Introducing Security the Sanctuary Podcast. I’m not sure how much time I’ll have to devote to it, but let’s give it a try. Let me know in the comments what you think. It’ll be on spotify shortly. In this episode, I’m continuing my talk from my youtube video on holster selection. I’ll go more in depth and answer some questions you all had. In the comments, leave topics you want covered.
Podcast Show Notes for "Christian Warrior Training: Securing the Sanctuary"
Episode Title: Holster Selection for Church Security Teams
Host: Keith GravesDuration: 14:39
Release Date: 4-21-24
Episode Overview:
In this foundational episode of "Christian Warrior Training: Securing the Sanctuary," Keith Graves discusses the vital role of holster selection in enhancing the safety and efficacy of church security teams. Keith explores different holster security levels, shares personal experiences, and provides recommendations tailored for those tasked with safeguarding congregational environments.
Timestamps:
[00:00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and the importance of holster selection for church security
[00:01:01] - Discussion on Level 1 Holsters and their limitations
[00:02:06] - Why Level 1 Holsters are inadequate for church security
[00:02:29] - Introduction to Level 2 Holsters
[00:03:20] - Keith's personal encounter with holster failure
[00:03:56] - The necessity of Level 3 Holsters for open carry and uniformed assignments
[00:05:19] - Real-world demonstration outcomes from YouTube video analysis
[00:06:25] - Combatting the misconception that physical altercations won't displace a firearm
[00:07:30] - Listener Q&A: Leather vs. Kydex holsters
[00:08:36] - Challenges of concealed carry in church security
[00:09:11] - Dressing for holster and weapon concealment
[00:10:08] - Adapting to environmental factors like the Texas heat
[00:10:37] - Introduction of the Church Security Threat Level System
Key Points:
Holster Security Levels Explained:
Level 1 Holsters: Provide the quickest draw but the least security, suitable for civilians in low-risk environments, not recommended for security personnel due to high risk of weapon loss.
Level 2 Holsters: Require two distinct hand motions to release the firearm, offering a balance between accessibility and retention, recommended minimum for church security.
Level 3 Holsters: Involve three distinct hand motions, provide maximum security, and are essential for open carry situations in high-risk environments.
Personal Anecdote:
Keith recounts a harrowing experience where a Level 2 holster failed during a physical altercation, emphasizing the importance of holster selection based on the specific needs and risks of the environment.
Training and Proficiency:
Regardless of the holster level, regular and rigorous training is crucial to ensure that security personnel can access their firearms swiftly and securely.
Environmental Considerations:
Adapting holster and clothing choices to accommodate environmental conditions (like the Texas heat) and operational needs (concealment vs. open carry) is vital for effectiveness and safety.
Listener Q&A Highlights:
Leather vs. Kydex: Preferences vary, but the key is the security level of the holster rather than the material.
Concealment Challenges: It's critical to choose gear and attire that support quick, unhindered access to the firearm while maintaining concealment and comfort.
Church Security Threat Level System:
Keith introduces a threat level system inspired by homeland security measures to help church security teams assess and respond to varying degrees of risk based on current intelligence and events.
Current Threat Level: ElevatedImplications: Active patrolling required, along with regular emergency drills and limited points of entry during large gatherings.
Closing Thoughts:
Keith emphasizes the "ABCs" of church security—Always Be Caring—and invites feedback on the new podcast series. Listeners are encouraged to submit topics and questions for future episodes to deepen community engagement and provide targeted content.
Connect with the Host:
🔗 Christian Warrior Training Website💬 Leave a comment on the podcast section to share your thoughts and suggestions!
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Discussion about this episode
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Great illustration of the different holster types. I attend a "come as you are" church where having a large cover garment to cover the level 2 safariland, aliengear, or G-Code would make the wearer of the holster fairly conspicuous, particularly if they are on the portly side. How would you evaluate the physical security of the firearm vs. the need to keep it concealed.
We worry too much about how we appear. Most people don’t even notice.
Thank you Keith, love the content!!
