Conducting a Concealed Carrier Meeting at Your Church
Before reading…. this is written to those of you with structured ARMED security ministries. This does not apply if you have an unarmed security ministry.
Church safety is a responsibility we must take seriously, especially in today’s world where threats to congregations are increasingly real. For those carrying concealed firearms, preparation and unity are essential—not only to respond effectively to a crisis but also to avoid unnecessary tragedy. That’s why I strongly encourage every church to hold an annual concealed carrier meeting.
This meeting serves as more than just a formality. It’s an opportunity to get everyone on the same page, align on the mission, and ensure that concealed carriers and the safety team can work together seamlessly during high-stress situations. Miscommunication and lack of coordination can lead to devastating consequences, even among trained individuals.
Unfortunately, I’ve heard from many concealed carriers who hesitate to participate because they don’t want others to know they are armed. I understand the desire for privacy, but this reluctance can be dangerous. Concealed carriers need to recognize that being part of a coordinated team is vital to protecting not only themselves but also their families and fellow churchgoers. To be honest, this line of thinking is ignorant and dangerous.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to structure a concealed carrier meeting at your church, share lessons from tragic incidents to highlight why coordination is critical, and provide tools to help you build a cohesive, prepared team.
Let’s work together to ensure we never face the preventable heartbreak of friendly fire or confusion during an emergency.
The Mission of Concealed Carriers vs. the Safety Team
At the heart of every church security strategy is a clear understanding of roles. Both concealed carriers and the church safety team play vital parts in keeping the congregation safe, but their missions differ significantly. Without recognizing these distinctions, we risk creating confusion during critical moments—something we can’t afford in a life-or-death scenario.
Concealed Carriers: Protecting Family and Immediate Threats
Concealed carriers are often individuals with varied backgrounds in training and experience. Some have extensive exposure to violent confrontations, while others have never faced such situations. Their primary mission is to protect their loved ones and themselves.
If an active threat arises on the other side of the sanctuary, a concealed carrier’s focus shouldn’t be to engage the assailant. Their responsibility is to act only when they are in immediate danger or if the threat is close enough to endanger their family. This localized mission reduces confusion and prevents overextension, which can lead to misidentifications and unnecessary risks.
Often, in active shooter trainings, we see concealed carriers race across a church to engage an active shooter to only be shot by another concealed carrier who thought that person was the active shooter. In these same trainings, we see the security team respond quickly and stop the active shooter before a concealed carrier can get there.
The Safety Team: A Broad Mission
The church safety team, on the other hand, operates with a broader mandate. They are trained to resolve conflicts, respond to critical incidents, and neutralize active threats in a way that protects the congregation as a whole. Their preparation goes beyond carrying a firearm—it includes scenario-based training tailored to the unique challenges of the church environment.
This team’s mission is to safeguard everyone present, from the sanctuary to the parking lot. Unlike concealed carriers, the safety team’s role involves coordinating responses across the entire property and de-escalating situations before they become violent whenever possible.
Why Coordination Matters
The differences between these two missions underscore the importance of regular communication and coordination. Without a shared understanding, concealed carriers and the safety team risk working at cross-purposes, creating more danger rather than reducing it. Annual concealed carrier meetings are an opportunity to align these roles and foster trust between all involved.
Lessons from Tragic Misidentifications
The importance of coordination becomes heartbreakingly clear when we examine real-world incidents where a lack of communication led to tragedy. One example that stays with me is the loss of Detective William “Willie” Wilkins, an undercover officer with the Oakland Police Department assigned to the Alameda County Narcotics Task Force. Detective Wilkins was shot and killed by fellow officers who mistook him for a suspect during a chaotic scene.
Detective Wilkins was a dedicated officer—a family man who put his life on the line every day to make his community safer. I knew Willie, and his death was a devastating reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when roles aren’t clearly defined, or when high-stress situations cloud judgment.
Here’s what happened: Detective Wilkins was conducting surveillance in plainclothes when he responded to a report of a car theft suspect in the area. After a chase through backyards, he apprehended the suspect at gunpoint. Unfortunately, uniformed officers arriving at the scene didn’t recognize him as one of their own. In the confusion, they fired, fatally wounding him. Only after the shots were fired did they realize the tragic mistake.
This was a preventable loss, one that underscores the risks of misidentification. Year after year, undercover and plainclothes officers fall victim to friendly fire because their fellow officers aren’t on the same page. The church environment is no different. Without proper communication and coordination, concealed carriers, safety team members, or even off-duty law enforcement could inadvertently turn their weapons on each other in the chaos of an active shooter situation. We see it time and again in scenario training and real life.
A Personal Reflection
I’ve seen firsthand how these events can haunt the lives of everyone involved—the families, the officers, and the agencies. I want my readers to know that incidents like these are not just statistics or headlines; they’re real, painful losses that leave lasting scars.
We owe it to our families, our congregations, and our faith to do better. Coordination and training aren’t just technical necessities; they’re acts of stewardship, ensuring that we protect one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. This is why I urge you to hold these meetings, even if some concealed carriers feel uncomfortable about coming forward. Their participation could save lives—not just their own but those of the people they’ve committed to protecting.
