Security tips for churches, synagogues, and other places of worship during the holidays
Michael Evanoff
Chief Security Officer and Global Advisor, Verkada
New data: 48% of worshippers agree they feel less safe attending religious services in-person due to recent incidents of violence at places of worship.
Key Takeaways
Anxiety about safety at churches, synagogues, and other places of worship is rising: Recent data shows that nearly half of U.S. adults who attend religious services at least once a month are concerned about their safety.
Safety fears impact attendance at places of worship: Security concerns are driving people away from churches, synagogues, and other places of worship, with 39% of attendees changing their habits and 53% of Gen Z and Millennials altering how often they attend religious services.
Technology offers reassurance to worshippers: Congregations have a strong preference for visible security measures, and 75% of attendees agree that security technology (like video security cameras and alarms) makes them feel safer in their place of worship.
As we approach the 2025 holiday season—which includes Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa—religious institutions are preparing for their highest attendance of the year. However, new data suggests a critical challenge for faith leaders: balancing an open-door philosophy with strengthened security.
This article summarizes key findings from the latest Verkada and The Harris Poll survey, The State of Safety at U.S. Religious Institutions, and shares urgent steps faith leaders can take to address growing safety concerns and protect their congregations during this busy season.
The Current State of Safety in Places of Worship
Recent incidents of violence, ranging from the horrific attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, to the shooting during a school mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, underscore just how critical it is for places of worship to have effective security solutions in place.
Against this backdrop, an October 2025 survey of more than 1,000 American adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month, reveals a significant gap between the expectation of safety at places of worship and the reality of anxiety among attendees.
Key statistics on attendee sentiment:
High anxiety: 47% Of U.S. adults who attend a religious service at least once a month are concerned about their safety.
Rising fear: 48% agree they feel less safe attending religious services in-person due to recent incidents of violence at places of worship.
Impact on attendance: 39% of worshippers have changed their attendance habits due to safety concerns.
Generational divide: Younger generations are most affected, with 53% of Gen Z and Millennials changing their attendance habit due to safety fears.
What Security Measures Reassure Congregations?
Security leaders often ask: Does visible security make a church or synagogue feel less welcoming? The data suggests the opposite.
75% of respondents indicated that security technology would make them feel safer.
Top 4 Security Measures Requested by Attendees:
Video Security Monitoring (47% approval)
Parking Lot Security (43% approval)
Alarm Systems (41% approval)
On-site Security Guards (40% approval)
The data confirms that using technology to monitor perimeters, such as parking lots, is highly effective in providing reassurance and making attendees feel safer at their place of worship.
Actionable Safety Strategies for Religious Institutions
Here are three strategic steps for security directors at religious institutions to implement immediately:
1. Bridge the "Perception Gap" with Practice
While 54% of institutions upgraded security this year, 33% of attendees still rate their security as "non-existent or minimal". This suggests a gap in communication and preparedness.
Action: Inform your congregation about the steps taken to keep them safe. This serves a dual purpose of easing the anxiety of worshipers and deterring bad actors looking for an “easy” target.
2. Implement a Layered Perimeter Defense
With 43% of attendees citing parking lot security as a top priority, the "arrival experience" is your first line of defense.
A comprehensive strategy requires layers of protection:
The Human Layer: Start with designated personnel—whether full-time staff or part-time volunteers—monitoring main entrances and parking lots.
The Physical Layer: Once services begin, lock perimeter doors to limit entry points. Use vehicles or hardened barriers to block drop-off lanes to prevent vehicles from penetrating the structure.
The Technology Layer: Use AI-powered security as a "force multiplier." Video analytics can alert you to loitering in the parking lot, and wireless locks can notify you immediately if a prohibited side door is opened. This gives a part-time team full-time visibility.
3. Practice Your Emergency Response Plans
Regardless of the technology or staffing strategies adopted, preparedness is non-negotiable.
Action: It is critical for religious institutions to have clear emergency response plans and regularly practice them with their members. Running drills ensures that if an incident occurs, the congregation reacts with muscle memory rather than panic.
FAQ: Religious Institutional Security
What is the biggest security concern for churches, synagogues, and other places of worship in 2025? The primary concern is the decline in attendance due to safety fears. Research shows that 39% of attendees have changed their worship habits because of security concerns, making safety a direct factor in community retention.
How can churches, synagogues, and other places of worship improve safety without large security teams? Data indicates that technology is highly effective in providing reassurance to congregations. 47% of attendees cite video security, and 43% cite improved parking lot security as the solutions that would make them feel most safe at their place of worship. Overall, 75% agree that security technology makes them feel safer. These tools act as a force multiplier for security teams, making it easier for a small group of people to do the work of many.
Are current security upgrades working at churches, synagogues, and other places of worship? There appears to be a disconnect between action and perception. Although 54% of attendees report their place of worship has upgraded security in the last year, 33% still rate the security as "non-existent or minimal". This highlights the need to make security measures more visible to congregations.
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