Excellent article Keith. As a retired LEO, I head our church security team, maintain records, conduct all training and sign on new team members. This is a large portion of my service to our church and to the Lord. One day I may retire from this level of service but as long as I can stay proficient and provide good leadership, I will stand in the gap and serve.
13 years ago, my family moved from California to Texas. I’m now retired and worked for 30+ years as an ER physician. I’d like to say that what the union did surprised me, but nothing that this state does surprises me anymore. Thank you for taking a Biblical position on matters related to security. When appropriate, obey the State. When not, obey God. It’s really black and white.
Interesting problem, in that some churches here ONLY allow active or retired LEOs to be armed on their safety teams. Personally, I'm no longer willing to even attend a church that won't let CCW holders carry concealed.
Retirees have a great advantage over working team members. We have more time to train and plan for events. Plus the discretionary income ( generally ) to purchase practice ammunition and supplies. I can also afford to carry personal insurance to cover kinetic events for myself and family.
Thank you Keith for this message. I’m retired LEO from California and receive PORAC news. I missed that article but it wouldn’t make any difference. I belong to a private company that covers us with attorneys.
I set up our safety team at our church about 3 years ago in north central Idaho.
I'm not in Washington State, but found the second amendment attorney I'd want to call first, and then signed up for one of the companies he recommends. Perhaps you can do the same. It at least guarantees you an attorney happy to hear from you in time of need.
Thank you for all of the info that you share Keith! I'm so thankful for this resource to help me to learn how to keep my church family safe every week!
I'm retired CATO and now live, thankfully, in Kentucky. I saw the deficiency in our church for our members and pastoral protection, and identified the shortfalls to the staff. I am now the Head of Security with 22 trained and effective guards, who are dedicated to serving.
It has been stated several times by our Head Pastor, the church will provide, at any cost, legal representation for any guard, with proper training who engages a threat.
I must state, I am PORAC RAM, but will not be hindered in my service nor my calling to my Savior or His sheep. God's people must be first and the enemy kept at bay.
As things continue to worsen for Believers our battles will continue to increase and the real sheepdogs must step up to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Just as God called Joshua to be strong, courageous (in greek - a man), and fearless. We are called to do the same.
When I posted my comments several weeks ago regarding my resignation from our official "Church Security Team", I received no feedback from ANYONE. I cited our Church liability insurer's exclusion (for any coverage) for the CHURCH and its OFFICERS. That means that if some event were to trigger any type of insurance coverage, THERE IS NO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE CHURCH OR ITS OFFICERS (EMPLOYEES and those acting in an official capacity as Board members as decision-makers. not speaking of individual LEOs). That would mean that no volunteer, no employee, nor the church 503(c)(3) organization would be afforded defense or indemnification for "damages" brought forward by a plaintiff(s).
The initial reason for my resignation was there was NO TRAINING, NO MEETINGS, and NO FORMAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEAM MEMBERS. I became aware of the church's liability insurance provider exclusions after doing my own research. My former career involved this type of work.
Yes, I do personally have AOR for me and the wife, but that does not provide indemnification (for ANY civil monetary settlements or awards) if we are individually sued. AOR would provide legal DEFENSE (ONLY) for any civil or criminal charge or claim against us, but that is it! That is still great to have!
Your church organization could lose all its assets (the building, funds, etc.) in a lawsuit ending in an adverse settlement or jury verdict. Church officers and volunteers involved in an event could face personal cash payment for attorneys to defend them and possible loss of their personal assets.
So please understand the possible ramifications associated with an official church security team. Are you willing to lose all your assets if found negligent in a civil judgment? You decide...
Good article Keith. I run into similar problems at some churches I consult with and provide training to, primarily of a specific denomination. Apparently, pastors there prefer to have retired cops with LEOSA cards provide security “unofficially” as they attend services. No organization, no staffing coverage model, just attend, don’t wear any identifiers, and “take care” of any problems that may arise. I’ve made some inroads in some churches, but the overseeing synod wants plausible deniability. In other words, they appear to be okay with lying under oath if the need arises. I seriously doubt that, as men of God, they would actually perjure themselves, but they certainly are painting themselves into a corner!
Yes, the retired cops should serve if possible, but as a member of an acknowledged security detail with appropriate ongoing training and testing. Comprehensive insurance coverage is a must, and that coverage must be valid while the retired cops and any other volunteers are serving in an unpaid capacity. I personally carry USCCA, but I tell my team, trainees, and friends that I don’t have a dog in that fight, so just make sure you get the coverage you need. You wouldn’t think of driving your car to church without auto insurance, so don’t serve as a security volunteer without full insurance coverage either! And one last word: thank you for providing pertinent scriptural references to support your assertions! No stronger argument pro or con could ever be made than that found in God’s word!
My understanding is that Washington State does not allow insurance companies to insure individuals to be covered for concealed carry. Am I wrong? What are we supposed to do? Or who do you recommend that covers Washington?
Again, not to argue, but if a church as several services, might one be well advised to pick the one that might have the least exposure, e.g. 8 am, rather than 11 am?
I just saw another video of yours where you no longer recommend Attorneys on retainer. I'm in New Jersey behind enemy lines, which Insurance do you recommend for New Jersey?
I live in the communist state of New Jersey so my options are very limited. Do you still recommend Attorneys on retainer? They are who I currently have for defence , I thankfully haven't had to use them but I'm curious as to your thoughts.
Excellent article Keith. As a retired LEO, I head our church security team, maintain records, conduct all training and sign on new team members. This is a large portion of my service to our church and to the Lord. One day I may retire from this level of service but as long as I can stay proficient and provide good leadership, I will stand in the gap and serve.
