Written by Joe Carter, a senior writer for The Gospel Coalition and an associate pastor at McLean Bible Church in Arlington, Virginia
Recent events remind us that church disruptions are rising. The Family Research Council documented 415 hostile incidents against U.S. churches in 2024, including service disruptions, vandalism, and armed incidents. When protests enter the sanctuary, pastors need to understand both the legal framework and how to practically respond.
The Legal Reality
Churches are private property, not public forums. As I outline in my recent article, the Supreme Court has affirmed that property open to the public doesn’t become a public space for free-speech purposes. Nearly every state criminalizes intentional disruption of religious services, and federal law—specifically the FACE Act—prohibits physical obstruction of worship, with significant penalties.
Asking someone to leave isn’t a violation of his freedom of speech; it’s an exercise of your freedom of religion. The Supreme Court unanimously affirmed church autonomy in Hosanna-Tabor (2012).
Practical Response
When disruption occurs, the pastor should continue leading worship while trained volunteers handle the situation. Avoid personal confrontation from the pulpit, since it often escalates conflict and gives protesters the reaction they seek.
A designated team member should calmly ask protesters to leave while another contacts law enforcement. Document interactions, protect vulnerable members, and consider cutting live-stream feeds to avoid broadcasting the incident.
Preparation Before Crisis
Build relationships with local police before you need them. Develop written security protocols and train a team with calm temperaments. Give them clear authority to act during emergencies. When high-profile members attend, coordinate with law enforcement in advance.
Theological Foundation
Preparation isn’t a failure of faith. Nehemiah prayed and posted guards (Neh. 4:9). Security is stewardship and protecting your congregation is an act of love. But our response must reflect the gospel: firm kindness rather than retaliation, even toward hostile actors.
We protect because we love. We plan because we’re stewards. And we trust that our ultimate security rests in the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps.
—Joe
