Historically, churches have been known not only to be inclusive of all people but also to serve as sanctuaries from the outside world. And that has been the case for as long as churches have existed. Unfortunately, while churches still remain inclusive, they are no longer seen as the safe havens they once were.

Not only are accidents such as fires an ever-present reality, but so are attacks on patrons and employees of the church. In this new age, churches must now think about protecting themselves from mass shooters and other terrorist activities.

That’s why National Church Security Month was created. This month, observed every October, reminds every church to examine the safety and security of their church.

The History of National Church Security Month

Currently, we’re unsure when this month was created. We can say that it’s a by-product of the times. In a perfect world, no one would have to worry about a shooter entering a church and causing death and destruction, but that has been the reality in many places. And it’s for this reason that this month was created to help ensure the safety of the patrons and church employees.

Important Points About Church Security

To emphasize the importance of church security, we’ve decided to list some of the actions that church leaders and members should take to ensure their community is as safe as possible. Although the following points aren’t exhaustive of the considerations that churches, church members, and patrons need to think about, we feel that they are a good starting point.

• Churches should ensure that their doors are locked and that any unused doors are secured.
• Churches should assemble a security team capable of identifying threats and potential threats.
• Active shooters aren’t the only potential threats. Health issues, weather events, fires, and other factors can also pose threats.
• Every church should establish its own firearm policy.
• Churches should ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage.
• Churches should focus on prevention rather than merely reacting to threats.

Observing National Church Security Month

During this month, everyone should review the security and safety measures of the church they attend or lead. This includes ensuring that the grounds are well-maintained, that the church has the proper precautions in place against intruders, and that employees are thoroughly screened before being hired.

People can also spread the word about this month by using the hashtag #ChurchAndSecurityMonth on social media.