Three days ago, on June 22, 2025, a man armed with a gun tried to enter CrossPointe Community Church in Detroit during Sunday service. Fortunately for the congregation, a trained security guard, identified as Jay Trombley, was present and intervened before anyone inside was physically harmed.
Unfortunately, situations like this are no longer unthinkable. In fact, they’re becoming a troubling reflection of the world we live in today. And increasingly more often, it’s a security guard, not law enforcement, who responds first.
For houses of worship, this is important to recognize. Security is no longer just a backup plan. It’s something faith leaders need to think about ahead of time, with intention and care.
This isn’t about alarmism. It’s about responsibility. And it’s about ensuring your congregation, the children and families in your pews, can gather in peace, even when the world outside feels uncertain.
For a long time, churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples were considered sacred, sanctuary spaces, largely safe from the kinds of violence that affect other parts of society. But over the past decade, that sense of sanctuary has steadily eroded.
FBI data (including 1,521 reported hate crime incidents that occurred due to a religious bias) and independent reports show that incidents of violence against faith communities have increased, including vandalism, hate crimes, and active threats.
Some of these attacks are rooted in religious bias, while others stem from mental health crises, personal vendettas, or political extremism. Whatever the motive, the result is the same: places that were once thought to be safe and peaceful are now facing very real risks.
It’s not just urban megachurches or synagogues in the spotlight. Small-town congregations, neighborhood parishes, and rural prayer centers are all vulnerable. This is across denominations and religious affiliations. The question at this point isn’t whether violence might happen somewhere; it’s whether leadership is ready if and when it ever happens here.
This is the part many communities struggle with. It’s uncomfortable to talk about worst-case scenarios in a space meant for peace. But acknowledging the risk doesn’t mean living in fear—it means refusing to be caught off guard.
The idea of having an armed guard at your place of worship may feel unsettling. For many, it seems to clash with the welcoming, peaceful environment that faith communities strive to maintain. But unfortunately, we’re living in a time when preparation has to match the level of risk. And the risk is high.
Local police departments do their best, but they can’t be everywhere at once. And more often than not, there isn’t a police officer already present when an incident occurs.
When a threat arises, every second matters. That’s where a trained, on-site security professional becomes critical—not just as a deterrent, but as someone who can respond immediately and effectively.
An armed security guard isn’t there to create fear; they’re there to prevent harm. And when chosen carefully, they become a quiet presence, someone who blends into the background but is always watching, always ready. Their presence alone can discourage bad actors from acting in the first place.
At Chai Life Security, all of our team members come from law enforcement, military, or federal backgrounds. Many of our team are practicing people of faith. They’ve spent decades assessing risk, de-escalating conflict, and keeping people safe.
They don’t just carry a firearm. They carry the responsibility of knowing when and how to act calmly, lawfully, and with precision.
Choosing to bring armed protection into your house of worship isn’t about changing the spirit of your sanctuary. It’s about making sure the people who gather there can continue doing so safely.
For many religious leaders, the burden of spiritual care is already heavy. Now, there’s an added layer: thinking through the physical safety of everyone who walks through the doors.
It’s not a role most pastors, rabbis, imams, or other leaders trained for, but it’s one they’re increasingly expected to fill.
Congregants, too, are more aware than ever. Some sit closer to exits. Others glance over their shoulders when a stranger walks in late. Even if no one says it out loud, the tension is there. That quiet fear chips away at the sense of peace a worship space is meant to offer.
So what can be done?
First, it’s important to acknowledge that you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Working with professionals who understand both the tactical side of security and the unique atmosphere of faith-based communities can make all the difference. The goal isn’t to turn your building into a fortress, but to make thoughtful, measured adjustments that help your community feel safe during worship.
The best time to prepare is before a crisis ever happens.
That’s the heart of good security: quiet, behind-the-scenes planning that helps ensure nothing can escalate in the first place.
For places of worship, that preparation starts with a thorough risk assessment. This means walking the property with trained professionals, identifying entry points, blind spots, and potential vulnerabilities. It also means asking tough questions like:
Once you know where the gaps are, you can start closing them.
That might include adding access control measures or upgrading surveillance. It could mean hiring a security guard to provide a visible, steady presence. It could also involve training your team—ushers, greeters, clergy, and volunteers—so they know how to respond calmly and confidently in an emergency.
At Chai Life Security, we build custom plans based on each community’s needs. No two congregations are exactly alike, and security shouldn’t ever be a one-size-fits-all.
Some want discreet protection that blends in, while others need armed response and active threat preparation as a visible deterrent. Many fall somewhere in between.
The goal is the same in every case: to create an environment where people feel safe enough to focus on worship, connection, and community.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Chai Life Security offers consultations for faith-based organizations nationwide. We’ll walk your property with you, talk through your concerns, and help you build a plan that makes sense for your space and your values.
If you’re located in the Boston or the greater New England area, we offer physical security services to help protect your community.
Reach out today to schedule a consultation.