Risk Management

Chapter 2: Church Safety and Security Team

Churches, denominations, and religious organizations are beginning to see the value of continuity and intentionality when it comes to safety, security, and risk management. The enormous value in taking steps toward protecting people, property, facilities, and ministry are now being recognized.

It is time to consider the value and the power of a church safety and security team (or ministry). This concept gives the organization their best chance at protection for many years to come.

It can be hard is to get good people to serve. There are certainly those who would embrace this new ministry.

Consider those in your congregation who are or have been a part of such vocations as police, fire, EMS, medical, construction, human resources, military, and insurance. Also to be considered are parents and grandparents who are concerned about the safety of their children and grandchildren. Of this group, there should be four to eight people who may be willing to serve.

Bring these prospects together and show a key video (contact us for suggestions) and challenge them to carry out their commitment to God and the church through this exciting, challenging new ministry. All you are asking of them at this point is their willingness to serve.

Recognize the team members in front of the congregation. Introduce the team members as those who have been called to offer safety and security protection and education to the church (see sample commissioning ceremony below).

With the team now formed, it is important to gather resources and train them. They do not need to become experts but are to become knowledgeable advisors on key issues. This guide provides the tools necessary for that to happen.

The next step is for the team to work together to formulate a plan of action. It may be helpful to assign each member of the team a particular function or area of concern. The important thing is to select, train, equip, fund, and empower the team to carry out its ministry.

After their training is complete, team members can then train the church leadership, employees, volunteers, and congregational members. This training can also be facilitated by outside experts, if desired. The more people are equipped, the better.

The team should regularly inform and educate the other ministries of the church regarding safe practices. Ultimately, the team should be seen as an important ministry of the church that works alongside others as they look for ways to do ministry in the safest way possible.

By taking this important first step of forming a team, your church or ministry has the best chance possible of maintaining your ministry and sparing your congregation from having to go through a tragedy, accident or horrible incident. It’s the faithful thing to do.

The following is a brief description of the functions of the safety and security team. Once the team is formed, these guidelines will ensure a consistent, intentional effort when it comes to safety, security, and risk management.

Duties

  • Commission the team, and promote team commitment (see sample commitment/commission ceremony below)
  • Meet regularly (at least bimonthly)
  • Educate and have an educational process for the team
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures
  • Regularly inspect premises (inside and outside) and document the same
  • Coordinate efforts with professional inspectors (electrical, HVAC, etc.)
  • Train employees and volunteers and educate the congregation in safety and security issues
  • Provide input and direction on new ministries, building projects, work days, and high exposure activities
  • Be involved in safety and security for building projects
  • Coordinate safe and secure practices during services and other key events
  • Financially protect offerings and other large sums of money
  • Provide assistance to health and welfare ministry
  • Ensure that first-aid and emergency response equipment is in working order and up-to-date
  • Coordinate emergency planning and response plan
  • Oversee transportation program (church-owned and private vehicles)
  • Provide input on insurance-making decisions
  • Coordinate safety and security issues with Board of Trustees
  • Regularly report to leadership/board
  • Ensure that regular financial audits are being completed
  • Coordinate safe hiring and screening practices for employees and volunteers with human resource/personnel committee

While other committees and personnel may have direct responsibility for some of the above functions, the safety and security team should act as a filter, making sure that the functions are being carried out properly and in a timely manner.

Some teams may assume other functions as needed by the leadership or congregation. Remember, protecting people, property, and resources is a faithful act of stewardship. Serve with a sense of compassion and joyful service to God and God’s people.

I warned you when you felt secure, but you said, “I will not listen!” This has been your way from your youth; you have not obeyed me.
Jeremiah 22:21 (NIV)