Faith communities are not isolated from the threats that affect the broader world. Within the past year, multiple shooting incidents at churches, synagogues, and mosques have reinforced the need for structured safety planning.
While these events are rare, they can be devastating when they occur, and many congregations now rely on church safety teams as part of their risk management approach.
Recent incidents, including the tragic Michigan shooting (CNN), emphasize the importance of having prevention measures, training, and clear policies in place before a crisis arises.
Why structured church safety teams are important
Structured safety teams can help faith communities respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. Because many congregations host weekly events, classes, youth programs, and community meetings, the need for vigilant planning extends beyond Sunday services.
To learn more, download our eBook: How Do Religious Institutions Recover After an Active Shooter Incident?
Top priorities for church safety teams
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advises faith organizations to establish reporting pathways for suspicious behavior and to train volunteers to identify concerning activity early. These steps matter because early awareness gives teams more time to act, communicate, and coordinate with law enforcement.
When houses of worship strengthen situational awareness among staff and volunteers, they create an environment where potential threats are identified more rapidly, and responses are more organized.
To support safer environments, congregations can focus on several practical steps:
- Assess the facility – Identify vulnerabilities such as unsecured entry points, poor lighting, or unclear signage.
- Develop a clear policy – Establish written guidelines for volunteers, including when to intervene, communication expectations, and coordination with local law enforcement.
- Train regularly – Schedule drills, tabletop exercises, and walkthroughs that reflect realistic scenarios.
- Strengthen communication – Ensure that volunteers, staff, and leaders understand how to report concerns quickly.
- Review insurance coverage – Review the general liability coverage to understand if active assailant incidents are part of the coverage. Confirm that safety volunteers are covered and understand limitations around paid off-duty officers.
These steps help church safety teams and other faith community volunteers to make informed decisions under pressure. Training and preparation reduce panic and improve outcomes if an incident occurs.
Federal agencies, such as the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), offer detailed guides for mitigating attacks at houses of worship, including risk assessments and physical protection strategies.
Also read: Developing an Effective Active Shooter Recovery Plan
Understanding liability when safety teams respond
Faith leaders may ask: How does an Active Assailant/Workplace Violence Insurance policy respond if a volunteer acting in good faith accidentally harms a bystander during an emergency?
Many church safety teams include volunteers who have permission from leadership to carry a firearm or assist in a crisis. These volunteers may include law enforcement professionals who attend the congregation.
Key considerations:
- Volunteers on official safety teams are typically covered under an Active Assailant Insurance policy.
- Professional negligence by paid off-duty officers is generally excluded.
- Organizations may still face claims for negligent hiring or inadequate training.
Comprehensive policies often include general liability coverage to help address these expenses.
The role of insurance in preparedness and recovery
An act of violence can disrupt worship services, community programs, and outreach efforts for weeks or months. McGowan Program Administrators’ comprehensive Active Assailant/Workplace Violence Insurance policies offer:
- Victim expenses – Provides for medical expenses, counseling, rehabilitation, and funeral expenses day one
- Insured general liability – Defense and indemnification in the event the insured is sued
- Business income and extra expense coverage – Helping organizations maintain operations while recovering; may include temporary security, public relations support, or assistance for affected individuals
- Specialized crisis readiness services – Support pre- and post-event from crisis management firms. These experts can assist in developing prevention plans, creating effective communication strategies, and managing events if they occur. Professional guidance can help faith leaders make decisions with greater confidence, especially in communities with limited internal security experience.
To learn how specialized coverage can support your organization, explore McGowan Program Administrators’ Crisis Management (Active Shooter and Workplace Violence) Insurance.