Large worship facilities face a unique security challenge: they must remain open and welcoming while still protecting congregants, staff, volunteers, and sensitive areas of the campus. With factors like high weekly foot traffic, multiple buildings, public events, and volunteer turnover, the access control system selected for the facility becomes one of the most important tools for maintaining both safety and accessibility.
Modern security planning for houses of worship must account for increasing risks. Recent data shows that religion-based hate crimes have risen significantly nationwide, amplifying the need for proactive protection without creating an environment that feels intimidating. For growing campuses, a well-designed access control system supports this balance by managing who can enter, where, and when.
Below are recommended access control planning steps & features that larger religious facilities should prioritize.
Access Control Step #1: Conduct a Risk-Focused Security Assessment First
Before selecting hardware, you should begin with a structured, professional assessment of your vulnerabilities. Federal guidance encourages religious facilities to review national threat trends, connect with local law enforcement, and conduct a formal security self-assessment to identify weak points across all buildings and entryways. Understanding risks upfront helps to design an access control system that meets real-world needs rather than relying on guesswork.
Access Control Step #2: Identify Systems that Are Scalable & Support Multi-Building Access Control
Large campuses often include sanctuaries, administrative offices, classrooms, childcare areas, and storage buildings. Access control should grow with the facility, offering:
- Centralized cloud dashboards
- Wireless or hardwired locking options
- Door schedules for events, services, and cleaning crews
- Remote management during emergencies
Cloud-based administration also enables staff to adjust permissions instantly, a critical feature when managing rotating volunteers, vendors, and ministry teams.
Access Control Step #3: Prioritize Encrypted Credentials and Modern Authentication
Outdated 125 kHz proximity cards are easily cloned and should be avoided in high-risk facilities. Instead you should look for:
- Encrypted smart credentials
- Mobile access via smartphones
- Multi-factor authentication for sensitive rooms
- Fast, revocable digital permissions
These modern credentials enhance security while reducing the administrative burden of managing physical keys.
Access Control Step #4: Implement Visitor & Event Access Controls
Large worship facilities frequently host weddings, funerals, community meetings, recovery groups, and outside organizations. An effective access control system should include:
- Temporary visitor credentials
- Self-expiring QR codes
- Role-based access for childcare or youth areas
- Logs that document visitor activity
This feature helps the facility to remain accessible without exposing private or restricted spaces.
Access Control Step #5: Use Emergency Response Integrations
Emergency situations require fast, coordinated action. A modern access control system should support:
- One-touch lockdowns
- Remote door override
- Automated alerts for forced entry
- Integration with video surveillance
- Guided evacuation routes
These tools help worship leaders respond quickly while supporting law-enforcement coordination.
Access Control Step #6: Maintain Auditing and Reporting for Accountability
Audit trails are invaluable for large campuses. You should look for:
- Detailed activity logs
- Notifications for unusual access patterns
- Reporting tools for insurance, compliance, or investigations.
- These records help protect both the facility and the congregation.
Partner With a Professional Access Control Integrator Who Identifies Your System Needs
The right integrator will review building layouts, design layered protection, and ensure the system is professionally installed, configured, and supported long-term. Surveillance Secure brings extensive experience working with complex facilities and can tailor systems that balance openness with strong protection.
Contact Surveillance Secure today at (877) 388-1248 to schedule a consultation and build a scalable, modern access control solution for your worship facility.
Sources:
- https://usafacts.org/articles/which-groups-have-experienced-an-increase-in-hate-crimes/
- https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-05/Protecting-Places-of-Worship_20230509_508.pdf
- https://www.thealarmmasters.com/post/security-options-for-churches
- https://surveillancesecure.com/can-all-key-fobs-be-copied-what-you-should-know-before-ordering-new-credentials/
Virginia DCJS Private Security Services ID #11-6085