On February 11, 2024, a Sunday meant for worship turned into a day of horror at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. One of the largest megachurches in the United States, Lakewood became the site of a tragic shooting that left two people injured and the shooter dead.
The perpetrator, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, entered the church during its daytime service with her young son and began firing. The child was also injured in the crossfire. Quick action by off-duty officers serving as church security prevented further casualties, but the incident left a lasting mark—not just on Lakewood’s congregation, but on religious communities across the country.
A Turning Point for Church Security
For decades, churches have operated on an open-door ethos. Welcoming anyone, without question, has been foundational to their mission. But events like the Lakewood shooting are challenging this ideal. Church leaders now find themselves asking difficult questions: How do we protect our people without turning places of worship into fortresses? How do we reconcile faith in human goodness with the need for vigilance?
The attack on Lakewood is not an isolated incident. It follows a pattern of violence at religious institutions across faiths and regions. These events have pushed many congregations to reconsider how they approach safety, from physical security to mental health outreach.
Why Churches Are Vulnerable
Churches are, by design, public spaces with minimal barriers to entry. This openness makes them uniquely vulnerable to threats. A few key factors increase this risk:
- Lack of formal security protocols: Many small to mid-sized churches operate without trained security personnel or emergency response plans.
- Limited budgets: Congregations often prioritize ministry, outreach, and facilities maintenance over security spending.
- Cultural resistance: Some faith leaders are reluctant to introduce visible security measures, fearing it sends the wrong message or deters attendance.
- Mental health crises: As in the Lakewood case, assailants often show warning signs rooted in untreated mental illness, which can go unnoticed or unaddressed.
How Faith Communities Are Responding
In the wake of Lakewood, religious organizations of all sizes are reconsidering their approach to safety. For many, the first step is conducting a risk assessment to evaluate existing vulnerabilities. From there, churches are adopting layered strategies that respect both security needs and spiritual values.
1. Controlled Access Without Alienation
Many churches are instituting entry protocols during services—such as designated access points, visitor check-ins, and trained greeters. While these changes may alter the worship experience slightly, they help monitor who comes and goes without appearing overly restrictive.
2. Training for Staff and Volunteers
Equipping frontline volunteers with situational awareness and de-escalation training can dramatically improve a church’s ability to prevent incidents or respond quickly. Simple drills for lockdowns, evacuations, or suspicious behavior are becoming more common.
3. Emergency Preparedness Plans
A growing number of churches now create formal emergency response protocols. These plans outline communication chains, roles, and coordination with local law enforcement or EMS in the event of a crisis.
4. Leveraging Technology
Cameras, alarm systems, and silent alert apps are affordable tools that congregations are using to monitor their buildings and grounds. Many churches also invest in communications systems to instantly alert members and staff during emergencies.
5. Emphasizing Mental Health Support
Lakewood’s tragedy involved a suspect with prior behavioral issues. In response, churches are focusing more on mental health resources—offering support groups, referrals, and education. Some even partner with local therapists or social workers to help community members before a crisis develops.
Preserving Sanctuary in a New Era
The Lakewood shooting has reminded people of faith that sanctity and safety must coexist. Churches are reimagining what it means to be a sanctuary—not only a place of spiritual refuge but also one of physical protection.
Balancing these priorities isn’t easy. But it’s becoming a necessary part of ministry. Worshippers expect their places of faith to be safe for children, the elderly, and everyone in between. They expect preparedness without paranoia.
What Lakewood has made clear is that hope alone is not a security strategy. Faith communities must act—not just to honor the sanctity of life, but to preserve the sacred spaces where people come to seek peace.
