Preparing for an Emergency:  Writing A Plan

Creating an emergency plan may not be the most exciting part of kids ministry, but it is essential. We must have a plan in place to keep the kids and teachers in our ministries safe. Below are ideas and steps to create emergency plans for your ministry.

Creating an Emergency Plan:

• Pray. At the beginning and throughout the process, pray. Pray for the Lord’s protection over the ministry and for wisdom.

• Research. Visit with other kid ministers, churches, and school districts in your area. Learn from their experience and what plans they have in place. Consult your church’s insurance company. Given their expertise, they may have insight, resources, and even possible emergency plans to help in this process.

• Enlist a team to work together to develop the plan. Consider including parents of kids and teachers in your ministry. Also, invite church members who have background as emergency responders, military, and medical personnel.  Each of these individuals can bring valuable information to the process.

• Determine the Plans your church needs.
  • Some examples may include:
    • Fire Evacuation
    • Lost Child
    • Shelter in Place (Weather related)
    • Intruder/Active Shooter
  • Determine how and when teachers and parents will be notified if an emergency plan is being activated.

Once the plans are written, educate and train teachers. After an initial training, regularly remind teachers of the procedures. You may want to keep a copy in each classroom for teachers’ quick reference.

Periodically, review the emergency plans and procedures. Ensure information is up-to-date and add any additional information if needed. Make sure to communicate with teachers if any changes have been made.

The task of developing plans for emergencies in kids ministry can be overwhelming, but necessary. The Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to teach and minister to families in our church. Safety and security are integral to any kids ministry; therefore, we must do our best to keep the children and teachers in our ministry safe.

Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with Lifeway Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.