13 years ago, my family moved from California to Texas. I’m now retired and worked for 30+ years as an ER physician. I’d like to say that what the union did surprised me, but nothing that this state does surprises me anymore. Thank you for taking a Biblical position on matters related to security. When appropriate, obey the State. When not, obey God. It’s really black and white.
Interesting problem, in that some churches here ONLY allow active or retired LEOs to be armed on their safety teams. Personally, I'm no longer willing to even attend a church that won't let CCW holders carry concealed.
Right to Bear is Not available for residents of New Jersey, New York and Washington. Thanks to liberal politicians!
Retirees have a great advantage over working team members. We have more time to train and plan for events. Plus the discretionary income ( generally ) to purchase practice ammunition and supplies. I can also afford to carry personal insurance to cover kinetic events for myself and family.
Thank you Keith for this message. I’m retired LEO from California and receive PORAC news. I missed that article but it wouldn’t make any difference. I belong to a private company that covers us with attorneys.
I set up our safety team at our church about 3 years ago in north central Idaho.
We enjoy your training and notifications.
Ranger Ron retired California State Park Ranger
Thanks Keith. Right to Bear does not cover Washington State. Who do you recommend for Washington?
I'm not in Washington State, but found the second amendment attorney I'd want to call first, and then signed up for one of the companies he recommends. Perhaps you can do the same. It at least guarantees you an attorney happy to hear from you in time of need.
U.s law shield is good from what I've heard but id do you're own research first
Thank you for all of the info that you share Keith! I'm so thankful for this resource to help me to learn how to keep my church family safe every week!
I'm retired CATO and now live, thankfully, in Kentucky. I saw the deficiency in our church for our members and pastoral protection, and identified the shortfalls to the staff. I am now the Head of Security with 22 trained and effective guards, who are dedicated to serving.
It has been stated several times by our Head Pastor, the church will provide, at any cost, legal representation for any guard, with proper training who engages a threat.
I must state, I am PORAC RAM, but will not be hindered in my service nor my calling to my Savior or His sheep. God's people must be first and the enemy kept at bay.
As things continue to worsen for Believers our battles will continue to increase and the real sheepdogs must step up to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Just as God called Joshua to be strong, courageous (in greek - a man), and fearless. We are called to do the same.
Be safe and stand firm.
When I posted my comments several weeks ago regarding my resignation from our official "Church Security Team", I received no feedback from ANYONE. I cited our Church liability insurer's exclusion (for any coverage) for the CHURCH and its OFFICERS. That means that if some event were to trigger any type of insurance coverage, THERE IS NO INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE CHURCH OR ITS OFFICERS (EMPLOYEES and those acting in an official capacity as Board members as decision-makers. not speaking of individual LEOs). That would mean that no volunteer, no employee, nor the church 503(c)(3) organization would be afforded defense or indemnification for "damages" brought forward by a plaintiff(s).
The initial reason for my resignation was there was NO TRAINING, NO MEETINGS, and NO FORMAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEAM MEMBERS. I became aware of the church's liability insurance provider exclusions after doing my own research. My former career involved this type of work.
Yes, I do personally have AOR for me and the wife, but that does not provide indemnification (for ANY civil monetary settlements or awards) if we are individually sued. AOR would provide legal DEFENSE (ONLY) for any civil or criminal charge or claim against us, but that is it! That is still great to have!
Your church organization could lose all its assets (the building, funds, etc.) in a lawsuit ending in an adverse settlement or jury verdict. Church officers and volunteers involved in an event could face personal cash payment for attorneys to defend them and possible loss of their personal assets.
So please understand the possible ramifications associated with an official church security team. Are you willing to lose all your assets if found negligent in a civil judgment? You decide...
Feedback?
Good article Keith. I run into similar problems at some churches I consult with and provide training to, primarily of a specific denomination. Apparently, pastors there prefer to have retired cops with LEOSA cards provide security “unofficially” as they attend services. No organization, no staffing coverage model, just attend, don’t wear any identifiers, and “take care” of any problems that may arise. I’ve made some inroads in some churches, but the overseeing synod wants plausible deniability. In other words, they appear to be okay with lying under oath if the need arises. I seriously doubt that, as men of God, they would actually perjure themselves, but they certainly are painting themselves into a corner!
Yes, the retired cops should serve if possible, but as a member of an acknowledged security detail with appropriate ongoing training and testing. Comprehensive insurance coverage is a must, and that coverage must be valid while the retired cops and any other volunteers are serving in an unpaid capacity. I personally carry USCCA, but I tell my team, trainees, and friends that I don’t have a dog in that fight, so just make sure you get the coverage you need. You wouldn’t think of driving your car to church without auto insurance, so don’t serve as a security volunteer without full insurance coverage either! And one last word: thank you for providing pertinent scriptural references to support your assertions! No stronger argument pro or con could ever be made than that found in God’s word!
My understanding is that Washington State does not allow insurance companies to insure individuals to be covered for concealed carry. Am I wrong? What are we supposed to do? Or who do you recommend that covers Washington?
Again, not to argue, but if a church as several services, might one be well advised to pick the one that might have the least exposure, e.g. 8 am, rather than 11 am?
I believe some insurance carriers cover you if you are a volunteer, not getting paid.
I just saw another video of yours where you no longer recommend Attorneys on retainer. I'm in New Jersey behind enemy lines, which Insurance do you recommend for New Jersey?
I live in the communist state of New Jersey so my options are very limited. Do you still recommend Attorneys on retainer? They are who I currently have for defence , I thankfully haven't had to use them but I'm curious as to your thoughts.