More U.S. Pastors Rely on Armed Congregates as Church Security – Study Confirms

“Most churches are small, so security plans often don’t need to be elaborate or expensive,”

06-08-2023 – Talia Wise – CBN News

A new Lifeway Research study confirms that most pastors are making their congregant’s safety one of their top priorities.

According to “Planning and Armed Congregants Top Church Security Measures”, 81 percent of U.S. Protestant pastors say their church has some type of security measure in place.

Although churches are meant to be safe places, recent mass shootings make it hard for churches to ignore that they must be prepared for the unthinkable.

“Churches are not immune to violence, disputes, domestic disagreements, vandalism, and burglary,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While loving one another is a core Christian teaching, churchgoers still sin, and non-churchgoers are invited and welcomed. So real security risks exist whether a congregation wants to acknowledge them or not.”

Fifty-seven percent of pastors are most likely to say their congregation has an intentional plan for an active shooter situation. While 54 percent say armed church members are part of the measures they have in place.

More than a quarter use radio communication among security personnel, while 1 in 5 say they have a no firearms policy in the building where they meet or have armed private security personnel on-site.

Fewer have uniformed police officers on church grounds (5%) or metal detectors at entrances to screen for weapons (1%).

As CBN News reported, American churches have seen a steady rise in acts of hostility in recent years.

The FRC’s “Hostility Against Churches” report documents 420 acts between January 2018 and September 2022. They include vandalism, arson, bomb threats, gun-related incidents, and more.

“Criminal acts of vandalism and destruction of church property are symptomatic of a collapse in societal reverence and respect for houses of worship and religion – in this case, churches and Christianity,” the report states.

“Americans appear increasingly comfortable lashing out against church buildings, pointing to a larger societal problem of marginalizing core Christian beliefs, including those that touch on hot-button political issues related to human dignity and sexuality,” the FRC explains.

Andy Willis, who heads up security at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, told CBN News he has the monumental task of keeping their almost 30,000-member congregation safe.

“Today, churches that speak the truth, that teach and preach true biblical principles, they draw a lot of attention because there are a lot of components of society today that don’t want to hear that,” Willis said.

“As a church security team, we have to be prepared for those kinds of situations, to intervene and to protect the flock,” he added.

The Lifeway Research shows that churches are not just relying on security teams but are softening to the idea of allowing congregants to carry firearms.

Last year, only 45 percent of the pastors polled said part of their security measures include having armed church members. That number has jumped up to 54 percent this year.

In 2019, 27% said they enforced a no firearms policy at their building, but that number has dropped to 21% now.

“Most churches are small, so security plans often don’t need to be elaborate or expensive,” McConnell said.

Meanwhile, those polled say they are less likely to rely on intentional planning to address potential security threats. In 2019, 62 percent said they had such a plan in place for an active shooting situation. Since then, that number has fallen to 57 percent.

“While churches may have different convictions on how to maintain security, it is surprising that fewer churches have an intentional plan for an active shooter than did in 2019,” said McConnell. “As churches cut back on activities during COVID, this may have been one of the initiatives that did not resume for some churches.”

CHURCH GUARDIAN TRAINING – Another Class Graduated

Our GUARDIAN TRAINING trains you to defend your life and the lives of others, and go home at the end of the day.

We continue to train and graduate more Church Guardians.

This week, we graduated another group of Church Guardians (June 25, 2021). These people will be protecting the members of their congregation. They will also have your back while you are shopping, filling your gas tank or dining and you will never know they are there.

They have more than a concealed carry license. They have been trained to carry a deadly weapon and protect the lives of the members of their congregation.

This group completed over 15 hours of ‘active shooter’ Church Guardian training that included: situational awareness, mental preparedness, the drawing from a holster, advanced live-fire handgun training, that included the use of cover and concealment, moving, shooting, reloading, moving between cover and concealment, managing firearm malfunctions, while engaging single and multiple assailants and Stop The Bleed emergency wound care training.

Below is an example of what their training looked like. If you or other members of your congregation would like to receive similar training, do not hesitate to contact us . . .

Regardless if you have already taken a concealed carry class or you have a Florida concealed carry license, contact us for official NRA firearms training that will prepare you to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Our advanced CHURCH GUARDIAN TRAINING teaches more than just how to shoot little round holes in a piece of paper hanging from a string. Our GUARDIAN TRAINING trains you how to defend your life and the lives of others, and go home at the end of the day.

Having a concealed carry license is of no benefit if you do not know how to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones.

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There is no substitute for official . . . .

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Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, self-defense, concealed carry, focused fire, shooting lessons, gun training, gun classes, concealed carry, conceal weapon, online class, lead feather, online permit, gun shop, gun show, gun permit

Another CHURCH GUARDIAN Class Graduated

Our GUARDIAN TRAINING trains you how to defend your life and the lives of others, and go home at the end of the day.

