Just like in your home, safety and security should also be a concern for your church. A recent article in USA Today, titled “Sacred and secure: Churches balance safety issues,” talks about the need to be alert and ready to help at a moment’s notice.

While we don’t expect to bring in the SWAT team, we should be prepared for the possibility of abductions or suicides, and even for petty crimes such as vandalism or theft.

We think of places of worship as being calm, peaceful, and filled with joy. Yet, churches often minister to those whose behavior is affected by addiction or other mental illness.

Congregation often work with limited resources, so it may mean preparing the best you can for your circumstances. Your church can conduct safety and security assessments, develop security committees and teams, produce a security manual, and train your staff and leaders about safety and security.

It’s important for churches to prepare and plan for what could happen while believing in the best outcomes.