When Wilma Josephs stepped into the role of Safety Director at Beulah Seventh-day Adventist Church, she wasn’t sure what to expect. But with years of professional experience in city and state safety regulations, she knew one thing for certain: churches needed to be just as prepared as schools and businesses. Six years later, Beulah church is a living example of what steady leadership, consistent training, and spiritual care can accomplish.
Starting with Conviction
Wilma didn’t wait for a crisis to act. As soon as she became Safety Director, she began organizing safety drills and laying the foundation for a formal safety team.“Due to my experience at my regular job, I was familiar with safety regulations and began implementing drills in my church,” she said. She recruited individuals with relevant experience, built a core committee, and started holding regular meetings.
Facing Resistance and Staying the Course
Like many congregations, Beulah church met those first drills with skepticism.“Some members refused to evacuate,” Wilma recalled. “They were not pleased and felt we were interrupting the service.”
But instead of backing down, the team leaned into education. Members were notified in advance that drills would happen—without revealing the exact timing. After each exercise, the team held open conversations to address questions and share the spiritual importance of being prepared.
Over time, things began to shift. “Now everyone is evacuating when drills are conducted,” Wilma said. “Members appreciate the information and engage in discussion. They see the value.”
Building Confidence Through Consistency
Six years of steady preparation have changed the culture at Beulah church. The congregation now knows that drills are not disruptions, but part of a ministry of care.“It gives me comfort to know that in a crisis, my church family is prepared to use the tools we’ve provided to keep themselves and their families safe,” Wilma shared.
The safety team has also become more proactive. Their goals for the coming year include bringing in police and fire officials to offer additional training and extending their message of safety beyond church walls.
From Church to Community Impact
For Wilma, safety is not just about logistics. It’s part of discipleship.“These trainings and drills don’t just benefit the church,” she said. “They can be used in the home and community to keep families safe.”
The team occasionally uses the Ministry Spotlight time—usually about 10 minutes during the Sabbath service—to share brief tips or safety reminders, helping to normalize the conversation around preparedness in a faith-based context.
A Call to Churches Still on the Fence
Wilma’s message to churches just starting out is honest and encouraging:“You may experience resistance at first. But if you continue to educate your members on the importance of maintaining safety in the church, homes, and community, they will begin to support it. Use current events to emphasize the need.”
Today, Beulah church’s safety program is stronger than ever. What began as a small group of volunteers has become a ministry rooted in care, community, and spiritual stewardship.
Take the Next Step
Ready to build your church’s safety program?Start small. Stay consistent. And remember safety is not separate from ministry. It is one of the things that makes ministry possible.
Visit SafetySabbath.com to register your church, download free tools, and take your first step toward creating a culture of care.
