Every Sunday morning, millions of Americans walk through the doors of their church believing it’s the safest place in the world.
But the truth is, evil people know many churches are disarmed.
We’ve seen it from Texas to Tennessee, from small rural chapels to downtown sanctuaries.
When the shooting starts, the first responders are the ones sitting in the pews.
That’s why it’s time for churches — large and small — to take their security as seriously as they take their sermons.
Faith requires preparation. It’s a lesson I’ll never forget my childhood pastor teaching in Sunday school.
When God told king Hezikiah in 2 Chronicles 32 that the Assyrians were going to attack, Hezikiah did not go one about his day and ignore the warning.
He set out to prepare God’s people by digging massive wells and cisterns to bring water into the city, to preserve the lives of the ‘flock.’
If you’re reading this, you already understand the stakes and the responsibility. We have a duty to protect one another.
The question is whether your church does.
Here’s a simple framework you can bring to your pastor, elders, or deacons this morning — a plan for protecting your family and others while keeping worship peaceful.
1. Build a response team — not a “security committee”
Forget clipboards and endless discussions.
Select a small group of trusted, able-bodied men who carry regularly, train together, and understand situational awareness.
Their purpose is simple: identify threats, respond decisively, and protect innocent life.
Make sure everyone knows their role — who covers which zone, who calls 911, who secures the children’s area.
When seconds count, clarity saves lives.
2. Lock the doors once service begins
It sounds simple, but this single step stops most walk-ins and wandering threats.
Have a greeter or usher team assigned to monitor entrances and let in late arrivals individually.
A locked door is not a lack of hospitality — it’s common sense in a fallen world.
3. Establish clear “rules of engagement”
Every team needs rules.
If someone walks in with a trench coat in July, refuses to make eye contact, or moves toward the pulpit, what happens next?
Define the line between caution and action.
Decide ahead of time when someone intervenes, and how.
You don’t want hesitation to be the deciding factor when evil shows up.
4. Medical supplies and training
Every church should have trauma kits (not just first-aid boxes) with tourniquets, chest seals, and pressure dressings.
I highly recommend anything made by North American Rescue. It’s what I carry.
Identify members with medical experience and train others to assist.
A few minutes of knowledge can mean the difference between life and death.
5. Communication
During chaos, communication breaks down fast.
Establish a plan for signaling an emergency — a code word, hand gesture, even a text group for the team.
Assign someone to direct first responders when they arrive so the police know who the good guys are.
6. Legal awareness
Know your state’s carry laws and liability protections.
In Iowa, carrying in church is allowed statewide for those 18+ who may legally possess a handgun. However, churches are treated as private property and carry is off-limits unless the church allows it.
So make sure you get your church’s policy is in writing, and that the team is insured through a reputable self-defense legal network.
DO NOT USE USCCA. They do not cover ‘line of duty’ use of force, and they include volunteer security as ‘line of duty.’
Conclusion
The goal of this isn’t to militarize the church — it’s to protect it.
A congregation that takes security seriously is one that honors both faith and responsibility.
And when churches lead, communities follow.
This Lord’s Day morning, I’m asking you to bring this framework to your church leadership.
Don’t assume someone else is handling it. Ask the hard questions. Offer to help. Be part of the solution.
Because when the day comes — and it will — the difference between tragedy and testimony will depend on whether your church was ready.
Protect your family.
Protect your faith.
Protect your church.
For Iowa,
Aaron Dorr
Chairman
Iowa Gun Owners
