Church Security in 2025: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Congregation

Did you know that nearly 75% of churches in the U.S. don’t have a security team? That’s a staggering number, especially considering that attacks on churches more than doubled between 2022 and 2023.

While most churches may never face a shooter or terrorist attack—trespassing, crowd gathering, active threats, loitering, break-ins, to name a few—are far more likely. As we enter 2025, keeping a church safe requires more than prayer—it involves video surveillance, alarm systems, and security staff! 

In this blog, let’s walk through simple, effective steps for church security, building a security plan, and creating a safe and welcoming place for worship.

Let’s get started!

Why Do Churches Need a Security Plan and Team?

Conversations about security are no longer just hypothetical for churches. Questions like “What does a church security look like?” and “Do we really need a security team?” are now a reality for many pastors and church leaders.

That’s where a well-thought-out security plan outlining the roles of leadership, security teams, and members during an emergency is necessary.

A strong church security team acts as a ministry of protection, involving members with backgrounds in law enforcement, military, or safety roles to protect and serve the church family. While a dedicated team is essential, the right tools make a difference.

Modern security measures, like video surveillance, alarm systems, and access control, play a critical role. Cameras help monitor entry points, deter threats, and provide evidence if something happens. Alarm systems alert authorities immediately, while smart locks and controlled access keep unauthorized people out. Combined with a trained security team, these tools create a safe, welcoming environment for the congregation to worship.

5 Church Security Team Roles and Responsibilities

Security Team Leader

The church security director leads the team and coordinates all operations. This involves creating security plans, training team members, and preparing everyone for emergencies. While a law enforcement or military background isn’t necessary, the security director should be highly organized, a strong communicator, and capable of confidently leading a team. 

Surveillance & Monitoring Officer

Surveillance and monitoring officers are responsible for overseeing security cameras and monitoring the property. They monitor potential threats, maintain a visible presence, and ensure nothing is overlooked. From real-time monitoring to reviewing footage, they play a crucial role in identifying suspicious activity or potential threats early on before they escalate.

Access Control & Greeter

Access control monitors manage entry points during services and events. These team members greet attendees, check IDs when necessary, and ensure restricted areas are off-limits to unauthorized individuals. For example, they might supervise entrances to ensure children’s ministries or private spaces are secure while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment for churchgoers.

Emergency Response Coordinator

Emergencies can happen at any time, whether medical or security-related. The emergency response coordinator ensures a clear plan for handling crises—whether an emergency, evacuation, or disruptive behavior. Team members trained in first aid, CPR, and emergency management help guarantee a swift and calm response to any incident that may arise.

Armed or Unarmed Security Officers

Armed or unarmed, security officers provide a physical presence to deter threats. They patrol the property, inside and outside, checking parking lots and ensuring no suspicious activity. They also provide support during events and services, helping with crowd control or responding to security breaches. Having trained officers in place can help the congregation feel safer and more at ease during their time of worship.

Common Types of Church Security

1. Physical Security

The real backbone of your church's safety is your security team and a solid security plan focuses on how your team can help prevent emergencies before they even happen. Here are a few simple ways to strengthen physical security -

• Patrol Staff - One of the best ways to strengthen physical security is to have enough team members during services or events. Assign staff, volunteers, and security members to patrol the parking lot and the church building. Ensure that only one door stays unlocked from the outside, but all exits can be opened from the inside in an emergency. Having someone near the exits at all times adds extra protection.
• Important Contact Information - Each security team member should have updated contact information for local law enforcement, key church leaders, and other church security team members. They must know who to contact in an emergency, and the contact numbers should be saved on their phones for easy access.
• Two-Way Radios & Communication Tools - Instead of relying on cell phones, provide your team with two-way radios. Cell service may sometimes fail; even if not, the security team must stay in touch quickly, especially during critical moments. Moreover, ushers, daycare workers, and office staff should also have radios to communicate quickly with security when needed.

2. Alarm System

Let’s agree that there are times when no one is physically present in the church, and that's when a good alarm system becomes essential. Whether after hours or during a quiet weekday, these systems provide an extra layer of security, alerting the authorities in an emergency. Knowing that there’s a safety net in place helps the church staff and congregation feel more at ease.

According to research by the McKnight Group, 45% of people would go to church and worship places if they knew security systems were in place. So, if you think your church is too small for an alarm system, think again. Some options fit churches of all sizes, and having a reliable system is always a good idea.

