Active Shooter Training for Churches

Creating a Safer Sacred Space

Churches and other houses of worship are cornerstones of community—welcoming, open, and rooted in care. Yet these very qualities also create a unique vulnerability when it comes to safety. In today’s world, the idea of security within sacred spaces is no longer abstract. It’s essential.

Active shooter training for churches has become a necessary part of ensuring church safety. Rather than being reactive after tragedy strikes, proactive preparation empowers church staff, volunteers, and congregants with the tools to recognize threats, respond quickly, and save lives.

Why Churches Need Active Shooter Training

Growing Security Concerns

Sadly, active shooter incidents at faith-based locations are on the rise. Tragic events like the 2017 shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and others, have highlighted the vulnerability of worship spaces. These incidents underscore the urgent need for every congregation to have a plan in place.

Unique Challenges in Church Security

Churches face a set of challenges that make security complex:

• Open-door policies are foundational to a church’s mission, but they can make threat detection and prevention more difficult.

• Large, diverse gatherings mean that churchgoers range in age and ability, making coordinated responses more challenging.

• Limited security personnel, often volunteers, may not be trained to handle emergency situations.

• Legal and ethical responsibilities must also be considered. Churches have a duty of care to protect the people who gather within their walls.

These factors make it clear: developing a realistic, accessible active shooter response plan is not just prudent—it’s critical.

Key Elements of Effective Church Active Shooter Training

Situational Awareness in Worship Spaces

An effective training program begins with awareness. Church security starts when congregants and staff learn to identify suspicious behavior and potential threats. Recognizing early warning signs allows for quicker action, potentially preventing violence before it occurs.

Emergency Action Planning

Every church should have a well-communicated emergency response plan that includes:

ALICE Training® for Churches

The ALICE Training® framework—Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate—is one of the most widely respected and adaptable programs for active shooter preparedness. Unlike passive lockdown-only models, ALICE gives individuals options to respond based on their circumstances.

• Alert: Recognize and communicate the threat quickly.
• Lockdown: Secure entry points and create barriers.
• Inform: Share real-time information to increase situational awareness.
• Counter: Distract and interrupt the attacker’s ability to cause harm when escape is not possible.
• Evacuate: Safely remove as many people as possible from danger.

ALICE is especially effective in church settings because it is scalable, trauma-informed, and suitable for all ages and physical abilities. It empowers individuals with confidence, clarity, and choice.

Training Church Leaders, Volunteers & Congregants

Everyone plays a role in church safety. A comprehensive program should prepare:

• Church leaders to set the tone and ensure readiness
• Volunteers and greeters to spot concerning behavior at entry points
• Congregants to respond calmly and decisively under pressure

Regular drills, table-top exercises, and scenario-based training can help reinforce readiness and build trust in your emergency response plan.

Implementing an Active Shooter Response Plan

Coordinating with Local Law Enforcement

Establishing a relationship with local police or sheriff’s departments is a key part of any church safety plan. They can assist with vulnerability assessments, support training, and participate in drills to improve response coordination during an actual emergency.

Practical Steps for Integrating Security Without Disrupting Worship

Security shouldn’t overshadow spirituality. Churches can implement subtle yet effective practices such as:

• Surveillance systems near entrances
• Volunteer ushers trained in de-escalation
• Strategic placement of first aid kits and communication tools

These measures enhance church safety without making the environment feel hostile or closed off.

Equip Your Church with ALICE Training®

The time to act is now. Active shooter incidents continue to threaten places of worship, and churches must be ready to protect their communities.

ALICE Training® equips church staff, volunteers, and members with lifesaving knowledge and clear, practical strategies. While this blog focuses on churches, ALICE provides comprehensive solutions for all houses of worship.

Explore more about church and faith-based organization security here, or speak with a safety expert to create a plan tailored to your church’s needs.

Don’t wait for a crisis to plan your response. Prepare your congregation now.