Not Everyone Belongs on the Safety Team—Here’s How to Identify Who Does

This article came about as I was having a text conversation with my friend and Safety Ministry colleague Matt. He had some very insightful views about another team member that we felt was burdened by the Ministry. This article reflects a very long conversation, so I’m sharing it with you. Leave a note of gratitude for Matt in the comments. He’s a smart guy and I’m sure he’d love to hear your comments.

The Protector’s Heart: A Gift, Not a Burden

I’ve often heard it said that some people are just naturally wired to protect others. Whether it’s how God created them or a result of life experiences, these individuals have a natural ability to remain calm under pressure, stay vigilant, and discern potential danger before it becomes a problem.

The safety ministry relies on this kind of wiring. For those with a protector’s heart, stepping into this role isn’t a burden—it’s an extension of who they already are. They don’t see serving as work or something that weighs them down. If anything, it’s the opposite. They feel fulfilled knowing they are using their God-given abilities to protect their church family and serve Christ at the same time.

This is something I see all the time in the men and women who thrive in safety ministries. Whether they have prior experience from law enforcement or the military, or they’ve simply been gifted with discernment and situational awareness, they’re the ones who show up, stay alert, and act when it counts. For them, vigilance isn’t a skill they have to force—it’s part of their wiring.

But here’s the other side of it: not everyone is wired this way. And that’s okay. There’s a difference between wanting to have a protector’s mindset and actually possessing it. For some, the effort to remain vigilant, calm, and discerning feels like heavy lifting—work that leaves them stressed, frustrated, or overwhelmed. When that’s the case, it’s not a matter of discipline or motivation; it’s likely an indication that this ministry isn’t their calling.

Serving in any ministry, whether it’s the worship team, children’s ministry, or safety team, should come from a place of joy and a desire to serve the body of Christ. If it feels like a burden, it risks pulling our focus away from where it should be—on Jesus.

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The Role of Training: Honing Gifts, Not Creating Them

Training is a critical part of any church safety team, but it’s important to recognize what training can and cannot do. Training hones and sharpens the skills and traits that are already present—it doesn’t create them from scratch.

Think about it this way: You can’t take someone who has never had an ear for music and train them to sing like a member of the worship team. They might improve with time, but without natural ability or God-given talent, they won’t reach the level of someone who’s gifted in that area. The same applies to a safety ministry.

The individuals who excel in this role already have the foundational qualities: vigilance, calmness under pressure, and discernment. They might not have formal training in security or law enforcement, but they naturally possess a protector’s mindset—an instinct to pay attention, to stay aware, and to step into action when needed.

This is where training comes in. For someone who is already wired for this work, training becomes a way to:

• Refine their instincts. Training helps them react faster and more effectively, removing hesitation when moments matter most.

• Build confidence. Even those with natural gifts need tools and practice to feel prepared for the realities of safety ministry.

• Develop decision-making skills. Training equips team members to act wisely under stress, balancing situational awareness with sound judgment.

But training can’t make up for a lack of natural ability. When someone doesn’t have the protector’s mindset—when vigilance and discernment don’t come naturally—training feels more like an uphill climb. It becomes about forcing a new skill set rather than sharpening one that already exists.

This isn’t a bad thing; it’s simply a matter of calling. The body of Christ has many parts, and not everyone is called to the same role. Safety team training should be about equipping the right people to serve effectively, not trying to make everyone fit into a role they weren’t designed for.

Identifying the Right People: Seeking Character, Heart, and Calling

One of the greatest challenges for a safety ministry is identifying the right people to serve on the team. It’s tempting to focus on experience—law enforcement, military, or security backgrounds—and while those are valuable, they aren’t the only indicators of suitability. I know lots of cops that never should have been hired.

The reality is that God equips individuals differently. There are those with prior training and experience, and then there are others who bring a protector’s heart and natural discernment to the table, regardless of their background.

So, how do we identify those who are the right fit for this ministry?

1. A Servant’s Heart

The safety ministry is more than just a job—it’s a service to the body of Christ. Those who are called to it don’t view their role as work or obligation. They see it as an opportunity to serve others and honor God with their gifts.