This week, we graduated another group of Church Guardians. These people will be protecting the members of their church. They will also have your back while you are shopping, filling your gas tank or dining and you will never know they are there.

They have more than a concealed carry license. They have been trained to carry a deadly weapon and protect the lives of the members of their congregation.

This group completed over 15 hours of ‘active shooter’ Church Guardian training that included: situational awareness, mental preparedness, the drawing from a holster, advanced live-fire handgun training, that included the use of cover and concealment, moving, shooting, reloading, moving between cover and concealment, managing firearm malfunctions, while engaging single and multiple assailants and Stop The Bleed emergency wound care training.

Below is an example of what their training looked like. If you or other members of your congregation would like to receive similar training, do not hesitate to contact us . . .

Regardless if you have already taken a concealed carry class or you have a Florida concealed carry license, contact us for official NRA firearms training that will prepare you to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Our advanced CHURCH GUARDIAN TRAINING teaches more than just how to shoot little round holes in a piece of paper hanging from a string. Our GUARDIAN TRAINING trains you how to defend your life and the lives of others, and go home at the end of the day.

Having a concealed carry license is of no benefit if you do not know how to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones.

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There is no substitute for official . . . .

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In-Gauge of Polk County's advanced concealed carry training class
In-Gauge of Polk County Active Shooter Training

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Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, self-defense, concealed carry, focused fire, shooting lessons, gun training, gun classes, concealed carry, conceal weapon, online class, lead feather, online permit, gun shop, gun show, gun permit

What has the NRA done for me lately?

Supreme Court to Hear Case on Right to Carry Concealed Guns for Self-Defense

The U.S. Supreme Court stepped back into the heated debate over gun rights on Monday, agreeing to hear a challenge backed by the National Rifle Association to New York state’s restrictions on people carrying concealed handguns in public in a case that could further undermine firearms control efforts nationally.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-hear-major-case-carrying-handguns-public-2021-04-26/

FLORIDA – Bill allowing guns in churches heads to Governor for signatureApril 29, 2021

TALLAHASSEE — A proposal that would let people with concealed-weapons licenses pack heat at churches or other religious institutions that share properties with schools is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2021/04/29/florida-lawmakers-give-boost-to-guns-at-church/?slreturn=20210329125529

Florida Legislature Strengthens Firearms Preemption Enforcement Bill Passed – Bill awaits Governor’s signature

Florida law that prohibits local ordinances on guns and ammunition just got stronger

Currently, Florida law forbids local governments from passing any policies about the “purchase, sale, transfer, taxation, manufacture, ownership, possession, storage, and transportation” of guns or ammunition. The entire gun policy area is left up to the state. If local officials violate this law by enacting a gun policy, they are subject to a $5,000 court fine — and the law allows citizens or gun groups to sue the local governments for their attorney’s fees up to $100,000 in damages.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article251004194.html

DeSantis signs ‘anti-riot’ legislation in Polk County

“It was promised and it was delivered,” DeSantis said after signing the bill.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/04/19/desantis-signs-anti-riot-legislation-in-polk-county/

FLORIDA – Bill allowing guns in churches heads to Governor for signature

Senator Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota: “The bill closes a “loophole.”

LAWMAKERS GIVE BOOST TO GUNS AT CHURCH

TALLAHASSEE — A proposal that would let people with concealed-weapons licenses pack heat at churches or other religious institutions that share properties with schools is heading to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Republican-controlled Senate on Tuesday voted 24-16 along party lines to give final approval to the measure (HB 259), which passed the House last month. DeSantis’ office did not immediately reply to a question about whether the governor will sign the bill.

Florida law generally allows people to carry concealed weapons at churches, synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions, but it bars being armed on school properties. That leads to people being prevented from carrying guns on properties shared by religious institutions and schools.

Senate sponsor Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, said the bill closes a “loophole.”

“This is about safety,” Gruters said. “We saw what happened in Texas when a church, unfortunately, was the target. Six seconds it took them to secure that location. This gives schools the needed safety they need. It gives churches the additional security that they need. This gives the property owners the ultimate responsibility to make the decision that’s best for them.”

Another Church Shooting Tragedy

Pastor Shot, Killed With His Own Gun

Having a license to carry a gun in public does not mean you are qualified to carry a gun in public.

Texas church shooting leaves a pastor dead and 2 others injured

Pastor Mark Allen McWilliams, the church’s 62-year-old pastor opened the door to a bathroom and found Woolen, the suspect, hiding inside.


