Church Security: Overcoming Challenges to Keep a Team Strong
By Jeff Williamson & Paul Bird
Church security teams play a vital role in protecting congregations, but keeping a team strong and engaged is not always easy. Over time, every group faces challenges such as declining numbers, burnout, and a loss of focus. The question is not only how to recruit and retain members, but also how to keep them motivated, trained, and unified in their mission.
Challenge 1: Maintaining Team Numbers
All teams face natural attrition. People move to new congregations, age out, or develop health issues that prevent them from serving. Others may feel called to serve in different ministries. Left unaddressed, these changes slowly erode a team’s strength.
That’s why continuous recruiting is essential. Actively seeking new members ensures a steady pipeline of people ready to step in. Recruiting younger members is especially important—they can grow into the role, gain valuable experience, and provide long-term stability.
Burnout is another factor. In every church ministry—whether it’s the nursery, the parking team, or security—there comes a point when people say, “I’ve been doing this for years; it’s someone else’s turn.” Recognizing this cycle and planning for it is part of healthy team management.
Takeaway: A security team must constantly replenish its members and prepare for the reality of turnover.
Challenge 2: Keeping Morale High
Even when a team is fully staffed, it can lose momentum. Members may grow weary of doing the same tasks week after week without variety, training, or fellowship. Without intentional effort, the work can start to feel more like a routine than a calling.
That’s why regular connection and training are critical. Monthly team meetings that combine fellowship and skill development can renew energy and purpose. Some churches start with a shared meal and then move into a training session. This strengthens skills and builds relationships.
Team-building events—whether a day at the shooting range for armed members, a group meal, or a scenario-based exercise—help break monotony and remind members why their work matters.
Takeaway: Fellowship and training keep morale high and remind the team of their shared mission.
Challenge 3: Staying Relevant and Ready
Security threats evolve, and a team that does not train regularly risks losing its edge. The danger is becoming complacent—standing at a post but not truly alert to potential threats.
To counter this, teams should schedule at least one or two significant training events per year, in addition to monthly refreshers. Scenario training, defensive tactics, and other exercises help ensure readiness. These sessions also reinforce the weight of the responsibility: protecting both the church and one another.
Some teams even use symbolic pledges to reinforce accountability. A simple handshake and a statement like, “I will do whatever I can to protect your family and this church. I have your back,” can strengthen bonds and encourage members to take their duty seriously.
Takeaway: Ongoing, realistic training ensures a team stays sharp, focused, and united.
Conclusion: Keeping the Mission Strong
Building and maintaining a church security team requires more than filling a schedule. It means continually recruiting, investing in training, fostering relationships, and reinforcing the mission. Attrition, burnout, and complacency are real challenges, but they can be overcome with intentional leadership and consistent care for the people who serve.
A strong security team does not just protect a building—it protects a family of believers. And when members know they have each other’s backs, they remain motivated to serve faithfully—week after week, year after year.
