In the last decade, we’ve seen a significant shift in how churches approach safety and security. What was once an afterthought has become an essential ministry function. At Brentwood Baptist, we’ve learned that creating safe spaces isn’t just about having a police officer direct traffic—it’s about developing comprehensive systems that protect our most vulnerable while still allowing ministry to thrive.

I’ve had the privilege of serving as Associate Executive Pastor overseeing our safety protocols, and I’d like to share what we’ve learned through years of developing, implementing, and refining our approach to ministry safety.

1. Start with the “Why” Behind Safety Planning

When we first began enhancing our safety procedures, we asked ourselves a fundamental question: “How can we make church a sanctuary where people feel safe to hear the good news of the Gospel?”

This question formed the foundation of our approach. Safety measures aren’t just bureaucratic hoops to jump through—they’re part of our mission to engage the whole person with the whole Gospel. When a first-time guest walks through our doors, they’re immediately asking themselves, “Is this a safe place for me and my family?” Our visible security measures actually remove barriers by reassuring visitors that we’ve thought through their concerns.

Action Step: Gather your leadership team and have an honest conversation about safety. Start by asking, “Do we have a plan? What would we do if…?” These simple questions begin a journey toward comprehensive safety planning.

2. Build Your Safety Team by Finding the Right People

Here’s something that might surprise you: You already have safety experts in your congregation. In our experience, every church—regardless of size—has members with valuable expertise you can leverage.

Look for:

• Medical professionals who can help develop health emergency protocols
• Weather enthusiasts who can assist with storm preparation
• Current or retired law enforcement officers who understand security needs
• Technology-minded inpiduals who can help with security systems

The key is to identify these inpiduals and invite them into the conversation. Don’t try to be the expert on everything—curate a list of people with natural tendencies toward different aspects of safety and security.

Action Step: Make a list of 5-10 people in your congregation with professional backgrounds or personal interests that align with different safety needs. Invite them to an initial conversation about developing safety protocols.

3. Establish Clear Vetting Procedures for Ministry Leaders

One of the most critical aspects of creating safe ministry spaces is properly vetting the people who serve, especially those working with children, students, and vulnerable populations.

At Brentwood Baptist, we’ve developed a comprehensive vetting process that includes:

• Personal interviews with ministry leaders
• Detailed applications
• Mandatory training (approximately one hour)
• Background checks
• Reference checks
• Lay vetting teams that provide additional perspectives

This might sound overwhelming, but we’ve found that 100% compliance is non-negotiable. While some long-time volunteers initially pushed back (“I’ve been teaching Sunday School for 20 years!”), we’ve remained firm in our commitment to these standards.

Action Step: Create a clear, documented process for vetting leaders. Start with the basics—background checks and interviews—and build from there. Set a future implementation date and communicate it clearly to your congregation.

4. Develop Clear Protocols for Common Scenarios

Safety planning can feel overwhelming until you break it down into manageable categories.

We’ve found that most situations fall into five basic scenarios:

1. Medical emergencies
2. Weather threats
3. Active threats
4. Missing persons (children or adults with memory issues)
5. Fire or evacuation needs

For each category, develop a one-page document outlining the response procedures. The goal isn’t to create a 45-page manual that no one will read—it’s to provide clear, accessible guidance that your team can reference quickly.

Action Step: Partner with local emergency services. Reach out to your local police department, fire department, and medical professionals. They want to help and will often walk through your building to provide specific recommendations for your space.

5. Train Regularly and Adjust as Needed

Safety planning isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s an ongoing commitment. We’ve found that quarterly training keeps procedures fresh in people’s minds and provides opportunities to address new concerns.

Every ministry context is different, and your safety protocols should evolve as your church grows and changes. Be willing to learn from incidents (both at your church and elsewhere) and adjust your approach accordingly.

Remember that everyone on your team plays a role in safety—from greeters watching for concerning behavior to children’s workers ensuring proper check-in protocols. Regular training ensures everyone understands their part in creating a secure environment.

Action Step: Schedule quarterly safety refreshers for your key teams. Keep these brief (15-20 minutes) and focused on one or two specific scenarios each time.

The Result: Enhanced Ministry, Not Hindered Ministry

The most beautiful thing we’ve discovered is that strong safety measures don’t hinder ministry—they enhance it. Parents feel confident leaving their children in our care. First-time guests recognize that we value their wellbeing. Leadership teams operate with clearer boundaries and expectations.

Yes, implementing these measures requires work. Yes, you’ll face some resistance. But stick with it. Over time, these practices become part of your culture, and everyone begins asking, “Does this align with our protocols?”

The reality is, we can’t prepare for everything or protect everyone from all possible harm. But as shepherds of our congregations, we’re called to protect the flock as much as we’re able. By removing distractions and concerns about basic safety, we create space for people to focus on what matters most—encountering the life-changing message of the Gospel.

For more information on how to create a safety policy for your church, listen to our recent episode “What Every Church Leader Needs to Know About Security.”