Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
Disclaimer: The following story is fictional but based on real-world experiences and observations from ARM’s work with churches. It is intended to illustrate the value of collaboration between pastors and Safety Officers.
A Crisis That Tested Communication
It was a Sabbath morning when a child became separated from their parents during a crowded fellowship meal. While the situation was resolved quickly—thanks to a quick-thinking deacon—Pastor James and Safety Officer Joni realized something troubling: they had never discussed how they would work together in such a situation.“Joni, I didn’t even know who to look for first,” Pastor James admitted afterward. “In that moment, I was scanning the room for you, but I realized we’d never actually talked about how we’d coordinate.”
Joni nodded. “And I didn’t know what you’d want me to communicate to the congregation. We could have been working at cross purposes if things had gone differently.”
That incident became their turning point. They decided it was time to intentionally build a partnership—one that would serve the congregation better in both routine ministry and emergencies.
Why Collaboration Matters
When pastors and Safety Officers work together intentionally, the church benefits from:- Unified leadership during crises – A coordinated response builds confidence and prevents confusion.
- Better communication channels – Each leader knows what information to share, when, and how.
- Integrated ministry and safety efforts – Safety initiatives become part of the church’s mission, not an afterthought.
Five Keys to Building a Collaborative Relationship
1. Share a Common Vision
Both roles exist to serve the same people. Spend time aligning on the goal: a church that is spiritually vibrant and physically safe.Practical Insight: Begin with a joint statement or commitment that can be shared with the congregation.
2. Establish Clear Roles
Know who takes the lead in different scenarios—medical emergencies, severe weather, facility issues, and child safety concerns.Practical Insight: Document these agreements so volunteers and leaders know the chain of command.
3. Communicate Regularly
Set up monthly meetings to discuss upcoming events, safety concerns, and lessons learned from recent incidents.Practical Insight: Keep meetings short and focused—30 minutes is often enough.
4. Train Together
Participate jointly in safety drills and tabletop exercises. This builds familiarity with each other’s communication styles under pressure.Practical Insight: Use the Risk Training Center to find relevant courses you can take together.
5. Support Each Other Publicly
When the pastor endorses safety initiatives and the Safety Officer affirms the church’s mission, the congregation sees unity and shared purpose.Practical Insight: Take turns speaking during ministry spotlights to highlight both spiritual and safety aspects of upcoming events.
From Separate Roles to Shared Ministry
Pastor James and Joni’s story shows that collaboration isn’t automatic—it’s built intentionally over time. By working together, they moved from two leaders operating in parallel to a unified team, ready to serve their congregation with both spiritual care and physical protection.Next Step: Schedule a conversation between your pastor and Safety Officer this month to discuss how you can strengthen your partnership before the next big event or crisis.
