrive.
Start today: identify vulnerabilities, invest in the right equipment, and ensure your training and response plans are more than just ideas on paper. This isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about securing your mission with clarity and purpose.
FAQ: Church Security Questions You’re Probably Asking
How do I start a security plan for my church?
Start by assessing risks and vulnerabilities using a clear church security checklist. Involve leadership, create a written plan with well-defined procedures, and consult professionals where needed. Build a team, conduct training, and make sure your members understand their roles.
What’s the most important part of church security?
Securing entry points and having a trained team. If nothing else, control who’s coming in and ensure someone knows what to do if things go sideways. A strong security checklist helps you cover these essentials and avoid unnecessary liability.
How often should we update our security protocols?
At least annually. More often if you’ve had a security incident, changed facility systems, or uncovered new risks . Regular updates ensure your church security efforts stay current and effective.
Can our congregation help with security?
Absolutely. Educate them on what to look for, how to report issues, and how to follow emergency procedures. Getting members involved builds awareness and strengthens your church’s ability to secure your people and property.
Is church security expensive?
Not necessarily. Start with locks, lighting, and communication. Add cameras and tech as your budget allows. Even small churches can install security cameras and adopt scalable church security systems over time. Safety doesn’t have to be high-tech to be effective—just thoughtful and proactive.
Should our church invest in new security equipment and camera systems?
Absolutely. Upgrading your security equipment can significantly improve your church’s ability to monitor activity, deter potential crime, and respond quickly in emergencies. Today’s technology offers HD video, night vision, and cloud storage options that provide better coverage of entrances, parking lots, and common areas. Even basic upgrades can make a major difference in documenting incidents and preventing threats before they escalate.
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