Is Your Church a Safe Place? Why Safety Matters and How We Can Help
In today’s world, safety in the church is no longer just a matter of locking the doors after service. It requires thoughtful preparation, intentional planning, and awareness of the unique challenges churches face. From children’s ministry to Sunday worship, from parking lots to fellowship halls - every part of your church needs to be considered through the lens of safety.
Churches should be places where people feel spiritually, emotionally, and physically secure. But with rising concerns about everything from medical emergencies to active threats, churches must move beyond hope and take real action to protect their congregations. A safe environment not only safeguards members and guests - it communicates love, stewardship, and preparedness.
When people come to church, they come with trust. Parents drop off their children expecting they’ll be cared for. Seniors attend midweek events believing they’ll be looked after. Volunteers and staff alike operate best when they know there are clear policies and safety procedures in place.
Unfortunately, too many churches remain unprepared. Some don’t have a written emergency response plan. Others haven’t evaluated who has access to sensitive areas like children’s classrooms or offices. In many churches, volunteers aren’t sure how to respond if someone falls ill, becomes disruptive, or enters the building with harmful intent.
It’s not about creating fear, it’s about creating peace of mind. Being proactive allows your ministry to flourish without distraction or unnecessary risk. And with fall approaching, a season when many churches welcome new faces and restart ministries - now is the perfect time to take practical steps toward strengthening your church’s safety.
Here are a few places to start:
Post Emergency Evacuation Route signs in every room. These direct people to safety during emergencies such as fires or other disasters and reduce confusion during evacuation. Include your church’s name and address on the sign so anyone calling for help has the exact location.
Update volunteer background checks. Ensure that all volunteers have current background checks, ideally updated every two years. Provide leaders with a list of approved volunteers so they know who is cleared to serve.
Plan an emergency drill. Give your congregation the chance to practice evacuation and learn where to go. A simple drill after a service can greatly increase preparedness and confidence.
To support your church in becoming a safer, more prepared place, we offer access to a church safety consultant who will evaluate your facility and ministry operations. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Each church has its own layout, congregation, and rhythms - and our goal is to give you customized recommendations that fit your unique setting.
Our consultation includes:
On-site visit to walk through your building and grounds
Assessment of safety procedures for children, youth, and vulnerable adults
Review of emergency response protocols (medical, fire, severe weather, active threats)
Evaluation of entrances, exits, signage, and access points
Volunteer training recommendations for greeters, ushers, and staff
Written report with practical, prioritized action steps
Your church’s mission is too important to leave safety to chance. A secure environment allows people to focus on what matters most - worship, community, and growth in Christ.
We would be honored to partner with you in this important work. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, contact me today to discuss your needs. Let’s take action now - before a crisis forces change - so your church remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone who walks through your doors.
Sandy Coelho serves as Lay Leadership Development Coordinator at the Baptist Churches of New England.