The local church is more than just a building—it’s a body of believers, a family gathered in the name of Jesus Christ to worship, learn, and make disciples. But as shepherds and overseers of that body, we are called not only to feed the flock but to protect it. Paul warned the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:29–30,
“For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”
The danger was both spiritual and physical. Jesus Himself said in John 10:12–13,
“But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees… The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.”
To protect the church is not unspiritual. It is shepherding. It is love in action.
Does the Bible Forbid Self-Defense?
Not at all.
In Exodus 22:2–3, God gives a clear principle of self-defense:
“If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed.”
The key distinction is intent. If someone threatens life, protecting oneself or others is not murder—it is justice. Jesus even told His disciples in Luke 22:36,
“He who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.”
The sword was not for offense but for protection. Jesus knew that following Him in a hostile world required readiness, not pacifism. Romans 13:4 declares that the governing authorities
“do not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”
That’s not just about government—it shows the role of force in restraining evil. In protecting the church, we act as watchmen (Ezekiel 33:6).
The Purpose of Church Security
The goal of the church is to gather, worship, and make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). But we are also commanded in Proverbs 27:12,
“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished.”
Security doesn’t replace trust in God—it complements it with obedience and preparation. Nehemiah 4:9 is the blueprint:
“Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”
You pray. You prepare. You protect.
Building a Church Security Plan
Surveillance and Monitoring
Install cameras to monitor entrances, hallways, and gathering areas. Have designated team members observe these feeds during services. This provides not only evidence after incidents but prevention before they occur.
Greeting and Identifying
Place greeters at each entrance—not just to shake hands, but to look people in the eye. Pay attention to:
Avoidance of eye contact
Bulky clothing in warm weather
Heavy bags or backpacks
Nervous behavior or scanning the room frequently
If someone raises concern, don’t accuse—engage. Have a security team member start a warm, casual conversation to assess mental state and demeanor. Proverbs 20:5 says,
“Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”
Controlled Access and Entry Flow
Designate a single point of entry. All other doors should remain locked from the outside. This gives you control of who enters and how they move through the building. Train your ushers and security to guide flow clearly and calmly.
Armed Security and Firearms
It is lawful and biblical for trained, responsible men (and women, if necessary) to carry weapons for protection. Psalm 144:1 says,
“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”
Each person who carries should:
Be legally permitted to carry concealed
Practice regularly at the range
Understand the use-of-force laws in your state
Know how to de-escalate before drawing their weapon
Assign specific roles—someone watches the door, someone monitors cameras, someone roams, and someone is prepared to respond.
Communication and Hand Signals
Verbal shouting creates panic. Quiet, discreet hand signals help your team coordinate without alarming the congregation. Examples include:
Two fingers raised = Call police
Hand behind ear = Need backup
Thumbs up = All clear
Circular finger = Escort someone out
Rehearse these signals regularly and include drills as part of your church’s operations, just like you would for fire or tornado safety.
Spiritual Ministry First
Never forget: the person acting strange may need deliverance, not punishment. Jude 1:22–23 commands,
“And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
Be firm but gentle. Bold but compassionate. Make the goal not just safety, but redemption when possible.
Additional Advice
Partner with local law enforcement and invite them to assess your security plan.
Make sure every child area is secured and only accessible by approved individuals.
Run background checks on all volunteers in security, children’s ministry, and greeters.
Rotate team members and keep them accountable in both spirit and skill.
Have emergency kits available: medical kits, defibrillators, and clear evacuation routes.
My Final Thoughts
Church security is not fear—it is stewardship. We are not panicked; we are prepared. We do not put our faith in weapons or tactics—but we also do not ignore wisdom in the name of faith.
Proverbs 21:31 says,
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord.”
So prepare the horse. Train your men. Watch your doors. But trust in God. Let our churches be havens of peace, guarded by faithful watchmen, armed in spirit and wisdom, prepared to protect, but always looking to save.
