Should Churches Lock Doors During Service

Local churches have started locking either some or all of their doors during worship services in response to safety concerns from recent mass shootings.

Should churches lock doors during service.

Time to lock the church doors once services begin. A general understanding seemed to exist that held these locations as sacred and in most people s minds places of worship were viewed as areas of refuge where you could pray meditate reflect or seek spiritual counsel no matter what time of day or night it might be. Or see if another church in your area or near work has evening masses prayers services or a perpetual adoration chapel. The press journal talked to religious leaders at eight churches and asked about their security protocol.

Here are ten ways churches signal newcomers they are not wanted. One church where i was to preach has a lovely front facade which borders on the sidewalk. We have a separate building for s s. Yes many churches now need to be locked in the evening.

All other entrances should be inaccessible from the outside of your church. While most churches have closed their doors in compliance with government recommendations to stop the spread of coronavirus a few are making headlines for their defiance. During sunday or midweek worship services interior church doors should be secured unless a specific function is going on in that room or wing recommends chuck chadwick founder and director of gatekeepers alliance. During services assign a volunteer to monitor an unlocked door or two volunteers for the parking lot.

In the wake of the texas shooting and other acts of violence a pastors group suggests protective measures for the faithful by faithzette staff. Any unlocked doors should be actively monitored. Only a few decades ago it was a common practice for churches and other places of worship to leave their doors unlocked practically 24 7. If the rectory is on the grounds you could have asked the priest to let you in.

Four said they locked either some or all of the doors during worship three said their doors remained unlocked during services and one said the congregation has discussed security measures but not yet made a decision. The front door is locked. We lock all doors except the front after sunday school is over. Sensitive areas of the church should have an access control system that allows only authorized people to enter he says.

Assign an usher or team member to lock doors once your service starts. Monitor doors and lots. God bless you for going to jesus instead of re creating another way. Ensure that the exit doors remain unlocked from the inside.

Classes and lock it completely when it s over.