I grew up in a time when I believed people didnt dare desecrate a church or steal from it.
My perception has changed in the years since, with recent events reinforcing that unfortunate fact.
As a result, I now carry my off-duty gun in church usually a minimalist handgun.
The sad reality of the modern world shows us that churches and temples can be targets of violent attacks. Image: AdobeStock/Thomas Vitali
Fast Forward to Now
I never imagined times would be as dangerous as they are now.
These threats have led to greatly increased concern among church members and school staff.
I know of a number of members of the churches we attend who carry lawfully concealed firearms.
Once we acknowledge that a church can be a target of violent people, we can start looking at how to harden the defenses while still maintaining a welcoming environment.
Legal Considerations
Carrying a handgun in a church begins with understanding your state laws.
One of these differences involved concealed carry permit holders carrying their firearm in a church.
Ive never actually seen a sign like this at any Ohio church Ive been to.
Many places of worship have volunteer security teams or off-duty law enforcement officers trained to respond to incidents of violence during services.
So, a sign is no longer needed, but permission from the pastor is.
Again, this is our situation be sure to fully understand the laws in your state.
Next Steps
Once approval is obtained, the next step is handgun selection.
Self-defense is a serious subject, and one that must also be considered while on sacred ground.
A simple formula for the selection of a church defense handgun will assist you in choosing wisely.
That formula is PPR.
Precision, Power and Reliability.
Consider potential points of attack from evil people and possible avenues of escape for you and your family.
An organized security team should have a properly marked uniform or at least an identifying golf shirt.
Establish it as a law enforcement outreach program for your church.
Ive served at our small congregation for three years or so, providing informal armed security.
When developing a church security plan, consider controlling which doors can be used to enter the building. Other doors should be inaccessible from outside, while also still available for emergency evacuation.
Some of the people there dont even realize I am armed.
Our pastor is also normally armed as well.
If you are working security alone, you cant be everywhere at once.
Shown here is the Adept Armor Nova steel Buckler that offers ballistic protection for law enforcement and citizens trusted to provide defense at houses of worship.
This is where I choose to make mine.
I carry my handgun in an OWB holster located on my right hip.
Our church has one entry point at the rear of the sanctuary.
If I were left-handed, I would position myself on the left side.
If this positioning away from that threat seems counter-intuitive, consider this.
Loud, repetitive, verbal commands are needed as you advance toward the target.
One way of protecting yourself would be to wear soft body armor during worship times.
However, some would find doing that quite uncomfortable, particularly if you are an older defender.
There is an alternative that might be easier to work with theAdept Armor Nova Steel Buckler Shield.
In the Middle Ages bucklers were carried in addition to the primary shield or sometimes carried alone.
The buckler could be used in defense or offense.
Adept Armor introduced the buckler concept to defenders in the 21st Century.
Made of steel and weighing in at only 3 lbs.
IIIA is the rating for most concealable or external patrol armor used by uniformed law enforcement today.
While it doesnt totally cover the torso, it affords more protection than a dress shirt.
The handle is steel and ambidextrous.
I would prefer that the handle be formed from tubular steel rather than flat steel used.
If you cant accept this reality, you should not be involved in armed security.
It is not something to enter into lightly.
Unfortunately, It is also something that cannot be ignored.
Simply hoping this throw in of evil never darkens your congregations doorstep is not a viable option.
