A church building is more than a place of worship—it’s a hub of activity for people of all ages and roles. And keeping all those who enter safe and secure is an important element of church design. In this article, we build upon our previous post covering safety design for building interiors, exteriors, and general access points. Here’s a deeper dive into a few other key areas requiring security: children’s areas, office suites, and medical facilities.
Designing Children’s Areas with Security in Mind
When it comes to children’s spaces, security begins with a check-in point. We always recommend access controls, elements to send a message that adults who aren’t parents or designated personnel are not allowed beyond a certain point. Children’s areas are often grouped together and staffed—whether through trained volunteers, church team presence, or designated security crew members. It’s a simple but effective first line of protection.
Another core strategy is security layering. This can include everything from visual and physical barriers to lockdown doors and secure classroom entry points. Visibility is also key. Our church designs incorporate open lines of sight for those charged with keeping a watch, so that they are both seen by others and can easily follow who enters, as well as what happens in children’s areas.
Hardened Doors and Windows for Extra Protection
Unfortunately, sometimes protecting vulnerable areas such as children’s spaces may require more robust security measures. That’s why we occasionally recommend hardening elements like solid core or metal doors, upgraded door frames, and reinforced hardware. Emergency shades and puncture-resistant window films—secured into the frame—can also be included as part of a church design.
For churches seeking even higher levels of security, bulletproof materials are an option, including bulletproof acrylic or glass, along with elements of wall hardening. A bulletproof window won’t do much good if it’s installed in standard drywall that can easily be breached. If a church goes this bulletproofing route, we recommend using materials like concrete or reinforced block walls to match the level of protection.
Office Suites with Strategic Access and Control
Office suites in church facilities also benefit from security design choices. Access controls, including keycard or video entry systems, are recommended. We also advise providing private entries or a secondary exit to these areas for added flexibility and emergency egress.
Security layering comes into play again—double-door entry systems, buzz-in waiting areas, and locked inner doors are ideal. In larger churches, rotating offices or staff locations can make it harder for someone to predict where key personnel are at any given time, adding another layer of protection.
We also consider specialized spaces, like usher and counting rooms, financial offices, secure file and server storage, and even safe rooms. While not every church building needs a safe room with dedicated power and ventilation, it’s a valid consideration for some, especially in high-risk areas.
Medical Suites as Part of Modern Church Design
Medical facilities are becoming an increasingly standard feature in modern church design. Especially in larger congregations, these spaces need to be strategically placed—ideally near public gathering areas and with direct or clear line-of-sight access from main entrances for emergency personnel.
These medical areas often include secure storage for first aid supplies, AEDs, walkie-talkies, flashlights, and other emergency tools. In some cases, churches locate medical rooms adjacent to restrooms for easy access. Having designated spaces for medical response is not just practical—it reflects a proactive approach to the well-being of all in your church building.
Next post, we’ll highlight real-world examples of how safety and security strategies have been implemented in actual church buildings. Meanwhile, be sure to check out our free i3 webinars to learn more about all aspects of church design and building. A list of topics and dates is available on our website.