Dealing With Disruptive Individuals in Ministry Settings

Many headlines in our world are focused on disruption, distraction, and destruction of property and individual rights, and have recently filtered into the church world.  From chaos in church services, persecution of Christians, and terroristic activities in synagogues, we have seen an increased need for effective planning to include security details and timely responses for disruptive individuals and groups. 

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company has created some documents and training videos that deal with security and safety response to situations charged with tensions.  The church should be a haven for worship and not a battleground for political ideologies.  With that in mind, please take a moment to look over recommendations for dealing with an incident in your church. 

Why Preparation Matters

Brotherhood Mutual’s Dealing with Disruptive Individuals guidance emphasizes that preparation is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk. Ministries that train greeters, ushers, and safety volunteers to recognize early warning signs are better positioned to address issues before they escalate. Clear roles, communication protocols, and expectations allow teams to respond calmly rather than react out of fear or confusion.

Disruptions rarely begin at full intensity. Often, behavior escalates gradually—raised voices, erratic movements, or refusal to follow basic requests. Having trained personnel who know how to engage respectfully and confidently can prevent a situation from becoming a crisis.

Responding Calmly and Effectively

When a disruption occurs inside a service or event, the article recommends creating a “screen”—a small group of trained volunteers who calmly position themselves between the individual and the congregation. This approach helps protect others while allowing the situation to be addressed discreetly. The goal is not confrontation, but redirection: moving the individual to a quieter space where a conversation can take place away from the larger group.

For disruptions that appear intentional or coordinated, such as protests, leaders are encouraged to deal with individuals in order of how disruptive they are, keeping the focus on restoring order rather than engaging in debate. Ministries should avoid escalating tensions and instead rely on established procedures to manage the situation.

Knowing When to Involve Law Enforcement

Not every disruption can or should be handled internally. If there is a credible threat of violence, refusal to comply with requests to leave, or behavior that endangers others, calling law enforcement is appropriate and necessary. The safety of congregants, staff, and volunteers must remain the top priority.

Brotherhood Mutual stresses that involving authorities is not a failure of ministry—it is a responsible response when safety is at risk.

Balancing Safety and Compassion

One of the most important takeaways from the article is the balance between safety and compassion. Many disruptive individuals are not malicious; they may be experiencing personal crises or mental health challenges. Responding with calm confidence, respect, and empathy can de-escalate tension and preserve dignity, even while setting firm boundaries.

When leaders are prepared, disruptive moments do not have to define a ministry. Instead, they can be managed safely and, in some cases, become opportunities for ministry rather than crisis.

Scenario-Based Training: Practice Before It Happens

To build on these principles, Brotherhood Mutual also highlights the value of scenario based training for safety and security teams. This method helps volunteers learn how to respond to a wide range of possible incidents by practicing real-world situations in advance.

Scenario training reinforces several key benefits:

• Improves readiness: Volunteers learn how to anticipate and respond to scenarios such as disruptive individuals during service, medical emergencies, severe weather, custody disputes, and more.

• Pressure tests policies: Practicing in the actual environment helps team members see where procedures work well—and where they need refinement.

• Builds emotional resilience: Teams practice controlling their reactions under stress, helping them stay calm and focused when real incidents occur.

• Reinforces communication skills: Through tactical communication exercises, volunteers learn how to use words strategically to get individuals to willingly comply, a key part of keeping situations from escalating.

By embedding scenario training into regular preparation, ministries can move beyond theoretical policies to practical experience—so when the unexpected happens, volunteers don’t have to improvise; they draw from practiced response patterns.

Moving From Awareness to Action

Disruptive incidents—whether caused by emotional distress, mental health challenges, or intentional protest—are no longer rare or hypothetical. As recent events show, they can unfold quickly and place leaders in difficult, high-pressure situations. Ministries that prepare in advance are better equipped to protect their congregations, maintain order, and respond in a way that reflects both wisdom and compassion.

By combining clear policies, trained volunteers, and scenario-based practice, churches can move from reacting in the moment to responding with confidence. Preparation does more than reduce risk—it creates a safer environment where worship can continue, visitors feel protected, and leaders can focus on their mission. When disruptive moments occur, a calm, practiced response helps ensure that safety, dignity, and ministry remain at the forefront.