The McKnight Group’s free i3 webinars provide ideas, insights, and innovations about church design and building. Each webinar also presents an opportunity to ask questions and get expert answers on the variety of topics we cover. A recent session focused on church safety and security and had some excellent questions from attendees. Here they are, along with our answers.
Q1: I’m brand new to implementing building security—where do I start?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the good news is, you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re planning a new church building or considering a remodel, the first step is understanding your current facility and where vulnerabilities may exist.
If your church is within driving distance of our team, we’re happy to conduct an initial site visit at no cost. We’ll walk through the building with you, evaluate your current layout, and offer suggestions on ways to improve security. If you’re further along in the church building process, we can also provide feasibility studies, which include preliminary schematic designs that show ways to improve security, along with other important elements like color design drawings, budgeting, and costs. These studies typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on what’s involved. Whether it’s just a walkthrough or a full feasibility study, our goal is to help you to explore your options and make informed decisions.
Q2: Should security team members wear badges or remain anonymous?
First, our disclaimer. We are in the design and building business. We don’t profess to be security experts, but we do have strong opinions based on what we’ve seen work in church design. Our recommendation here is clear: Yes, security team members should wear identification.
There are multiple reasons for this. First, visible ID reinforces territoriality and visibility—key psychological elements that help deter unwanted activity. Just knowing that a security team is present can prevent incidents from escalating.
Second, in the event of an extreme emergency, especially in a large church, it’s crucial to distinguish the “good guys” from the rest of the crowd. Imagine a scenario where plainclothes team members—and possibly even plainclothes police officers—are responding to an active threat. Without clear identification, confusion could lead to a much more dangerous situation. For both day-to-day deterrence and emergency clarity, wearing badges or other obvious identifiers should be a part of your church safety strategy.
Q3: Can The McKnight Group renovate an existing building with security in mind?
Absolutely. In fact, with rising construction costs and inflation, we’re seeing an increase in churches choosing to renovate existing facilities rather than build new ones. Remodeling is not only more cost-effective—it can also be very effective in improving safety and functionality.
When we approach a renovation with security in mind, we often look at things like traffic flow, entry point visibility, and how to structure check-in areas for children’s ministries. Our team has deep experience in identifying these pain points and turning them into design opportunities.
If these answers raised more questions—or if you’re eager to explore other topics like children’s ministry spaces, multi-use worship centers, or planning your church building budget—we invite you to attend any or all our upcoming i3 webinars. These free sessions are designed for church leaders like you who want to be informed, inspired, and equipped for the future. Click here to see the full i3 webinar schedule and sign up today.