• Intrusion Detection Systems - These systems use cameras and sensors to detect anyone trying to enter the church without authorization. They send immediate alerts to the security team or local authorities so they can respond quickly. It’s important to set it up in a way that only authorized personnel can access certain areas without setting off the alarm.
• Fire Alarm Systems - Fires are a real threat, especially when the building is empty, as they can spread undetected, and sometimes, it may become too late to put them out. With a well-functioning fire alarm system, the first responders and church leaders are notified when a fire starts, allowing them to respond on time. According to research by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with 1,300 church fires each year, having a working alarm system is essential.
• Panic Buttons - In an emergency, every moment matters, and panic buttons offer a quick, discreet way to get help. If a staff member or volunteer spots a potential threat, like an individual with a weapon or someone acting suspiciously, they can press the panic button to alert authorities silently. This immediate notification helps emergency responders arrive faster without escalating the situation or drawing attention.

3. Surveillance & Monitoring

By employing advanced security tools like cameras and video monitoring, the church security team can keep an eye on every corner of the property. Furthermore, a visible camera presence can deter harmful actions, reducing the likelihood of incidents.

When deciding on a video surveillance system, there are a few key questions to consider -

• Has your church faced security issues in the past?
• Does the church have one building, or multiple?
• Is the space open, or do you need cameras in specific rooms?
• Do you host outside events like weddings?

Answering these questions will guide your decision on the type of system needed.

Key Features of Modern Surveillance System:

Modern Church Security System blend seamlessly with contemporary architecture while offering advanced features, like:

• Gun Detection, which alerts security personnel immediately if a weapon is detected,
• License Plate Recognition keeps track of vehicles entering or exiting the property,
• Productivity Alerts notify the team about unusual or suspicious activities on-site,
• Facial Recognition identifies individuals in real time, improving security and visitor management,
• Night Vision Cameras provide clear footage even in low-light conditions for 24/7 monitoring,
• Safety Alerts provide timely notifications for any potential security threats or emergencies and
• AI Search quickly identifies incidents in recorded footage, saving time during investigations.

Types of Cameras

Church security cameras positioned in high-traffic and high-risk areas offer continuous visibility of key locations. Live monitoring allows operators to respond quickly to potential threats, while recorded footage aids in security investigations. Different camera types serve specific purposes in church security systems:

• Bullet Cameras - Ideal for securing large, open spaces like parking lots and building perimeters, these cameras offer high-quality footage at long range with a narrow field of view. They come with hard-wearing, weather-proof casings and night vision features.
• Dome Cameras - Best for indoor use, the Dome cameras provide a wide field of view but have a limited range. Their dome-shaped casing offers protection and conceals the camera’s angle, making them ideal for discreet surveillance in areas like halls, offices, and parking lots. Regular cleaning is necessary for optimal performance.
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras - PTZ cameras offer flexible coverage by allowing operators to adjust the viewing angle in real time, making them ideal for monitoring large areas. They reduce the need for multiple cameras but are more expensive and require regular maintenance due to their moving parts.
• Fisheye cameras - Fisheye or 360-degree cameras provide complete coverage with a single lens, offering a broad, continuous view. These cameras are perfect for capturing every corner of the church, but their footage quality may not be as sharp as other camera types.

4. Cybersecurity & Data Protection

Cybersecurity is essential for every organization, including churches. Churches handle sensitive personal and financial data from their members, making them potential targets for hackers. Data breaches, like those seen in major companies such as Equifax and Target, show that no organization is immune. In fact, churches are often more prepared for physical threats than digital ones, yet a data breach can cause significant financial and reputational damage.

To reduce the risk of a data breach, churches should adopt several cybersecurity measures -

• Password Management - Avoid reusing passwords. While using the same passwords for multiple accounts is tempting, it increases the risk of unauthorized access. Ensure passwords are strong, and change them regularly, especially when staff or volunteers leave.
• Software Updates - Keep software updated to avoid vulnerabilities. Many data breaches exploit outdated systems. To prevent this, enable automatic updates to ensure the latest security patches are installed.
• Firewalls and IT Support - Protect your church’s systems from malware with a strong firewall. Hire an IT professional experienced in church software and cybersecurity to maintain your systems.
• Staff Training - Educate staff and volunteers on safe internet practices and establish clear guidelines. Background checks for individuals handling sensitive information are also important.
• Response Plan - Prepare a detailed response plan for potential data breaches, including evidence collection, secure systems, and timely notification of affected members. Work with legal counsel to comply with state and federal laws.

5. Access Control System

Access control systems are a game-changer for church security, especially in sensitive areas like offices, IT rooms, and storage spaces. Unlike alarm systems that focus on protecting the exterior, access control systems let you control who enters specific rooms, and they track when someone comes and goes. This can be incredibly helpful if there’s ever an issue with theft or vandalism inside the church.

When setting up an access control system, here are a few things to consider -

• Remote Lockdown Capability - It's essential that admins can trigger and end lockdowns remotely. This is handy if someone gets locked out of their office or leaves something important behind. You don’t want to be scrambling for a solution.
• Mobile Credentials - To avoid the hassle of lost keys or keycards, look for a system that allows staff members to access the system using their smartphones. This makes things smoother and helps eliminate the “I forgot my key” situation.
• Adaptability - As your church grows, so will your security needs. Find a system that can easily evolve with you, so you don’t have to worry about constant updates or overhauling it every few years.

