Church Security Team Training

Essential Steps for Safety

When it comes to protecting your congregation, training is everything. Many volunteer church safety teams fall short not because they lack dedication, but because they simply haven't had enough comprehensive and consistent training.

Why Regular Training Matters

As Psalm 144:1 states, "Blessed be the Lord my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle," the message is clear: preparation is key to protection.

Effective church security requires more than just good intentions—it requires a consistent and well-rounded training plan that equips team members to respond effectively to emergencies. Without structured training, even the most dedicated team can falter in high-pressure situations.

Volunteer church safety teams face unique challenges. Unlike professional security teams, these volunteers often balance full-time jobs, family commitments, and church responsibilities. This makes efficient and impactful training strategies crucial. Maximizing limited training hours ensures teams stay prepared without overwhelming volunteers.

Recommended Minimum Training for Church Safety Teams

The following essential training components are recommended for church security teams:

Annual Training Requirements

• Firearms Qualification

• If your church has armed team members, they should participate in firearms qualification at least once a year.
• Using law enforcement standards or the FBI qualification (which includes drawing from a concealed holster) is an excellent benchmark. This type of training ensures that team members maintain basic marksmanship skills under realistic conditions.

Why It Matters: In high-stress situations, marksmanship can deteriorate rapidly without practice. Annual qualification ensures armed team members retain the muscle memory and focus required to respond effectively in an emergency.

• Tactical Shooting

• Static shooting at a range is helpful, but tactical shooting better mimics real-world conditions. This includes:
• Shooting from prone and kneeling positions
• Shooting while moving
• Reloading while under movement
• Using cover effectively

Why It Matters: Real-life emergencies rarely unfold with a clear line of sight and stable shooting conditions. Practicing dynamic scenarios prepares team members to respond confidently and effectively when seconds count.

• Unarmed Self-Defense

• Regardless of physical ability, every team member should develop basic unarmed self-defense skills. These include:
• Basic blocks and parries
• Escort holds
• Pain compliance techniques
• Takedowns when appropriate

Why It Matters: In some situations, going "hands-on" may be the only option for preventing violence or restraining a disruptive individual. Developing fundamental self-defense skills ensures team members know how to de-escalate or neutralize threats safely.

• Less Lethal Weapons Training

• If your team carries defensive spray or other less-lethal tools, regular practice is essential. Using SABRE's inert training spray for realistic practice is highly recommended.

Why It Matters: Pepper spray is highly effective for self-defense, but without proper training, there's a risk of misuse or self-contamination. Regular practice helps safety team members develop confidence and precision with this vital tool.

1. Basic Use of Force Laws

• Team members should review their state's use-of-force laws annually. Beyond reading the law, training should include:
• Understanding legal terminology
• Recognizing appropriate levels of force
• Understanding the potential aftermath of using force

Why It Matters: Misunderstanding use-of-force laws can expose both individuals and churches to legal liability. Formal training ensures team members understand the legal framework behind their actions, protecting them from unintended consequences.

Good Will Offering - Support Church Security Training

At Sheepdog Church Security, we are committed to equipping churches with free resources, training, and guidance to help protect congregations everywhere. If you've found this content helpful and would like to support our mission, consider making a Good Will Offering.

Your support helps us:

✔ Provide free church security training and materials

✔ Expand resources to better prepare safety teams

✔ Continue guiding churches in creating safer worship environments

While all of our resources will remain free, your generosity allows us to continue providing high-quality training and materials to those who need it most.

Stand with us in safeguarding places of worship.

Make A Good Will Offering

Bi-Annual Certification Recommendations

• First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification

• Every safety team member should be certified in life-saving medical skills. These certifications are typically valid for two years.

Why It Matters: Medical emergencies are among the most common incidents churches face. Whether assisting a choking child, providing CPR during cardiac arrest, or stabilizing an injured person until EMS arrives, these skills save lives.

• Safety Member Certification

• This comprehensive program covers critical topics such as:
• Security Team Fundamentals
• Active Shooter Response
• De-escalation Skills
• Child Protection Strategies
• Arson and Fire Safety
• Storms and Disasters Preparedness
• Mass Trauma Emergency Response

Why It Matters: The Safety Member Certification offers practical, step-by-step guidance tailored specifically for church security teams. Covering a broad range of threats, this program equips team members to handle everything from verbal disruptions to active shooter scenarios.

Tracking Progress with the Safety Member Training Record

To help churches track their safety team's progress, a Reports and Forms Bundle is available. This practical tool outlines essential training requirements and helps identify gaps in preparation. Churches can download this record to assess each team member's readiness and plan future training accordingly.

The Reports and Forms Bundle simplifies tracking multiple certifications and skills. With clear documentation, churches can ensure that all safety team members remain current on key requirements. This not only enhances safety but also demonstrates diligence in fulfilling legal and insurance obligations.

Creating a Training Plan

Developing a strategic training plan for your church's safety team is essential. Assess your team's current preparedness now and map out how to meet training goals between September and the following summer.

Steps to Develop Your Plan:

1. Evaluate Current Skills - Use the Training Record to assess individual team members.
2. Prioritize Gaps - Identify the most urgent training needs and schedule these sessions first.
3. Set Clear Goals - Outline what you aim to accomplish by June, such as ensuring every team member is certified in CPR and AED use.
4. Commit to Monthly Training - Regular, manageable sessions keep skills fresh without overwhelming volunteers.
5. Incorporate Scenario Training - Practice realistic scenarios to build muscle memory and team coordination.

The Path Forward: Equip Your Team for Success

The message is clear: volunteer teams don't have unlimited training hours, so it's vital to make every session count. Whether through firearms qualification, tactical drills, unarmed defense, or first aid certification, each step improves your team's readiness to handle emergencies effectively.

By following this recommended training schedule and using the provided training record, your church can build a safety team that is confident, competent, and prepared to protect your congregation.