Six minutes read
Every church needs someone ready to protect, prepare, and provide peace of mind. This article helps leaders understand the value of appointing a Safety Officer and how it strengthens ministry.”Disclaimer: The following story is fictional but based on real-world scenarios and experiences gathered from church safety officers, incident reports, and ARM’s collected data. It is designed to illustrate key principles of the Safety Officer ministry.
When the Unexpected Happens
It was a Sabbath like any other—until it wasn’t. The fellowship hall was buzzing after potluck when a member suddenly collapsed. For a moment, everyone froze. Then voices rose all at once: “Call 911!” “Is there a nurse here?” “Where’s the first aid kit?” People were willing to help—but no one knew who should take charge.A deacon ran to the kitchen looking for the kit, another searched for someone with medical training, and a third tried to clear space around the member. In the confusion, precious minutes ticked by before paramedics arrived. Thankfully, the outcome was positive, but the chaos left Pastor James unsettled.
At the next board meeting, he reflected aloud, “In an emergency, we should all know instantly who to look to—someone trained, someone who has a plan and a team ready. Right now, we don’t have that. We need a Safety Officer to make sure we do.”
More Than a Response Role
Many assume safety is only about emergencies. But a Safety Officer’s work begins long before anything goes wrong.- Prevention – Identifying and addressing risks before they cause harm.
- Preparedness – Training teams and developing plans for a variety of scenarios, from medical events to severe weather.
- Peace of Mind – Allowing members and guests to focus on worship and fellowship, knowing someone is watching out for them.
Churches without a designated safety leader often face confusion during a crisis—not because people don’t care, but because no one knows who should take the lead.— From “Why Do You Need a Safety Officer in Your Church?” Solutions Newsletter
Benefits for Your Church Leadership
A Safety Officer supports and strengthens the work of the church board, pastors, and ministry leaders by:- Providing a Central Point of Coordination – Eliminating uncertainty about who manages safety-related tasks.
- Ensuring Legal and Policy Compliance – Aligning with denominational guidelines, insurance requirements, and local regulations.
- Freeing Pastoral Leadership for Ministry – Allowing pastors to focus on preaching and pastoral care while the Safety Officer oversees safety logistics.
- Building a Culture of Care – Reinforcing the message that the church values both spiritual and physical well-being.
A Visible Commitment to Safety
Appointing a Safety Officer sends a strong message to your congregation and community: - Guests see the church as intentional about their safety. - Members feel cared for and valued. - Parents are more confident about leaving their children in ministry programs.Story Connection: In The Ministry of the Safety Officer (Solutions Newsletter), one congregation saw attendance and volunteer engagement increase after visibly improving their safety measures.
First Steps for Leadership
- Discuss the Role at the Board Level – Clarify the purpose and scope of the position.
- Identify Potential Candidates – Look for members with leadership, organizational skills, and a servant’s heart.
- Provide Resources and Training – Partner with ARM for onboarding materials, sample policies, and drills.
- Encourage Ongoing Learning – Have your Safety Officer sign up for the Solutions newsletter to receive regular, practical safety insights throughout the year.
- Leverage the Risk Training Center (RTC) – Enroll your Safety Officer in ARM’s dedicated Safety Officer course and encourage them to revisit the RTC regularly as new and updated courses are added.
- Communicate the Appointment to the Congregation – Build support by explaining the role’s value.
Vision Worth Pursuing
Safety is not an optional ministry—it’s a form of discipleship in action. When leaders prioritize safety, they protect not only the people in their care but also the mission of the church.Next Step for Leaders: Put “Safety Officer Appointment” on your next board meeting agenda. Begin the process of choosing someone to shepherd your church family’s safety.