In a recent incident, a backpack was found leaning against a church wall containing a collapsed AR-15 rifle. This occurrence prompts a critical discussion on the proper handling and storage of firearms in church settings, particularly when the intent is to enhance security.
Thank you for the info you are sharing with the Christian and churchgoing communities on your newsletter and Youtube channel. May God Bless you and yours in all you do.
I would say that security team leaders should not accept just anyone onto the security team. This person obviously had no concept of firearm safety, yet he was a "volunteer?"
Sorry if this question is in the wrong spot. But have you gotten feedback yet on the situation that happened at Community Bible Church in San Antonio with what the Church's "team" was doing or about to do with the guy who disrupted the service? It seems to have turned out great, but I would like the behind the scenes take from their standpoint.
Keith, you mentioned having time to go to your truck to retrieve your AR and return to the church. I am assuming you have a large church. In my situation, we have a small church and I do not envision using my AR pistol inside the church. I am concerned about engaging shooter(s) in the parking lot, mostly less than 60 yds away from our door. This could entail supporting our security person who stands at the foot of our sidewalk, about 25 yds, and greets/watches. Do you have any suggestions or considerations that we should be aware of?
Secondly, you shamed me, yes you did. :-). I have an AR pistol that I built with mixed parts, which I am sure you would not consider a good defensive weapon. So, can you provide some recommendations (like you did with radios) on good defensive weapons. Thanks
I am in what is considered a mega church (about 3,000 during the week at our main campus). I do have it available in the truck and it is secured there. You would need advanced tools to cut it out. Even in a small church, it is wise to have something on hand. It is more about "surgical accuracy" than anything. But again, it is all about the right rifle, ammunition and training. Train, Train, Train. Then traid some more.
As for a quality AR, look at LMT, Daniel Defense, Primary Weapons Systems, and the like. Look at what major SWAT teams use and the military and you'll have your answer.
Training question. Do you require your security team to sign a hold harmless agreement to participate in security team training. If so, do you have examples to share. Thank you for any guidance.
I’d be willing to bet this volunteer does very little training with that firearm. Someone who is skilled with a firearm would not be so careless. This person might not be a good choice for an armed church security team. Hopefully this example is not typical of this team. Keith, thanks for your dedication to Christian security training.
Very good points, Keith. I’m a retired officer and carry as an armed member of our security team. The other two members(inside and outside) are not armed but have radios. My concern, is not knowing who in the congregation may be armed, and Louisiana just passed constitutional carry, making that even a bigger concern. Our team wear Guest Services badges and blend in and help designated greeters. I stage myself in the lobby each Sunday, feeling that any engagement there or outside would be preferable to inside the sanctuary.
Do a once a year get together with concealed carriers. Outline what you expect them to do and what you will do. We do that each year and it works great.
Thank you for the info you are sharing with the Christian and churchgoing communities on your newsletter and Youtube channel. May God Bless you and yours in all you do.
I would say that security team leaders should not accept just anyone onto the security team. This person obviously had no concept of firearm safety, yet he was a "volunteer?"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uWy20X7tqqU&t=13s&ab_channel=DG
Sorry if this question is in the wrong spot. But have you gotten feedback yet on the situation that happened at Community Bible Church in San Antonio with what the Church's "team" was doing or about to do with the guy who disrupted the service? It seems to have turned out great, but I would like the behind the scenes take from their standpoint.
Do you have a link for the incident? I Have not heard anything yet.
Keith, you mentioned having time to go to your truck to retrieve your AR and return to the church. I am assuming you have a large church. In my situation, we have a small church and I do not envision using my AR pistol inside the church. I am concerned about engaging shooter(s) in the parking lot, mostly less than 60 yds away from our door. This could entail supporting our security person who stands at the foot of our sidewalk, about 25 yds, and greets/watches. Do you have any suggestions or considerations that we should be aware of?
Secondly, you shamed me, yes you did. :-). I have an AR pistol that I built with mixed parts, which I am sure you would not consider a good defensive weapon. So, can you provide some recommendations (like you did with radios) on good defensive weapons. Thanks
HI John,
I am in what is considered a mega church (about 3,000 during the week at our main campus). I do have it available in the truck and it is secured there. You would need advanced tools to cut it out. Even in a small church, it is wise to have something on hand. It is more about "surgical accuracy" than anything. But again, it is all about the right rifle, ammunition and training. Train, Train, Train. Then traid some more.
As for a quality AR, look at LMT, Daniel Defense, Primary Weapons Systems, and the like. Look at what major SWAT teams use and the military and you'll have your answer.
Training question. Do you require your security team to sign a hold harmless agreement to participate in security team training. If so, do you have examples to share. Thank you for any guidance.
We do when we do force on force training. I'll get one up over at courses.christianwarriortraining.com sometime soon.
I’d be willing to bet this volunteer does very little training with that firearm. Someone who is skilled with a firearm would not be so careless. This person might not be a good choice for an armed church security team. Hopefully this example is not typical of this team. Keith, thanks for your dedication to Christian security training.
The sad thing is, they are just a regular volunteer and not a safety team member. That makes it worse since we should all be on the same page.
Very good points, Keith. I’m a retired officer and carry as an armed member of our security team. The other two members(inside and outside) are not armed but have radios. My concern, is not knowing who in the congregation may be armed, and Louisiana just passed constitutional carry, making that even a bigger concern. Our team wear Guest Services badges and blend in and help designated greeters. I stage myself in the lobby each Sunday, feeling that any engagement there or outside would be preferable to inside the sanctuary.
Do a once a year get together with concealed carriers. Outline what you expect them to do and what you will do. We do that each year and it works great.
Thank you.