4 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Ministry’s Holiday Security

Have you brushed up on your security policies lately? Here are 4 questions to ask yourself about your ministry’s security before the holidays roll around. 

We had a scare at our church when a non-custodial parent picked up a child. And that’ was just a regular Sunday.

With the holiday around the corner, no doubt your church is ready to welcome guests with open arms. This joyful season is no reason, though, to fall down on security. Do a quick brush-up on basic security prior to the holiday rush by answering these questions.

4 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Ministry’s Holiday Security

1. Are entrances to your church and ministry limited and monitored?

Once church services begin, ensure access to your children’s area is limited. Allow access through one monitored entrance only, and ensure your monitor in this area is a guest-welcoming pro.

2. Are your volunteers clearly identified?

Have your team members wear identifiable name badges with a photo to help parents and guests know who’s been cleared to be in your building or area. When you have outside adults in your building, such as contractors, secure information such as name, phone, and a driver’s license while they visit your ministry.

3. Is security in place and equipped?

Volunteers focused on security can walk through and monitor hallways to ensure guests who may be lost find their way and that no unindentified individuals are wandering the halls. If possible, equip them with 2-way radios for communication.

4. Is your emergency plan in place?

Ensure prior to the busiest time of year that everyone serving in a security capacity received training on emergency procedures. Train your volunteers on what to do in an emergency situation. If your rooms are unequipped with a land phone, ensure each room has access to cellular service or a 2-way radio. Check that emergency contact numbers and procedures are updated and posted inside rooms  near the door.

As always, it’s important to know the history of your volunteers and staff. Background checks can reveal red flags for behaviors you need to know about. In addition, should any sort of litigation ever emerge against your organization, you must show your due diligence in screening volunteers and staff. Shepherd’s Watch gives you affordable background checks with accurate results. Find out more about Shepherd’s Watch.

Looking for more information on keeping your ministry safe? Check out these posts!