26 Comments
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Mike Holland's avatar

Great article. Church's need an aggressive Course of Fire (Skills Test) that armed members must pass. We require bi-annual testing and offer monthly training.

If you are in Oklahoma, check us out at https://oklahomasafetycoalition.com/

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Kit Perez | Grey Cell Systems's avatar

Not only is this an excellent article for the security teams to understand why training is important, but it's a Biblically grounded argument for church leadership to understand why they need to approach security properly.

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LW's avatar

Excellent.

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Curtis Singleton's avatar

Another fantastic article Keith. The head of my team recently stepped down and transferred the leadership to someone with more time to effectively run it, he's a good man and I'm excited that we are finally going to get the team better staffed and trained

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Don Daugherty's avatar

I read the article and agree. Now if church wants a better trained security team may I offer two suggestions. The church could pay the required monthly insurance for each member in case of a shooting. My second suggestion would be this, if a security member is going to stand between a shooter and the flock then the church should provide a vest like LEO's wear. Well trained church security are not LEO's, but people willing to stand where off duty police officer could stand earning money on a hustle. The LEO will have legal representation and full department uniform.

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Carol Repass's avatar

Our local police department donated a vest for a particular position we man in our balcony, and when I noted I swim in it, they kindly donated a woman's vest too. It pays to be friendly to your local PD in many ways.

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David E. Nunley's avatar

Great article. The range qualification requirement is similar to what armed security requirements are Virginia.

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Matthew Martin's avatar

Great article and thanks for providing the course of fire! I believe training, standards, and competency for people who carry as part of our church safety teams is extremely important. There is a fantastic concealed carry shooting league where I live (Fresno, CA) https://youtu.be/py9aTuezJhA

If you can join a league like this in your area it's a great way to build your pistol skills. God bless you.

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Ruc1's avatar

As usual, a timely and pertinent review. Sending this along to our Security team. We have a small Calvary Chapel in Tulare County Ca. Using many of your previous protocols for security. We definitely need a more seasoned and committed, non-recreational, CCW and beyond willingness to train and prepare for the unknown. Send this to our team and requesting timely intervention and training. Thank you—the LORD Bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace.

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Scott Andrae's avatar

Our church safety team in Madison, WI has a 50-shot course to qualify with yearly. It requires true mastery of gun dexterity, target acquisition, and movement coordination. If you're hesitating, you won't pass the test. I'm the oldest in the group, I am close, but not there yet! I love the professionalism of a dedicated safety team. Thank you for your excellent work!

Our prayers are with you.

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Richard Bell's avatar

Thank you Keith for all you do.

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MATTHEW SCHLUETER's avatar

Good article lots of good information. This article is relevant for Church Security, but could also be used by Concealed Carry Permit Holders, as a guide on how to become more proficient in their self-defense skills sets. IMHO

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Bear's avatar

Keith, As alway, you bring great information to the table.

Love the download and will share with the team at our next meeting.

The attached scripture speaks volumes.

Blessing brother.

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Ichabod77's avatar

This NEEDED to be said…and more importantly APPLIED.

I intend to share it far and wide.

Thank you again Keith!

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David Bardsley's avatar

We qualify quarterly and some take it for granted and can’t qualify. They don’t practice.

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Adam Getty's avatar

I am also building a shoot house for sims in an old grocery store. Come to Albuquerque to train!!

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Adam Getty's avatar

My team trains regularly with firearms on the range and airsoft in the building.

Although my shooting test isn’t that many rounds it requires a 75yd sprint and shooting on the move across 6 steel torsos leading up to a reload and a longer shot on a 10” round target. Less than a minute. Zero misses or you don’t pass.

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