Church security is a field that has historically been dominated by men. In fact, I’m the only female on my church’s security team. When I speak at conferences or write about security, I’m often the only woman tackling the topic. But here’s the thing—I’m proud of the experience and perspective I bring. Besides being able to handle aspects of physical security, have you ever thought about what else women could bring to your team? Let me share what they can add to make your already amazing team even better!
- Women Help Create an Even More Welcoming Environment
Women are naturally nurturing, and their ability to create a warm, inviting atmosphere is a gift to any security team. Their compassionate nature helps visitors and congregation members feel comfortable and supported, no matter what they may be going through. Emotional and spiritual safety are just as important as physical protection.
For example, women can be the approachable faces that visitors or those in distress turn to for help. They can also lead or assist in training greeters to spot signs of emotional distress, ensuring that no one feels overlooked. Plus, their skills in conflict de-escalation, delivered in a calm, gentle manner, can be vital in moments of tension. Women on the security team can offer both a listening ear and a safe space.
When you have women on your team, you’re fostering a community known not only for physical protection but also for emotional and spiritual care. It makes your church a trusted place of refuge in your local community.
- Women Add Diverse Perspectives to Enhance Security
Women bring valuable new perspectives that can boost the effectiveness of your security team. Their presence ensures that every situation is considered from various angles, enriching your team’s approach to safety. In tense situations, women’s diplomacy and calm demeanor can be especially effective at de-escalating conflict and offering comfort.
In practice, women might step up to greet and connect with those who seem agitated, offering a calming presence and a chance to be heard. During church events, women can keep an eye on the crowd, noticing issues before they escalate. They might also step in during sensitive moments, like comforting children or offering support to those emotionally distressed. Women naturally create an environment of trust, which makes churchgoers feel both physically protected and emotionally supported.
There was a question trending online recently: “Would you rather be alone in the woods with a bear or a man?” The majority of women chose the bear. That’s because we understand vulnerability in a way that many well-meaning men may not. Having women on your team ensures you can design protocols that address this reality with empathy.
3. Women Provide a Sense of Safety for Other Women and Children
When women are on the security team, they become a vital resource for other women and children in the congregation who may need extra support. Whether it’s handling sensitive issues like harassment or offering a comforting ear, female team members are often the safe choice for those who feel more comfortable talking to another woman.
Women can step in during difficult moments—like when a woman feels threatened or notices inappropriate behavior—and offer reassurance while addressing the situation appropriately. They can also advocate for safe spaces during events or assist those dealing with domestic violence or other forms of abuse, always with discretion and care. By offering a nurturing presence, women help ensure that your church is a secure space where everyone, especially women and children, can feel safe and valued.
4. Women Add Enhanced Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
One of the greatest gifts women bring to any team is emotional intelligence. This trait is invaluable in security roles, where high-stress situations often require someone who can stay calm, assess emotions, and offer reassurance.
Imagine a female security team member stepping in during a heated disagreement between congregants. Her ability to listen, validate feelings, and offer a neutral space can help de-escalate the situation before it gets out of hand. Women’s emotional intelligence allows them to spot signs of distress early, meaning the team can take proactive steps to address issues before they escalate. They can also comfort someone grieving, help a frightened child, or listen to someone who feels unsafe—all while maintaining the integrity of the church environment. Women also excel in training others to respond to emotional dynamics with care, ensuring the church stays a place where people find peace.
5. Women Build Trust with the Entire Congregation
A security team that reflects the diversity of the congregation naturally builds more trust within the community. When people see both men and women working together to ensure safety, it sends the message that the church is committed to valuing and protecting everyone equally.
This might look like female team members securing the children’s ministry area or assisting mothers with young children. Women can be instrumental in outreach efforts, offering emotional support to victims of harassment or people with special needs. Their approachability encourages everyone—no matter their background, age, or gender—to feel seen and heard. Plus, having team members from different genders, generations, and backgrounds means you can better understand the unique needs of the entire congregation.
Inviting women onto your security team offers so many incredible benefits. Not only do well-trained women enhance physical safety along with their male counterparts, they also create a space where emotional and spiritual support can thrive. Women bring fresh perspectives, empathy, and emotional insight that help defuse tense situations, provide a comforting presence, and offer solutions for sensitive concerns. By creating a diverse team that reflects your congregation, you’re building a safer, more inclusive church environment. Your church will shine as a place where everyone, especially women, children, and vulnerable members, feel truly valued and cared for.
About the author
Lori Morrison is a member of her church’s security team, a retired licensed private investigator, a former church staffer, and serves on the Worship Facility Editorial Advisory Board. Her training guide, Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches helps church leaders adopt a new mindset, build a customized strategy, and launch a sustainable plan for the protection of their flock.