A scuffle ensued, and McWilliams drew a handgun, the sheriff said. Sheriff Smith said McWilliams told Woolen to lie on the floor. However, when the pastor got distracted, Woolen allegedly lunged at him, took the gun from him, and shot him .


Sheriff Smith said the other church member, who was also shot, was also armed, but he never got a shot off at the suspect. The church member was shot as he was trying to get away from Woolen, the sheriff said.  Smith said the other church member suffered non-life-threatening injuries.  

The Washington Post – January 4, 2021

Guardian Training for Faith Organizations – In-Gauge of Polk County Training package available for out-of-town participants.

Active shooter, Church Violence, Church Guardian Training

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Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, self-defense, concealed carry, focused fire, shooting lessons, gun training, gun classes, concealed carry, conceal weapon, online class, lead feather, online permit, gun shop, gun show, gun permit, Starrville, Texas, church, McWilliams

ACTIVE SHOOTER – Phase One

We train you to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Saturday, January 9th.

This is Phase One of our tactical, Active Shooter training course. This class is 5 hours in duration and includes 1 hour of directly supervised, live-fire range training. This class is a prerequisite for Phase Two (optional).

This is not a seminar conducted in a rented hotel room. This is real firearms training.

Successful completion of Phase One meets and exceeds the requirements for application for a State of Florida concealed carry weapons license. The participant completing Phase One will be eligible to apply of a Florida concealed carry weapons license.

The next Phase Two session is scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 5th, beginning at 5:30 PM. The 5 hours of tactical, live-fire range training will take place Saturday, January 16th. A nationally recognized certificate of training will be issued upon successful completion.

Yes, you can take the Phase Two classroom session, before Phase One. However, you must complete Phase One before participating in the Phase Two live-fire range training.

Phase Two includes the nationally recognized Stop The Bleed training.

In-Gauge of Polk County is the only organization in Central Florida that conducts this level of training and issues a nationally recognized certificate of training upon completion.

For further information call 863-206-1996 or visit our website at: http://www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com To register for a class, once on the website just click on “Register for a Class“.

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Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, self-defense, concealed carry, focused fire, shooting lessons, gun training, gun classes, concealed carry, conceal weapon, online class, lead feather, online permit, gun shop, gun show, gun permit

It Cannot Be Understood Why . . .

Why anyone would take a a concealed carry class, gun training class or a self-defense class conducted at a place that sells used bicycles and chainsaws or in a rented hotel room.

What value do you place on your life and the lives of your loved ones? The value of a used lawn mower?

If you want more from your ‘concealed carry’ training than just a piece of paper that allows you to apply for a concealed carry license, than take only official NRA firearms training classes. Not just a class taught by someone who claims to be an instructor.

If you are looking for unequaled firearms training, for either personal development or to qualify for a Florida concealed carry weapons license, visit our website at: www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com

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Register for any of our concealed carry or handgun training classes at: https://ingaugeofpolkcounty.com/register-for-a-class/

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Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, self-defense, concealed carry, focused fire, shooting lessons, lead feather, gun training, gun classes, concealed carry, conceal weapon, online class, leadfeather, gun permit, gun shop

Active Shooter Tactical Training Class – Phase One

We train you to defend your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Saturday, January 9th.

This is Phase One of our tactical, Active Shooter training course. This class is 5 hours in duration and includes 1 hour of directly supervised, live-fire range training. This class is a prerequisite for Phase Two (optional).

This is not a seminar. This is live-fire, tactical training.

Successful completion of Phase One meets and exceeds the requirements for application for a State of Florida concealed carry weapons license. The participant completing Phase One will be eligible to apply of a Florida concealed carry weapons license.

The next Phase Two session is scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 5th, beginning at 5:30 PM. The 5 hours of tactical, live-fire range training will take place Saturday, January 16th. A nationally recognized certificate of training will be issued upon successful completion.

Yes, you can take the Phase Two classroom session, before Phase One. However, you must complete Phase One before participating in the Phase Two live-fire range training.

Phase Two includes the nationally recognized Stop The Bleed training.

In-Gauge of Polk County is the only organization in Central Florida that conducts this level of training and issues a nationally recognized certificate of training upon completion.

For further information call 863-206-1996 or visit our website at: http://www.ingaugeofpolkcounty.com To register for a class, once on the website just click on “Register for a Class“.

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Polk County, Lakeland, Winter Haven, self-defense, concealed carry, focused fire, shooting lessons, gun training, gun classes, concealed carry, conceal weapon, online class, lead feather, online permit, gun shop, gun show, gun permit

Texas Grand Jury Clears Church Safety Team Member In Fatal ‘Self-Defense’ Shooting

“The grand jury found Jack Wilson was “justified” in using lethal force.”

Texas grand jury: No action against killer of church shooter