As unfortunate as it is that we live in a world that requires us to be on the constant lookout for danger, it’s a duty you as a leader have to your congregation. Taking the proper precautions not only ensures your community will have a plan in place of an emergency, but also helps alleviate some of the constant pressure worrying can bring.
We know one thing for certain: This is not our home. We are not yet arrived at our final destination. Earth is simply a stop along the way to where we’re truly headed, and one day we’ll meet God face-to-face in the home He’s been preparing for us.
However, since we’re here on Earth for a purpose and not purely for a sight-seeing adventure, it’s important to take into consideration the realities of what living in this Jesus-needing world brings. From danger brought on by natural disasters like fires and tornadoes to the unfortunately very-real possibilities of acts of violence by fellow humans, taking it all in and being ready for any possibility can seem like a daunting, overwhelming task. This is especially true for those entrusted with the well-being of a congregation like your church’s leadership team.
There’s another crucial point to consider, however. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, “… God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We do not need to approach the realities of life on this earth with a fearful attitude full of anxiety, but with calm, confident preparation. When we shift our focus from being afraid and letting that fuel our actions to looking to God for our safety and security, our attitude and the effects of that attitude on ourselves and those around us drastically changed.
Having a plan for keeping your church and its community safe while inside your walls is essential to not only ensuring that safety but to avoiding unnecessary fear, panic, or anxiety as well. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind while creating this policy document:
Fear Cannot Have a Stronghold
As discussed above, approaching issues of security and safety has the tendency to promote fear. This isn’t helpful; in fact, it’s counterproductive. Instead, focusing on the truth and how to prepare for what that entails is the way to be prepared without promoting panic or anxiety.
Taking measures like increasing visible security and making regular announcements about safety, in theory, seems like a logical step to let your community know you’re committed to protecting them. However, when visible measures like this are taken, they can often have the unintended consequence of increasing anxiety.
Focusing less on addressing emotions-based fears and more on the practical measures you can take to protect your congregation without making room for unfounded anxiety will serve you well in the long-term.
Take the Right Steps
From a very practical standpoint, there is plenty you can do to ensure your church is safe while they’re inside your walls without giving off the impression that you’re acting on fear. From installing inconspicuous cameras in strategic places to simply asking the police to quietly increase their presence during worship times, there are a plethora of options that address the reality of the world we live in in an effective, trust-promoting way.
The Community Matters
Besides those currently attending your church, there’s an entire community outside your congregation who need to be reached by you. While closing yourself off from the outside world can seem, especially when fear takes hold, like the right step toward keeping those in your congregation safe, it’s not the right decision. To make a change in the community around you, you need to be in that community.
Fear divides. It doesn’t bring people together. Only God can do that, and you are the body of Christ in your community. The safety plan you put in place need to take this into account, making room for security for your church family while leaving room for safe outreach in the community around you.