From 2017 to 2023 I started and ran a 12-person security team security for a medium-sized church in York, PA. Shortly after my family and I started attending, the pastor asked me to put a team together. At the time, the church was relatively new, with a few individuals interested in security but no formal structure. My background as an Army MP, police officer, and bouncer—as well as my demeanor—made me a natural choice for the role.
Looking back, it feels like a lifetime ago. The church, our country, and the culture at large have changed significantly, especially over the past few years. Given these shifts, here are my thoughts on forming an effective security team for a place of worship.
2023 Statistics for Violence in places of worship
Understanding Church Leadership
Before starting, you must know who runs the church. Some churches are led by the pastor, while others have a council making decisions. Without leadership support, a security team is a lost cause. People generally don’t like being told “no,” even in a church setting, and leadership must be willing to back security when challenges arise. If they won’t support you over something as minor as seating arrangements, don’t expect them to stand firm when real conflict arises.
Unique Challenges of Church Security
Unlike other venues, churches have predictable schedules and public services, making them vulnerable. They also collect offerings and are often designed so that congregants face away from entrances. While most issues won’t come from regular attendees, new visitors can introduce challenges—especially when the church serves those in recovery or those escaping domestic abuse.
One of our biggest ongoing concerns has been dealing with separated couples. A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order may prohibit one party from being near the other, but church security has no legal authority to enforce it. What if both parties show up? What if one tries to take the kids during a service? These scenarios require careful planning, as they are more common than most realize.
The Reality of Church Security Risks
Ask most people why a church needs security, and they’ll say, “active shooters.” While this is a possibility, statistically, it’s highly unlikely. A well-trained congregation equipped with medical supplies, especially tourniquets, is far more likely to save lives in a crisis than armed security.
This is why I believe a medical team is more crucial than a security team. We had an identified medical response team, ranging from CPR-certified individuals to a nurse who leads the group. They regularly handled everything from low blood sugar episodes to people passing out. We’ve also designated a triage area and a separate EMS entrance to streamline medical emergencies. Every church should have an AED as well.
Selecting the Right Personnel
When hiring bouncers, I never wanted the guy bragging about how well he could fight. I wanted calm, level-headed communicators with a rapport among patrons. Whether working a punk rock venue in Baltimore or a high-end hotel pub, discretion was key. The best decision we made at the hotel pub was wearing “Guest Services” polos instead of “Security” shirts—that’s the mindset you need. This leads me to another point. In most states even those performing unarmed volunteer security need to be licensed. However, some state offer churches some leeway on this. The churches insurance company must be notified if you have a team in place and they likely will not want you to call it security for the reasons previously discussed. Usually calling them Guest Services, Gate Keepers, or at my last church we called them Sheepdogs. Or don’t call them anything other than ushers.
As a rule, I don’t put anyone on the team who actively asks to join. If a new person is considered, the entire team must agree on them.
You’ll notice I haven’t yet mentioned firearms. That’s because church security should operate like the Secret Service—if force is required, you’ve likely already failed somewhere. As an officer survival instructor, I have no use for someone whose first instinct is to draw a gun out of fear rather than rely on de-escalation or open-hand skills. Presenting a firearm is a nuclear option that’s nearly impossible to walk back. Many carry guns as a totem, lacking the necessary knowledge of when and how to use them effectively.
Personally, I want tough, experienced individuals who won’t panic if punched in the face—but also won’t throw a punch just because they’re challenged. Strong verbal and physical control skills take priority over whether someone carries a firearm. In a church setting, things will already be bad enough if open-hand skills are required.
If you are going to start a team the first two things that have to happen are that everyone on it gets a background check. Trust everyone but verify. Then you need have rules / standard operating procedures.
Over the years I have consulted with many churches in reference to starting a team or restructuring and defining what they already had in place. If you need help call or text me at 682-207-3820.
I also realize that there are people reading this whose church does not have a team and refuses to accept the responsibility of having one. That said. If you feel as though you are the lone operator, my advice is to always sit to the right as you enter the sanctuary. Because we read left to right that is how our eyes track. This may give you an extra split second to react if something happens. An easy way to check your own mindset is that if you are carrying gun but not a tourniquet at church, your wrong. Make the adjustment.
Coming in Part II:
- Pros & Cons of Volunteer vs. Paid Security
- Most Likely Incidents
- Physical Security 101
- Insurance Concerns
