As the new year begins, churches often prepare for a season of renewal, launching new programs, Bible studies or spiritual initiatives to help members grow closer to God. Leaders pray over plans for outreach, discipleship and worship, anticipating opportunities the coming year will bring to minister to congregations and communities.
Amidst this excitement for spiritual growth, it can be easy to overlook foundational aspects that make ministry possible — making sure the church itself is a safe, welcoming and well-maintained space. Addressing these practical needs is more than just good stewardship — it’s a tangible way to reflect Christ’s care and love for His people.
Foundational measures
Emergency Preparedness: Assess safety risks specific to your location, such as fire hazards or severe weather threats, and develop comprehensive emergency response plans. Provide clear evacuation routes, communication protocols and designated roles for staff and volunteers. Schedule safety drills to make sure everyone knows what to do during an emergency, focusing on real-life scenarios like fire evacuations, active shooters or responding to a sudden medical crisis.
First aid and CPR training: Train staff and key volunteers in basic first aid and CPR to make sure immediate help is available during medical emergencies. Place well-stocked first-aid kits in accessible areas throughout the church, including items like bandages, antiseptics and medications.
Security measures: Install surveillance cameras at entry points, parking lots or other high-traffic areas to deter theft and record incidents. Provide sufficient lighting to eliminate dark or unsafe zones. Form a church security team with trained members who can respond or consult with local law enforcement for regular security practices.
Child protection policies: Require thorough background checks for all staff and volunteers working with children to ensure the safety of the youngest members of the congregation. Establish clear policies like the “two-adult rule,” which allows no child left alone with only one adult. Regularly train volunteers.
Health and hygiene: Place hand-sanitizing stations at entrances and throughout the church, particularly high-touch areas like restrooms and children’s ministry spaces. Develop protocols to minimize the spread of illness, such as encouraging sick congregants to stay home and offering livestreamed services. Clean and sanitize the church frequently.
Building inspections: Perform routine inspections of major systems, such as roofs for leaks or damage, HVAC systems for efficiency, plumbing for leaks or blockages, and electrical systems for outdated wiring or hazards. Act swiftly to repair or replace any damaged fixtures like broken light bulbs, cracked windows or malfunctioning outlets.
Fire safety: Install smoke detectors in strategic areas like the sanctuary, fellowship hall and children’s ministry, and test them monthly. Keep fire extinguishers in visible and accessible locations; they should be inspected annually.
Church accessibility: Make sure the church is welcoming to individuals with mobility challenges by installing ramps, handrails or elevators. Make restrooms ADA-compliant with wide stalls and grab-bars. Equip the sanctuary with hearing assistance devices or headphones.
Grounds: Keep outdoor areas, including parking lots and sidewalks, well-lit to provide safety. Regularly clear debris like leaves, ice or trash to prevent accidents. Fix cracks or uneven pavement on sidewalks and driveways. Maintain landscaping by trimming overgrown shrubs and trees to prevent accidents or security risks.
Pest control: Schedule professional pest inspections to monitor for termites, rodents or other pests that could cause structural damage or create unsanitary conditions. Seal all gaps and cracks in the building’s foundation, windows and doors to prevent pests from entering.
Practical steps for implementation
Form a safety and maintenance committee: Recruit members with backgrounds in areas like safety, construction, engineering or facility management. Ask this team to assess needs, prioritize projects and create actionable plans for improvements.
Create a budget for upkeep: Dedicate a portion of the church’s annual budget specifically for safety and maintenance to cover both routine upkeep and unexpected repairs. Encourage donations or special offerings to support it.
Regular communication: Keep the congregation informed about ongoing and upcoming maintenance projects. Encourage involvement by inviting members to volunteer for specific tasks, such as landscaping days or safety drills, etc. This will bring a greater sense of shared responsibility and community participation.
A church is more than just a building. It is a sanctuary where faith is nurtured, lives are transformed and God’s presence is celebrated. By prioritizing safety, maintenance and accessibility, we not only honor the physical space entrusted to us but also demonstrate Christ’s love through care for the congregation and community.
In this new year, commit to making our churches places where everyone who enters feels welcomed, protected and drawn closer to the heart of God. Let’s make sure our churches stand as places of faith, love and hope for generations to come.
Safety requirements for Alabama churches
In Alabama, churches must follow general safety regulations for public assembly spaces, including compliance with fire safety standards, ADA accessibility and structural maintenance, and are encouraged to adopt security plans to protect members during worship. Attorney General Steve Marshall recommends churches develop comprehensive safety protocols, conduct security assessments and train volunteer security teams.
Church security
Church security: Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has provided guidance on church security measures and the application of Alabama’s stand-your-ground law, emphasizing the importance of adopting comprehensive security plans. Consult the Alabama Attorney General’s Church Security Guidance (alabamaag.gov) or Alabama church security recommendations (locknowapp.com) for more information.
Church security and Alabama’s Stand-Your-Ground Law: https://www.alabamaag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/church-security-guidance-1-2020.pdf
Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions: Training and resources on church security, including workshops and conferences to help churches develop effective security strategies.
Law enforcement collaboration: Many local police departments and sheriff’s offices in Alabama provide training and support for church security teams, including programs like ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) to prepare for potential threats.
Fire safety
Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office: Guidance on fire safety regulations, assisting churches in conducting fire safety assessments to ensure compliance with state laws.
Fire departments: Many local fire departments offer fire safety inspections and can provide recommendations on installing smoke detectors or fire extinguishers and developing evacuation plans tailored to the church’s layout.
Child protection policies
Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR): Resources and guidelines on child protection, including mandatory reporting requirements and best practices for organizations working with children.
Alabama Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers: Training and support for implementing child protection policies, assisting churches in developing protocols to safeguard children.
First Aid and CPR training
American Red Cross — Alabama Region: First Aid and CPR training, enabling church staff and volunteers to respond effectively to medical emergencies.
Hospitals and community colleges: Many healthcare institutions and educational centers in Alabama provide certified First Aid and CPR training programs suitable for church groups.
Church accessibility
Accessible Alabama: Resources and support to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including guidance on making facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Alabama ADA State Resource Network: Information and technical assistance on accessibility standards, helping churches assess and improve facilities to accommodate all members.
Share with others: