Defensive Handgun: Church Security Edition

Many local churches employ volunteer teams to help address the unique security challenges present in the church environment. This course taps into the instructor's nearly two decades of private sector security experience as a practitioner and instructor, as well as many years experience as a leadership team member for a church safety team, to hone in on some of the critical skills for these team members.

Topics will include but are not limited to:

• Critical concepts of defensive shooting.
• Strategies for skill development and maintenance.
• Utilizing skill assessments and benchmarking.
• Techniques for safe movement in crowded spaces.
• An evidence based approach to ready positions.
• A strategy for rapid PID.
• Basics of partner communication.

What you will need:

• A base level of experience with a handgun. You should be able to safely and comfortably draw, holster, and reload your handgun prior to class. (If you have questions on this, please contact the instructor)
• A reliable handgun that can be shot all day without causing discomfort. Usually this means a handgun of reasonable size. Handguns smaller than a Glock 48 or Sig P365 would not be recommended. Sig P320's are not allowed in this course.
• 500 rounds of ammunition you know to be reliable in your handgun.
• At least 3 magazines for double stack handguns, 5 magazines for single stack, and 7-8 speed loaders for revolvers or really big pockets.
• A high quality holster that will remain open when the gun is drawn, and can be carried from approximately the hips forward. Shoulder holsters, cross draw holsters, small of the back holsters, and Serpa holsters specifically are not allowed.
• The usual firearms training accoutremounts like eye protection, ear protection, and a billed hat.
• Comfort items that you would typically need if hanging out in the outdoors all day. A chair, preferred hydration, snacks, a lunch that can be eaten while on the range, etc.
• Weather approriate clothing. This is Arkansas, who knows what that will actually be. Be sure to watch the weather and be prepared. Class goes forward rain or shine.

The primary mission of any church safety team is to create an environment where relationships can be built, and people can be pointed to the love of Christ. The instructor will share some of his personal story of how being on his church's safety team was used by God to change the trajectory of his life through the relationships that were developed in that setting. While the job is safety and security, the mission is always to point people to Jesus, and clear the path for understanding the love our Savior has for us.

See you on the range.

Host or Publisher Nate Parker