A recent Lifeway Research survey reveals a growing trend among Protestant churches in the United States: increased reliance on armed congregants for security. The study, which polled 1,000 pastors, found that over half (54%) of churches now incorporate armed members as part of their safety protocols.

This marks a significant shift in church security practices, likely influenced by a rise in concerns about violence and safety in public spaces. The survey indicates that the vast majority of churches (81%) have implemented at least one security measure, with 57% having a dedicated plan for active shooter situations. Having armed members present was the second most common security tactic.

Other security measures employed by churches include radio communication among security personnel (26%) and establishing no-firearms policies (21%). Interestingly, the survey highlighted some racial disparities in security approaches. A larger percentage of predominantly Black churches (12%) reported having uniformed police presence during services compared to White churches (4%). Conversely, no-firearms policies were more prevalent in Black congregations (34%) than in White congregations (21%).

Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell underscored the importance of security planning for churches, stating, "Churches are not immune to violence, disputes, domestic disagreements, vandalism and burglary. While loving one another is a core Christian teaching, churchgoers still sin, and non-churchgoers are invited and welcomed. So real security risks exist whether a congregation wants to acknowledge them or not."

The Lifeway survey, conducted between September 6 and September 30, 2023, involved individual interviews with pastors. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.2% at a 95% confidence level.