CHURCH SAFETY AND THE USE OF BARRICADE LOCKS

Approved By PBA Leadership Team: May 2025

Subject: Affirming Church Safety Through the Use of Compliant Barricade Locking Systems

The Pasco Baptist Association stands with churches across our nation in recognizing the sobering reality of targeted violence against houses of worship. Over the past decade, several devastating shootings have occurred in churches, including:

• First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, TX (2017): 26 lives lost
• Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC (2015): 9 lives lost
• West Freeway Church of Christ, White Settlement, TX (2019): 2 lives lost (the attacker was neutralized by an armed church member)
• Burnette Chapel Church of Christ, Antioch, TN (2017): 1 life lost, 7 injured

In each of these tragedies, the attacker gained entry through unsecured or accessible entrances. These incidents serve as a painful reminder that churches are considered soft targets and that proactive, lawful measures must be taken to protect the lives of those who gather to worship.

As an Association committed to shepherding and supporting our member churches, we affirm the biblical call to watch over the flock of God (Acts 20:28) and to be wise stewards of the people entrusted to our care. Therefore, the leadership of the Pasco Baptist Association issues this public statement in support of the use of barricade locking mechanisms that:

• Comply fully with local fire codes and commercial building safety regulations
• Allow for immediate egress from the inside in the event of emergency evacuation
• Prevent unauthorized entry from the outside during a lockdown scenario

These locks are not permanent security fixtures, but temporary defensive tools designed to empower church leaders to secure classrooms, sanctuaries, and offices within seconds, potentially saving lives during a critical incident.

Active Shooter Response: Our Recommendation

We encourage all churches to train their teams using the well-established “Run, Hide, Fight” model:

1. 1. RUN – If a safe path exists, evacuate immediately. Encourage others to follow.
   2. HIDE – If evacuation is not possible, lock and barricade doors, turn off lights, silence phones, and remain quiet.
   3. FIGHT – As a last resort, use any means necessary to disrupt or stop the attacker.

Churches should also consider:

• Conducting annual safety and lockdown drills
• Coordinating with local law enforcement for security evaluations
  – Often off duty officers are able to be hired at reasonable expense to serve as a deterrent. 
• Equipping rooms with legal barricade devices
• Establishing emergency communication plans and tools (e.g., text alerts, intercom systems)

Biblical Responsibility and Practical Wisdom

Scripture reminds us to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). While we trust in God’s sovereignty, we also carry a responsibility to steward our buildings and safeguard the people within them. Implementing reasonable, compliant security measures is not an act of fear—but one of love, prudence, and protection.

Resources for Implementation

Southern Baptist & Denominational Guidance:

• SBC Resources for Church Safety & Security
• North American Mission Board Chaplaincy Resources
• Florida Baptist Convention – Safe & Secure Church Seminar
• FBC – Best Practices for Creating Safety & Security Policies (PDF)

Government & Professional Security Resources:

• ALICE Training Institute – Worship Security Training
• FEMA Emergency Planning Guide for Houses of Worship (PDF)
• CISA Security Self-Assessment for Churches
• Brotherhood Mutual Risk Management (SBC Partner)