6. Emergency Preparedness & Response

Emergency preparedness is critical for church security teams to handle crises effectively and coordinate swiftly. They work closely with emergency services such as paramedics, firefighters, and law enforcement officers to ensure a smooth, organized resolution.

Security personnel are responsible for following pre-established emergency protocols, such as guiding the congregation to safe areas during evacuations or providing immediate first aid or CPR if necessary. Additionally, they assist in communicating and coordinating with emergency responders to ensure everything proceeds efficiently.

By preparing in advance, church security teams can keep the congregation safe while minimizing the impact of any emergency.

How to Build a Comprehensive Church Security Plan?

By carefully developing a well-rounded safety strategy, churches can establish a secure environment that minimizes risks and provides peace of mind for everyone involved. Here are the essential elements in building an effective safety plan - 

• Conduct a Risk Assessment - Evaluate the church’s building and surroundings. Look for weak spots in security—such as poorly lit areas or easy access points. Understand the neighborhood’s history (any previous incidents or criminal activity) and whether there are any specific risks to the congregation, such as certain groups who may target the church.
• Develop Tailored Safety Strategies - Once you know the risks, create specific response protocols. These should cover a range of situations, from medical emergencies to active shooter incidents. Assign roles so everyone knows what to do when things go wrong. Also, improve physical security with surveillance cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems to reinforce the safety plan.
• Regular Reviews and Updates - Safety is an ongoing process, so it’s necessary to review how the plan works regularly and make adjustments as needed. Listen to feedback from staff, volunteers, and churchgoers, as they might spot things you’ve missed. Stay aware of changing threats and update your strategies accordingly.
• Involve the Entire Community - Safety training and drills are a team effort, so engage staff, volunteers, and congregants. Encourage everyone to report anything unusual and foster a culture of awareness and responsibility. When everyone’s on board, the whole church community benefits.

By building a safety plan that’s thorough, adaptable, and involves everyone, you create an environment where your congregation can focus on worship and community without worry.

Best Practices for Church Security Teams

• Team members should be easily identifiable through lanyards, shirts, or a professional demeanor while maintaining an approachable attitude.
• Provide ongoing training to ensure the team is prepared for evacuations, medical emergencies, and managing disruptive behavior.
• Equip the team with radios or communication apps for quick and effective coordination.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement for additional support and to plan joint emergency responses.
• Schedule regular reviews to assess team performance, update security plans, and adapt to new challenges.

How Can Coram AI Help with Church Security?

Whether it’s a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple, ensuring the safety and security of your place of worship is more important than ever. And having the right security system makes it possible.

With Coram’s surveillance systems, churches can efficiently control their security. By integrating seamlessly with the existing IP cameras, Coram provides a central dashboard to monitor multiple buildings from one location, simplifying security management for staff and volunteers.

The AI-powered system detects potential threats such as trespassing, loitering, and unauthorized access in real-time, sending immediate alerts to help staff respond swiftly. Floor plan maps visually show camera coverage, ensuring all critical areas are monitored. The system also supports secure video sharing, offering controlled access to footage for authorized personnel. 

In addition, Coram’s upcoming access control system offers cloud-based management for easy monitoring of door access and user credentials. With the ability to set custom schedules, track permissions, and control access remotely, this system provides an extra layer of security and convenience for any church environment, redefining safety and operational efficiency.

FAQs

What is the 80% rule for churches?

The "80% rule" suggests that 20% of church members typically contribute to 80% of the church's active work and volunteering efforts.

How to lead a church security team?

To effectively lead a church security team, the leader requires security experience, emergency response training, strong communication, a thorough understanding of the church's needs, regular training, and clear roles for team members.

Does USCCA cover church security?

Yes, the USCCA provides coverage for security-related situations, including church safety, for trained individuals.

How can congregants contribute to the safety and security of the church?

Congregants can help by attending safety training, staying alert to suspicious activities, and following the church's security protocols.

How often should we review our church security plan?

Review your church security plan at least once a year or after any significant changes to the facility, congregation, or community.

Final Takeaway

With rising threats such as trespassing, break-ins, and other incidents, church security is more important than ever. A robust security plan, which includes the appropriate team and security measures, creates a safe environment for everyone. Some of the key ways to improve church security include:

• Physical Security
• Alarm Systems
• Surveillance & Monitoring
• Cybersecurity & Data Protection
• Access Control Systems
• Emergency Preparedness & Response

When these measures are supported by a dedicated security team—including a security leader, surveillance officer, access control manager, emergency response coordinator, and armed or unarmed officers—the security plan becomes more effective. Ultimately, prioritizing church security is essential to maintaining a safe, peaceful environment where people can gather and worship without fear.