“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)
In an age marked by rising violence, ideological extremism, and unpredictable threats, the local church is not exempt. While the church must remain a sanctuary of grace, open doors, and welcome, Scripture reminds us that vigilance is a Christian virtue. Just as Nehemiah set guards and watchmen about Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 4), so must local congregations gird themselves for spiritual and physical threats.
This article (on behalf of Circumspect Group) argues for a gospel-centered, KJV-anchored approach to church security, highlights pertinent DHS / CISA / FBSAC recommendations, cites recent attacks against houses of worship, and sketches a practical outline for how a church can begin to build a layered and sustainable security posture. Finally, we introduce the Warrior Poet Society training resources available via Circumspect.
Why Safety Planning for the Local Church Is Not Optional
1. The spiritual foundation: Love and stewardship
The church is primarily a spiritual institution, not a fortress. Nevertheless, Christ entrusted His flock to human stewards. To fail to plan in the face of known dangers is to risk neglecting our duty to protect those under our care (cf. Luke 14:31–32, the builder who must count cost). Security planning is a faithful expression of love, not a sign of paranoia.
2. Escalating threats and real cases
- In September 2025, a gunman rammed a vehicle into a church in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, opened fire, and set the building ablaze. At least four were killed and eight wounded, and bomb threats followed in other churches. (AP News)
- In December 2024, a synagogue in Melbourne was attacked via arson: accelerant was poured and ignited, damaging the building and injuring one person. (Wikipedia)
- Across Russia’s Dagestan region in June 2024, co-ordinated attacks targeted synagogues and churches with firearms and firebombs, leading to multiple fatalities. (Wikipedia)
- A 2023 FEMA / USFA fact sheet emphasizes that houses of worship must plan for active shooter or hostile events through six key steps: “understand risk, understand your space, develop & practice a plan, inform greeters, pursue grants, report incidents.” (U.S. Fire Administration)
- CISA’s “Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship” guide warns that targeted violence against faith institutions is a growing risk, and encourages holistic planning, clear roles, exercises, and coordination. (CISA)
These examples show that no congregation is immune — whether in a major city or a rural hamlet, threats can come.
3. Government guidance: DHS, FBSAC, CISA
To assist faith-based organizations, several U.S. agencies have published resources.
- The DHS Faith-Based Security Advisory Council (FBSAC) provides strategic recommendations to the Secretary for protecting houses of worship, improving information sharing, and enabling partnerships among faith communities and government. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- DHS’s Resource Guide for Faith-Based Communities compiles tools for physical security, cybersecurity, threat awareness, and funding (e.g. the Nonprofit Security Grant Program) aimed at enhancing resilience. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- CISA’s “Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities” offers cost-sensitive, implementable goals to reduce risks and strengthen resilience. (CISA)
- The “Protecting Houses of Worship” initiative by CISA offers site self-assessments, training modules, and guidance to help congregations evaluate vulnerabilities. (CISA)
While government guidance is not perfect or exhaustive, it offers a helpful framework and bridge for local churches to design their own security postures.
Key Steps to a Solid Local Church Security Plan
Below is a summary outline of essential steps your congregation should take. Each church’s context varies, so adapt these to your resources, architecture, and culture.
| Phase | Description / Action Items |
| 1. Leadership buy-in & policy framework | Appoint a security or safety committee; secure leadership support; define guiding principles (e.g. balance openness with safety). |
| 2. Risk assessment & threat analysis | Use CISA self-assessment tools; evaluate history of incidents; consult with local law enforcement on regional threats; identify critical assets and vulnerabilities. |
| 3. Site analysis & layered defense | Define perimeters (outer, middle, inner); improve lighting, signage, barrier systems; control access to sanctuaries, classrooms, parking lots. |
| 4. Roles, procedures & chain of command | Assign responsibilities (security lead, greeters, ushers, watchers); define escalation protocols; develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lockdowns, evacuations, medical emergencies. |
| 5. Training & exercises | Regular drills and tabletop exercises; train greeters and ushers in threat recognition; run active shooter drills; refine procedures based on lessons learned. |
| 6. Information sharing & partnerships | Build relationships with local law enforcement, fire/EMS, emergency management, fusion centers, and neighboring congregations. |
| 7. Communications & awareness | Educate congregation (in general terms) about safety posture; use signage and pre-service announcements; foster a culture of “see something, say something.” |
| 8. Grant funding & resource leverage | Apply for federal/state grant programs (e.g. Nonprofit Security Grant Program via DHS) to support cameras, door control, training, etc. (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) |
| 9. After-action reviews & continuous improvement | After any exercise or incident, review performance, update plans and procedures, re-train, and document improvements. |
This is not a one-off checklist but a living process. As Nehemiah’s watchmen were rotated and alert each night, so too must the church refresh its vigilance.
A Kingdom Approach: Why This Matters in a Christian Centered Community
- Spiritual warfare context — While our battle is ultimately the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15), God often uses human means (e.g., Gideon’s lamps, Nehemiah’s guard) to preserve His work.
- Wisdom applied — The prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself; but the simple pass on and are punished (Proverbs 22:3).
- Shepherd’s care — A shepherd would not leave sheep unprotected in a wolf’s region; the pastor and elders are stewards of souls and bodies.
- Testimony to the world — When a church prays, welcomes, and yet remains diligent, it demonstrates the balance of faith and wisdom (James 2:14–17).
Security is not distrust; it is responsibility borne in a broken and fallen world. King David kept watch; Moses set a guard (Exodus 14:14). The church can do no less.
Recommendation: Use Warrior Poet Society Training Videos via Circumspect Group Inc’s website
While foundational planning is essential, training is the bridge between plan and reality. Circumspect Group is pleased to recommend the Warrior Poet Society security training video series available in our Resources library. These videos offer:
- Scenario-based instruction (e.g. entry threats, active shooter, defensive mindset)
- Practical drills that local congregations can adapt
- Christian context aligning security with a warrior-poet ethos
- Flexibility for leadership, security team, and lay members
By integrating these videos into your training regimen, your team can gain intuition, muscle memory, and morale to act under stress. The training complements (but does not replace) your plan, drills, and coordination with external partners.
You can access the Warrior Poet Society videos via the Circumspect Resources portal: https://circumspect.us/resources/
Closing Charge
The Lord calls us to be both lambs and lions (Revelation 5:5). In closing, I commend your church to the Lord, urging your leadership, staff, and security committee to take seriously this season. Begin by convening your team, engaging with local partners, and instituting a safety posture that balances hospitality and vigilance.
“Lord, grant us wisdom, courage, and discernment. May our gatherings shine as beacons of light—but may our walls be watchful, our hearts courageous, and our steps wise in this fallen world.”