Estimated Read Time: 6 minutes
Disclaimer: The following story is fictional but based on real-world scenarios and patterns identified through ARM’s work with churches. It is designed to illustrate key principles for launching a church safety program.
A Wake-Up Call That Went Deeper
It started with a minor incident. During a Wednesday night Bible study, a water leak in the hallway caused a member to slip and fall. Thankfully, the injury wasn’t serious. But as Pastor James and Elder Faith gathered afterward, the conversation revealed something more concerning than a wet floor.Elder Faith: “Do we even know where the shut-off valve is?”
Pastor James: “Yes, but only a couple of us do—and it’s not written down anywhere.”
Elder Faith: “And where are our wet floor signs? I didn’t see any when we tried to block off the area.”
Pastor James: “They should be in the storage closet, but I’m not sure. We don’t really have a system for checking that.”
Elder Faith: “Do we have someone assigned to look for hazards before events?”
Pastor James: “No official role for that. And if this had happened during a Sabbath service, we’d have been scrambling just the same.”
By the weekend, the story had reached Joni—the church’s newly appointed safety officer. She hadn’t been there that Wednesday night, but as she heard the details, the reality sank in. She had stepped into the role with enthusiasm, but it was clear that one person couldn’t carry the weight of safety alone. What was missing wasn’t effort—it was vision.
At the next board meeting, Pastor James brought it up again. “We’ve done a good thing by appointing a safety officer,” he said, “but that’s just the beginning. Safety has to become part of our ministry culture—something everyone values, not just one person manages.”
Elder Faith nodded. “If we see safety as ministry, then it deserves the same attention as any other part of church life.”
That moment became a turning point. The leadership recognized that creating a safe environment wasn’t simply Joni’s task—it was a shared calling. Together, they committed to making safety a visible, ongoing ministry priority.
One small incident had sparked something bigger: a vision for safety that would shape how the church cared for its people moving forward.
Why a Program Matters
When leadership recognizes safety as part of ministry—not just maintenance—it changes everything. A safety program isn’t about reacting to one problem; it’s about setting a shared vision for prevention, preparedness, and care.Pastor James and Elder Faith realized that safety had to move from an informal conversation to a church-wide commitment. Their goal wasn’t just to avoid accidents—it was to protect people, strengthen trust, and remove distractions from ministry.
A well-led safety program helps churches:
- Protect people from harm. When everyone knows their role, risks are identified and addressed before harm occurs.
- Reduce liability and uncertainty. Clear systems and documentation bring confidence to both leaders and members.
- Build trust within the congregation and community. Members feel cared for when they see intentional stewardship in action.
- Keep ministry running smoothly. When risks are managed, worship and service can continue without preventable disruptions.
5 Steps to Launch Your Church Safety Program
Step 1: Cast the Vision
Before anything else, leadership must see safety as a ministry priority. Share real-life examples, statistics, and biblical principles of stewardship to inspire action.Pro Tip: Use the Solutions newsletter and ARM resources to share success stories and lessons learned from other churches.
Step 2: Form a Safety Committee
This team becomes the backbone of your program. Include ministry leaders, deacons, and members with relevant experience (e.g., first aid, security, facilities).Pro Tip: Assign clear roles—such as Safety Officer, communications lead, and facility coordinator—so tasks are owned, not assumed.
Step 3: Assess Your Risks
Walk through your church campus with fresh eyes. Identify physical hazards, review emergency plans, and evaluate volunteer training.Pro Tip: Use ARM’s Church Safety Officer resources and facility inspection checklists to guide the process.
Step 4: Develop and Document Plans
Write policies for emergencies (fire, medical, severe weather), child protection, and facility maintenance. Keep them accessible and train your teams to follow them.Pro Tip: Build in annual reviews so your plans stay relevant.
Step 5: Train, Drill, and Communicate
A program is only as strong as the people who know it. Run regular training for leaders and volunteers. Conduct drills that are appropriate for your congregation and setting.Pro Tip: Use the Risk Training Center’s Safety Officer course to equip leaders, and share updates during Sabbath announcements or ministry spotlights.
From Catalyst to Culture
The water leak incident could have been dismissed as a fluke. Instead, it became the spark that led to a safer, more prepared church. Your first step might come from a minor mishap or a close call—but what matters is turning that awareness into a proactive, ongoing safety program.Next Step: Bring the idea of starting a safety program to your next church board meeting. Use these five steps as your roadmap to get from concept to action.