Ask yourself:

• Does this person have a willingness to serve joyfully?

• Are they focused on protecting the congregation so others can worship without distraction?

• Is their mindset one of humility and service, or one of pride and self-importance?

A servant’s heart makes all the difference. Someone who approaches the role with humility and a focus on Christ will thrive, while someone motivated by status or authority will struggle.

2. Natural Vigilance and Discernment

Not everyone has a natural ability to stay vigilant or recognize subtle signs of trouble. Those who excel in this ministry don’t need constant reminders to pay attention. It’s part of how they’re wired.

Look for people who:

• Are naturally aware of their surroundings, even when “off duty.”

• Notice things others don’t—like someone lingering in a hallway or acting out of place.

• Remain calm and collected in stressful situations, able to make sound decisions quickly.

Natural discernment—often a God-given trait—goes hand in hand with vigilance. Some people have an ability to read others and de-escalate situations before they become dangerous. This skill isn’t always taught; it’s often part of how God designed them.

3. Character Over Resume

Experience matters, but character matters more. A team member’s integrity, reliability, and humility will always outweigh their credentials. While prior military or law enforcement experience can be helpful, it’s not a requirement.

What truly matters is:

• Do they have a protector’s mindset? Are they naturally wired to look out for others?

• Do they live a life of integrity that reflects Christ’s values?

• Are they teachable and willing to train, no matter their level of experience?

God uses people from all walks of life to fulfill His purposes. Some of the most effective safety team members I’ve seen had no formal background in security, but they brought the right heart, mindset, and gifts to the team.

Identifying the right people isn’t about setting rigid qualifications; it’s about recognizing the traits that matter most. The goal is to build a team of individuals who are called to this ministry—people who serve with vigilance, discernment, and a heart for protecting God’s people.

A Ministry of Service, Not Obligation

The heart of any church ministry should always be service—service to God and service to His people. The safety ministry is no different. For those who are called to it, serving on the team feels natural. They don’t see it as a job or obligation but as an opportunity to use their gifts to protect and care for the body of Christ.

The best safety team members are the ones who would be doing this work even if they weren’t on the team. They’re naturally observant, naturally protective, and naturally aware of what’s happening around them. When they’re at church, they’re “in service” whether or not they’re wearing a safety team badge.

But when someone views the ministry as a burden, it becomes a problem. Ministry—any ministry—should never feel like a heavy weight. If someone is stressed, overwhelmed, or feels like they’re forcing themselves to be part of the team, it’s often a sign they aren’t called to this work.

This is where discernment comes in for leaders. It’s our responsibility to ensure that the people serving on the safety team are in the right place—not just for the good of the team, but for their own spiritual health as well. No one thrives when they’re serving in a role that doesn’t align with their gifts or calling.

The safety ministry, at its core, is an act of worship. It’s a way for those with a protector’s heart to serve God by protecting His people. When that’s the motivation, it transforms the role from a task into a blessing.

Closing Thoughts: A Call to Serve as You’re Gifted

The body of Christ is made up of many parts, each with a unique purpose. Just as the worship team is made up of those with musical gifts, the safety ministry is made up of those with a protector’s heart—those who are vigilant, discerning, and calm under pressure.

When we serve where God has gifted us, we experience joy and fulfillment. It doesn’t feel like work or obligation. Instead, it becomes an opportunity to honor Christ and care for His people.

For some, the safety ministry is exactly that—a calling, not a burden. It’s a place where their gifts align with the needs of the Church. For others, it may not be the right fit, and that’s okay. God has equipped every believer with specific gifts for His purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). The key is to serve where He has called you.

As you look at your church and your team, consider this:

• Are the right people serving in the right roles?

• Do they see their work as an act of worship, done joyfully and without burden?

• Are they using their gifts to strengthen and protect the body of Christ?

The safety ministry is not for everyone, and it doesn’t need to be. What matters most is finding those who are called, equipped, and willing to serve with a heart focused on Jesus.

Ask yourself—and those on your team—this question: Is this where God has called me to serve? If the answer is yes, lean into that calling, train diligently, and serve faithfully. For those with a protector’s heart, the work of this ministry is not a task—it’s a blessing.