Churches are called to be places of refuge – welcoming, grace-filled communities that reflect Christ’s love to the world. But when it comes to responding to the growing issue of homeless on church property, our mission of compassion is often met with complex challenges requiring both spiritual discernment and practical wisdom.
More churches are encountering this situation as unhoused individuals seek shelter on church grounds and adjacent areas. Whether it’s a tent pitched near the fellowship hall, someone sleeping by the sanctuary entrance, or a person lingering in restrooms or hallways, these encounters can pose unique safety, security, and ministry challenges.
Homeless on Church Property
At the heart of the church is a calling to care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Yet we’re also called to shepherd the flock, protect the vulnerable, especially children, and maintain a peaceful, distraction-free space for worship and ministry.
This tension isn’t theoretical. In some instances, well-meaning churches have experienced violence or disruption while trying to help. One tragic example occurred at Grace Baptist Church in San Jose, CA, where a man staying at the church’s shelter fatally stabbed two people. That heartbreaking event reminds us of a sobering truth: compassion must be guided by wisdom and preparedness.
Homeless (Unhoused) Situations Churches Face
- Sleeping near entrances before or during services
- Setting up tents or encampments on church property
- Using restrooms or lingering in hallways
- Becoming confrontational when asked to leave
Each situation is different, and how we respond matters – not just for the individual(s) involved, but also for our congregation, team morale, and our witness to the community.
Responding to Unhoused Persons with God’s Love and preparedness
1. Establish Clear Policy
Churches should create and communicate policies regarding property use, overnight stays, and behavior expectations. These guidelines provide a firm foundation for responding with both grace and clarity.
2. Train Your Safety and Hospitality Teams
Prepare teams with basic de-escalation skills, role-specific responsibilities, and spiritual grounding. Safety teams should know when to extend help, when to set boundaries, and when to involve law enforcement. Faith-based training resources can provide both wisdom and biblical perspective.
Suggested Training Resource: De-Escalation Training for Church Teams
3. Engage with Compassion
If an unhoused person is found on church grounds, approach with humility and care. Using Contact & Cover tactics, introduce yourself calmly, avoid physical contact, and speak with respect. Offering coffee or water can soften tension. But always prioritize safety – yours and the congregations.
4. Offer Resources, Not Residency
Direct individuals to shelters, food pantries, or assistance programs. If your church has a benevolence ministry, use it as a point of outreach – but clarify that living on church property is not permitted.
Local law enforcement may have resources available for the unhoused population in your area.
5. Know When to Call for Help
If someone refuses to leave, becomes aggressive, or disrupts the environment, it may be necessary to involve law enforcement. Document the encounter on a Church Incident Report. Share it with leadership and safety team members to ensure transparency and preparedness.
6. Pray and Review
After an incident, pray for the individual and the church family. Then debrief: Did the response align with your policy? Was the team prepared? Are new training or updates needed?
Ministry Begins in the Margins
Homelessness is not a problem churches can – or should – solve alone. But it is a ministry opportunity we must approach with a servant’s heart. The answer isn’t always providing housing, but it may begin with a warm conversation, a resource referral, or simply offering dignity and kindness in Jesus’ name.
As we seek to follow Christ’s example, may we walk the delicate line between compassion and caution – wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Let every response reflect the love of God and the responsibility to protect His flock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Churches are private property and have the legal right to ask individuals to leave, especially if they are blocking access, disrupting services, or violating posted policies. Always document the interaction respectfully.
Begin with respectful conversation. Set firm but kind boundaries. If needed, call law enforcement. Your church’s safety plan should clearly define roles and response steps for these situations.
Absolutely. Everyone is welcome in God’s house. However, make it clear that attendance is subject to behavioral expectations for the safety and peace of the entire congregation.
Being prepared to respond to situations involving homeless on church property helps ensure that church staff and volunteers have clear, Christ-centered guidance on how to proceed. Start by developing a property use policy grounded in both compassion and responsibility. Train your safety and hospitality teams in respectful, conflict-resolution strategies rooted in grace. Build partnerships with local outreach agencies to extend care beyond the church grounds. And always document significant encounters using a Church Incident Report, sharing it with leadership and the safety team to foster awareness, accountability, and spiritual discernment.
Respond with prayer, grace, compassion, and discernment. These moments can open the door to real ministry. Reflect Christ’s love while protecting the body entrusted to your care.
Related Resources
- De-Escalation for Church Safety
- Contact & Cover for Church Safety Teams
- Dealing with Disruptive Persons in Church
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About the Author
Michael Elerick is the President of Public Safety Training LLC | Church Security-101. He retired from law enforcement as a Special Operations Commander and SWAT Commander. Michael served as the Executive Director for the Public Safety Training Institute (2010-2020), a non-profit public safety training organization, and has over three decades of experience as a Risk Manager and Security and Tactical expert.
Michael is the author of Church Safety & Security 101, Emergency Preparedness for Church Volunteers, Church Security Team Development, Church Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), among other works.
