Q: Should our church have armed security guards?

A: Every church must make its own determination whether circumstances exist that warrant an armed security team.

If you decide that armed guards are needed, we recommend that you use current or former law enforcement officers or weapons-trained security firms. These professionals:

  • Receive hours of weapons training each year.
  • Are trained to deal with unruly, violent or mentally unstable people.
  • Are more likely to respond appropriately under stressful conditions that involve life-or-death decisions.

Finding a Security Guard

Hiring an outside security firm is an excellent option, especially if there are no trained law enforcement personnel affiliated with your church.

A security consultant can help you get started by assessing your ministry's security risks. Ask for recommendations from your local police agency, school system, area businesses or other churches. Always check the consultant's credentials and references before making a decision.

Recommended Resources

If you found this information helpful, you might be interested in these other resources from Brotherhood Mutual:


More Questions?

Do you have a question that wasn’t covered in this article? Submit your question to Brotherhood Mutual’s Legal Assist team.


This information is intended to be helpful. However, it is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney/client relationship. Every circumstance is different, and an organization's rights and obligations vary by jurisdiction. That's why we strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program. 

The information is accurate as of the date of publication; however, changes in law or regulation over time may affect the accuracy of the information presented.