Roles and Responsibilities for an Effective Team
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
Why the Right People Matter
Your church’s safety committee is more than a group of volunteers—it’s a team with specific skills, perspectives, and responsibilities. Choosing the right mix of people ensures you can identify risks, respond to emergencies, and keep your congregation safe while supporting the church’s ministry.Core Positions in an Effective Safety Committee
1. Safety Officer (Committee Chair)
Primary Role:- Leads the committee and oversees the church’s safety program.
- Develops agendas and leads meetings.
- Coordinates safety drills and training.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for safety-related concerns.
- Reports to church leadership.
2. Pastor or Pastoral Coordinator
Primary Role:- Ensures alignment between safety efforts and the church’s mission.
- Provides spiritual guidance in decision-making.
- Supports communication with the congregation.
- Advocates for safety initiatives with church leadership.
3. Facilities Coordinator
Primary Role:- Oversees building maintenance and hazard prevention.
- Conducts regular facility inspections.
- Manages repairs and upgrades for safety equipment.
- Coordinates with contractors and maintenance volunteers.
4. Medical/Health Coordinator
Primary Role:- Brings expertise in first aid, CPR, and emergency medical response.
- Maintains first aid kits and medical supplies.
- Leads first aid training for volunteers.
- Advises on health-related policies (e.g., illness prevention).
5. Security/Access Control Coordinator
Primary Role:- Advises on physical security and access protocols.
- Monitors entry/exit points.
- Recommends and oversees security technology (locks, cameras, alarms).
- Trains greeters/ushers on security awareness.
6. Children’s Ministries Coordinator
Primary Role:- Ensures child safety policies are understood and followed.
- Implements volunteer screening and supervision guidelines.
- Advises on child check-in/check-out procedures.
- Coordinates child-focused drills (e.g., missing child response).
7. Communications Coordinator
Primary Role:- Manages internal and external safety communications, including crisis communication.
- Prepares announcements, bulletins, and signage.
- Coordinates emergency notifications.
- Drafts and manages crisis communications, such as PR statements and press releases.
- Ensures consistent messaging across all platforms.
Building a Team That Works
Each member brings a unique perspective and skill set, but their shared goal is the same: protecting the congregation so ministry can thrive without preventable interruptions. The most effective safety committees balance expertise, availability, and commitment.Next Step: Review your current safety committee and identify which roles are filled—and where you might need to recruit new members to strengthen your team.