Thank you for what you do Brother
Thanks Keith. I really appreciate your experience and your opinion. I have just purchased a level 2 holster because of your videos and advice. Keep up the good work. Also, thank you for taking on the responsibility for the Church Treat Level. May God bless and protect you. Always Be Carrying.
As (nearly) the sole protector of our aging and rural congregation, all the information on the website, the videos, and this podcast is very helpful. There are a lot of folks who pass on info in the webisphere, but most are short on actual experiences that demonstrate a particular point...I appreciate the personal accounts you offer. I can only imagine how full your schedule is, but if you can provide these podcasts when you are able, your audience will benefit that much more. A detail I locked onto in your shooting drill video makes my point...the ability to back up rapidly while trying to shoot (or even when confronting someone) is a critical skill as many fall or trip when doing it. I fear many folks may have missed your explanation of reverse high-stepping to avoid tripping. I personally get more out of a "why" explanation that can be presented more fully in a podcast than a video. Long answer to say please keep it up.
Thanks so much. I enjoy everything you send out. We’re a small team at church, dealing with no training etc. I take upon myself to try and train. I’m changing my holster today after listening and watching your video. I started our team an about ten years ago upon request from our pastor. After a few years I turned it over to an LE member in hopes for training, this has not happened even once in 8 years. We don’t open carry in church. I’ll be changing to a owb with shirt to conceal. Do you plan on any church security seminars in your area. I’m in Aberdeen, Wa.
Jim Furubotten
I’m glad all of this is helping. I do have a gunshot wound class planned for her June 2nd. https://christianwarriortraining.ezycourse.com/event/trauma-tactics-series-level-1-gunshot-wound-response
Truly appreciate the podcast, and look forward to more content!
I would love to hear your perspective on recommended training for hands-on/physical confrontation. Not sure what type of instructor would be ideal to train the team.
Pepper spray: should everyone on the team carry it?
Mindset briefing: what kind of talk would you have to mentally prepare a new team, and dealing with issues like members not wanting to carry, physical fitness/strength issues, etc....
Thank you for all you do!
Great points. I'll be addressing all of these in the future.
Thanks Keith. For ALL my weapons I own both level 1 IWB and level 3 duty holsters. One of the Major problems i find in the holster industry is this...many of us select firearms for various purposes, I will use an example of the CZ75 PCR. While this weapon maybe isnt so mainstream it is/was used by the czech police. This is/was one of my carry weapons. I chose it because of its reliability, compactness, all metal construction, its function is similar to the 1911, ie double action. When practicing dry fire I wasnt pulled into the bad habit of having to re-rack the slide on every draw. However, the problem I ran into is that there are few holster choices available for it. I, too was stuck with a level 1 hoster and the best I could find was a level 2. Yeah i know, everyone says just get a glock. I own a couple and I just dont like them. All this being said, if you have trouble finding a level 3 holster there are kits you can buy to modify your holster to make it a level 2 or 3. Keep in mind, I said you will have to "modify your holster". Out of frustration with this situation I started making my own hybrid holsters.
I own a LOT of guns. I have guns to address specific purposes. If a Glock isn't your thing, no worries. TBH, I like my Glocks for duty purposes. For SWAT and other tactical purposes, I like a 2011. That CZ you have is a great gun!
Currently I use the springfield XDM OSP 3.8 in 10mm...great shooting gun. Again, the same problem lack of holsters (made my own again), and because its so new lack of 3rd party aftermarket parts. But so far malfunction free "bear killer". What can I say? I like my snowflake weapons, LOL!! Im like you Keith. Mission drives the gear, thats what drives my purchases mostly.
Ooh, can’t wait to read some of these responses!
You know, because Christians have never needed to protect themselves. And while we’re at it, let me know where to chip in for Synagogues.
Maybe Christians have never needed to protect themselves, but it has often been their duty to protect others--believer and unbelievers. And as Christians, we have no problem protecting synagogues from physical violence. Remember--we are only as safe as the people we disagree with the most.
