As the leaves turn colors and the air grows crisp, we know the holiday season is fast approaching a time filled with excitement, joy, and lots of church events! While this is one of the most wonderful times of the year, it also brings unique challenges for those responsible for church safety. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the holiday hustle, let’s look at this season as a fantastic opportunity! With more people walking through our church doors than at any other time of year, we have a special chance to engage with our community in meaningful ways. That said, more visitors also mean greater responsibility to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome. So, let’s explore how we can prepare for each holiday, making sure our church is both a safe haven and a joyful gathering spot.
Halloween: Creating a Safe and Fun Environment
If your church is hosting a Halloween event like Trunk or Treat or a Harvest Festival, some extra safety precautions are a must.
- Lighting: Outdoor events after dark can be magical, but they also need proper lighting to keep everyone safe. Avoid trip hazards and overly spooky surprises by ensuring all areas are well-lit. For families with young children, consider a quieter, toddler-friendly area where little ones can enjoy a calm, fun space.
- Food Allergies: In today’s world, food allergies are a big concern. You can make your event more inclusive by offering non-food treats and sticking to prepackaged goodies with clear allergy labels. A great way to show you care? Set up a “Teal Pumpkin Project” station, which signals allergy-friendly options for kids and parents alike.
- Visible Security: Make sure your security team is visible and approachable. This not only ensures safety but also lets visitors know your church is committed to protecting children and families. A positive, secure experience could inspire them to return for worship in the future!
Thanksgiving: Supporting the Community with Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a time to give back, and many churches take this opportunity to help those in need. But with many volunteers traveling for the holidays, it’s important to plan ahead.
- Resource Lists: Even if your church can’t meet every need, you can still help by providing a list of local resources like food pantries, shelters, and transportation services. Display the list in your church lobby or on your website so those in need can access help easily.
- Low Volunteer Numbers: With fewer volunteers around Thanksgiving, it’s smart to recruit new helpers early, giving yourself time to run background checks. If needed, scale down your events or shift them around to fit your available resources.
- Fire Safety and Decorations: Fall events often include cozy fire pits, but make sure fire extinguishers are on hand and trained volunteers are keeping an eye on things. Indoors, avoid fire hazards like candles and keep all exit paths clear. Safe decorating is key to a smooth celebration.
Christmas: Planning for a Safe and Joyful Celebration
Christmas brings a whirlwind of activity to churches—Advent services, children’s programs, and Christmas Eve gatherings. With so much going on, safety needs to be front and center.
- Children’s Programs: Whether it’s a nativity play or a Christmas choir, kids are often the heart of the holiday season. Ensure that volunteers working with children have passed background checks and are trained to manage large groups safely. To prevent chaos, limit the number of participants to a manageable size.
- Christmas Eve Services: Christmas Eve brings in many visitors who don’t typically attend church, so it’s important to be prepared for larger crowds. Review your emergency exit plans, ensure accessible seating, and train greeters to spot visitors who may need special attention. If possible, offer multiple service times to avoid overcrowding.
- Crowd Control and Parking: Big crowds can lead to confusion, so plan ahead! Set clear entry and exit points, station volunteers to guide people, and consider using parking attendants to manage traffic flow. Make sure emergency vehicles can get through if needed, and have a plan for crowd evacuation in case of an emergency.
New Year: Renew, Review, and Refresh
As the year winds down, New Year’s events, like youth lock-ins, offer a unique way to celebrate while keeping safety top of mind.
- Youth Lock-Ins: These events can be loads of fun, but they come with extra responsibilities. Ensure there’s a good ratio of volunteers to youth, and make sure every adult has passed a background check. Lay out clear rules for behavior and safety beforehand (teens never do anything unsafe, right?), and ensure parents and teens know what to expect. Monitor entrances and exits closely, and designate a safe, supervised area for sleeping.
- Reviewing Policies: The new year is the perfect time to revisit your church’s safety policies. Are your emergency plans up to date? Is there new technology that could help? Take stock of what worked well this year and what didn’t, then set new safety goals for the upcoming year.
- First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: For any large event, a well-marked first aid station is a must. Make sure qualified volunteers are on hand and that basic medical supplies, such as bandages and allergy medication, are readily available. It’s also important to train your team to respond quickly in case of a medical emergency, whether it’s a minor injury or something more serious.
By planning ahead and implementing these safety measures, your holiday season can be filled with joy, peace of mind, and a welcoming atmosphere for all. With a focus on making everyone feel safe and included, your church can host holiday celebrations that become beloved community traditions year after year!
About the author
Lori Morrison is a member of her church’s security team, a retired 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.
