Episode #20: Why Every KidsMin Needs a Security Team (and How to Build One)
When we talk about kids’ ministry, we often focus on discipleship, engaging lessons, and creating a welcoming space for families. But there’s a critical piece that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: safety and security.
And no, I’m not just talking about “the guy with the radio in the sanctuary.” I’m talking about a dedicated security team—people who know your children’s ministry procedures and are ready to protect your space, your leaders, and the children in your care.
If you’re thinking, “We don’t have a team like that… and if an emergency happened, I’d have to handle everything myself,” you’re not alone. But the truth is—you can’t manage 100 kids, 15 teachers, and an emergency situation all at the same time. You need trained advocates who can step in and help when things get chaotic.
Why a KidsMin Security Team is Essential
Emergencies are rarely calm. Whether it’s a fire, a severe weather warning, or an intruder, chaos can spread quickly—especially in a space designed for kids.
Keep in mind that children’s ministry protocols aren’t always the same as adult protocols. For example, in an intruder situation, adults are typically advised to evacuate. But moving a class of one-year-olds quickly and safely isn’t always realistic or safe. Often, the safest option is to shelter in place, barricading the room until help arrives.
A general security volunteer who doesn’t know these specifics might follow the wrong protocol for children—putting everyone at greater risk. A dedicated children’s ministry security team, on the other hand, understands:
Your specific emergency procedures for fire, intruder, shelter-in-place, severe weather, and evacuation.
Where kids are located and how many are in each room.
How to assist teachers in guiding children to safety.
How to manage parent pickup during a crisis so it’s orderly, safe, and as calm as possible.
The bottom line? You can’t be everywhere at once, but a trained team can cover more ground and protect both your kids and your leaders.
How to Build Your Security Team
If your church doesn’t have a security team yet—don’t panic. Here’s how to get started:
Work with Your Church Leadership
Explain why KidsMin security is different from general church security.
Advocate for a dedicated team and secure leadership buy-in.
Use Local Resources
Many state governments offer free safety assessments for non-profit organizations, including churches.
These assessments can identify vulnerabilities from the parking lot to the classrooms and offer solutions at no cost.
Reach out to your local fire and police departments and ask them to do a safety walkthrough and share the best evacuation and shelter in place protocols for your specific space.
Select the Right People
Look for individuals who are security-minded—former law enforcement, military, or people with relevant training are ideal.
Keep the team small and focused, not a large group of loosely involved volunteers.
Train Thoroughly
Cover building layout, emergency exits, and shelter locations.
Explain the different protocols for children vs. adults.
Walk through real scenarios with your team so they know exactly how to respond.
Establish Clear Communication
Decide in advance who calls the shots during an emergency.
Determine how you’ll communicate with one another quickly (radios, text alerts, etc.).
Quick Tip: Make sure you communicate with law enforcement and church leadership if you are considering having an armed security team. There are additional measures and protocols that you’ll need to consider here, so you want to make sure to have adequate communication and consultations from the right people before bringing an armed team into the picture.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Creating a children’s ministry security team might feel overwhelming, but you’re not starting from scratch. The key is to be intentional—plan for emergencies before they happen and equip people who can come alongside you.
Your role as a KidsMin leader is to shepherd and disciple children—but part of shepherding is protecting your flock. You can’t do that alone in an emergency, and you shouldn’t have to.
If you’re ready to develop security procedures and build a team that can protect your ministry well, I’d love to help you get started. Together, we can create a plan that fits your church’s unique layout, culture, and needs—so you can focus on ministry knowing your kids are safe.
Nurturing Leaders. Impacting Generations.
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