Saying that "Christians have never needed to protect themselves" is the logical equivalent of saying that a shepherd never needs to defend himself.
1 Sam. 17:34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:
17:35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered [it] out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught [him] by his beard, and smote him, and slew him.
Notice that David was not being attacked by the predator. However, when he went to rescue the lamb, that made the predator angry, and then David actually did need to defend himself.
It is the same for Christians, who watch over the flock of God.
Of course Christians have had to protect themselves, along with others. WE STILL DO.
What information do you have available on the inherent safety issues with the Blackhawk Serpa holsters of there various models offered by Blackhawk. Thanks
Keith thank you so much for you insight on holsters. We just started our church security team. I have moved to a second level holster and will move to an RDS very soon
Thank you for your teaching and guidance.
I just ordered the Alien Gear level 2 shoulder holster. I will see how well it works with an open shirt or sport coat. Then lots of training! Your thoughts?
Just outstanding information. Have been working in law enforcement most of my life I learn something new and useful everyday. Please keep up with your information sharing. Thank you
Good evening, Keith. I know you mention you can conceal a mid to full size pistol with a retention holster. Could you provide some examples on how you do this, especially on the coming summer months where wearing jackets or other similar items will make you stand out?
Does anyone know a good level 2 holster for a CZ P10C?
Thank you Keith for all you do! I really appreciate it. I didn't even know the holster classification system existed until I saw your video a couple of days ago. I appreciate your weekly church violence reports and would like to see a report of ony trends that are apparent in your data for the time period you've been providing this information. Thanks again.
The briefing on carry holsters was very helpful, thank you
I have access to unclassified FBI bulletins/warnings. I believe your threat level option and update is a good thing. Keith, you are correct, the FBI does not release this information to wide public audiences and simply expect local law enforcement to be aware and handle it on a local level....... if the state fusion centers release the information and the local agencies follow the information updates. All that you are doing is being followed by a growing crowd of people and I know it is a lot to keep up on, but we are listening.
This is AWESOME! Thank you so much for doing this. Please continue.
Love your podcast, Keith. I would like to hear your thoughts on concealed carry insurance, with the pros and cons of each. It might only take one incident of self-defense to wipe out a person's savings after the costs of lawyers and then the possibility of the family suing you in a civil suit after being found not guilty. Many companies claim they'll be there when you need them, but what is the real story? What about the fine print? What 'add ons' should we consider? Thanks again for all you do. God bless you - JJ
As always!!!!!! Thanks for your dedication, to keeping us Dogs safe and up to speed.
We have 12-14dogs on our team, and looking for more. Thanks again..
Bruce Price, Calvary Chapel Carson City, Nevada….
Thank you for continuing this subject as a podcast. Regarding the heat issue, after some research, I think I may have come up with a solution. If your church requires formal attire, then a light blazer may be your best choice. However, if you attend a more casual, come-as-you-are church, then cargo pants (or even shorts if that's alright) and a Guayabera shirt. It's the kind of shirt most men wear in places like Cuba, where it's hot all the time. These shirts are specifically designed to be worn untucked and are light, cool, and comfortable. Plus, the vertical lines that distinguish these shirts do a good job of breaking up and printing you may have with an OWB holster.
Keith, I found this podcast helpful. I am a female who is on our church Watch Team. I find it difficult to find a holster that I can wear with a dress. As of now, I can only wear slacks . Would appreciate any suggestions.Thank you. Gay Hess
Hi Gay. I can only give you advice based on what I’ve seen women do in law enforcement. All of them were wearing slacks and then had some kind of a garment that they wore over their outfit to hide a holster on there Hip. It is definitely much tougher for women to deal with this issue.
Good stuff. You are very easy to listen to and understand. Keep up the great work if you can.
Attend a 300-400 church. The pastor is the local PD chaplain he doesn’t want the issues of a security team. (Because of past experience)
I’m ABC but don’t have a level 2 for that. Have them on my kit. I’ll have to do some research.
Thanks