Church Safety and Security Workshop

"Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God." Acts 20:28 

Our congregations as faith communities recognize God as sovereign over the world, and we put our trust in the Lord. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) recognizes its responsibility to the Presbytery and congregations to provide an inviting and safe environment. It is thus out of a sense of responsibility, not fear, that this workshop was developed to help provide all with a sense of welcome and peace. 

We're letting you know about a workshop that has been developed and is now available to assist Presbyteries and their member churches in creating church safety and security plans, ensuring everyone may enter our churches safely. 

Safety and security planning and training for churches is vital today. The “Introduction to Church Safety and Security Workshop" aims to define, demonstrate, and practice key concepts and tools for enhancing safety and security for PC(USA) stakeholders, including worshipping communities and mid councils. Taking an "all hazards" approach to safety and security, including armed intruders, protects the church as a place of worship and gathering. It strengthens its role as a beacon of resilience and refuge. When churches commit to a culture of preparedness and care, they affirm their commitment to serving their congregation and community in every circumstance, while preserving openness, welcome, and compassion. 

This seven-hour workshop is designed to be a “hands-on” experience for churches, covering how to protect against adversarial events, mitigate damage, and respond to and recover from them. The workshop helps worshipping communities develop simple and appropriate safety plans through exercises, handouts, resources, role-playing, and team collaboration. Attendees will leave this workshop with a high-level outline of a safety and security plan for their facility, along with templates and resources for implementation. They will also receive achievable action items that will enhance safety and security within a faith-based framework centered on hope and welcome. 

This program is offered through the PDA, which provides all instructors at no cost. The presbytery is responsible for delivering a church-associated location, coordinating facilities to support the program (AV equipment, etc.), and preparing printed materials, snacks, and noon meals. Potential participants (Min. 20 - Max 50) may include Pastors, church staff, elders, deacons, ushers/greeters, facility personnel, Sunday school and day school leaders, and public safety resources. 

For further information, Interested Presbytery Executives and/or staff should contact Rev. Kathy Lee Cornell at

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance,

Kathy.Lee-Cornell@pcusa.org,

502.974.0488.