Addressing Reluctance to Participate
One of the most common challenges I hear from church leaders is that many concealed carriers are reluctant to attend meetings or engage in coordinated training. The reasons often boil down to a fear of being “outed” as someone who carries a firearm. While I understand the desire for privacy, this mindset can jeopardize the very safety concealed carriers hope to ensure.
Breaking the Silence
It’s important to communicate that participation in these meetings is not about exposing someone’s personal choice to carry but about fostering a united, prepared response. Anonymity in carrying a firearm is a personal preference, but in a crisis, failing to communicate or coordinate can lead to the kind of chaos that results in friendly fire or missed opportunities to stop a threat.
Building Trust
To overcome this reluctance, frame the meeting as an opportunity to build trust within the church community. Concealed carriers need to understand that their willingness to participate directly contributes to their effectiveness and safety in a real-world emergency. Emphasize that this is not about stripping them of their independence but about equipping them to be part of a larger, cohesive team.
Key Messaging for Reluctant Carriers
It’s about readiness: Reassure carriers that the purpose of the meeting is to prepare for situations where lives are at stake, not to publicize their role.
It’s about trust: Encourage carriers to see these meetings as a way to build relationships with the safety team and other carriers. Trust is the foundation of any effective response.
It’s about stewardship: Remind attendees that as Christians, they are called to be good stewards of their gifts and responsibilities. Their willingness to collaborate is an act of service to their congregation.
Practical Steps
Confidentiality: Create an environment where attendees feel their identities and concerns are respected. This could include requiring RSVPs and keeping meeting details private.
Focus on scenarios: Structure the meeting around active training, such as role-playing exercises, to make it clear that participation is practical, not administrative.
Invite input: Allow carriers to share their concerns, experiences, or suggestions. Giving them a voice reinforces the value of their role while easing apprehensions.
By addressing these concerns head-on, you can encourage concealed carriers to see these meetings as essential rather than optional.
Essential Topics for a Concealed Carrier Meeting
Once you’ve overcome any initial reluctance and gathered your concealed carriers, it’s time to focus on the core topics that will prepare everyone for effective and safe responses. These meetings should combine education, discussion, and hands-on training to ensure everyone understands their role and how to work together in high-pressure situations.
1. Review the Church’s Firearms Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
A clear and well-communicated SOP is the backbone of any church safety program. If your church doesn’t have one yet, this meeting is the perfect opportunity to start drafting it.
Key points to include:
When and how concealed carriers should engage during a threat.
Guidelines for identifying themselves to safety team members and law enforcement.
Expectations for use of force (UoF) and decision-making under stress.
Procedures for ensuring no one inadvertently escalates a situation or creates confusion.
This review ensures everyone is aligned with the policies and procedures designed to keep the congregation safe.
2. Discuss Use of Force (UoF) Considerations
In a church setting, the use of force must be a last resort, reserved for situations where lives are in imminent danger. This part of the meeting should emphasize:
The legal and moral responsibilities of carrying a firearm.
Situational awareness: how to determine when force is justified.
De-escalation strategies: how to avoid violence if possible.
The importance of avoiding “tunnel vision” during a high-stress event.
Role-playing exercises or video examples of real-life incidents can help illustrate the complexities of UoF decisions.
3. Establish a Process for Identifying Friendlies
Misidentification is one of the greatest risks during an active shooter event. Discuss practical ways to ensure that safety team members, concealed carriers, and off-duty officers can identify each other quickly and accurately.
Suggestions for implementation:
Check-ins: Ask concealed carriers to check in with the safety team upon arrival. This helps both groups recognize each other and builds trust.
Visual signals: Consider a discreet, voluntary identifier, such as a bracelet, pin, or badge that concealed carriers and safety team members can wear to aid recognition.
Clear communication: Develop protocols for announcing identities during an incident (e.g., “Security!” or “Safety Team!” when drawing a weapon).
4. Scenario-Based Training
Theoretical knowledge is vital, but nothing prepares people better than hands-on training. Incorporate scenario-based exercises into the meeting to simulate real-world challenges. These scenarios should include:
Concealed Carrier Response: Practice situations where a concealed carrier must stop an active shooter while ensuring they aren’t misidentified as a threat.
Family-First Drills: Run scenarios where carriers prioritize securing their families while assessing the overall situation.
Team Dynamics: Include exercises where the safety team and carriers work together to neutralize a threat without interfering with each other’s roles.
Emphasize the importance of communication, identifying friendlies, and staying calm under pressure during each exercise.
5. Encourage Feedback and Collaboration
End the meeting with an open discussion. Allow attendees to ask questions, raise concerns, or share their perspectives. This reinforces the idea that every concealed carrier is a valued part of the team and creates opportunities for continuous improvement.
Recruiting and Building Relationships
A concealed carrier meeting isn’t just about training—it’s also an opportunity to strengthen relationships within your church community and identify potential recruits for the safety team. Building trust and camaraderie among concealed carriers, safety team members, and the congregation creates a unified front against any potential threat.
1. Recruiting for the Safety Team
Many concealed carriers are already motivated to protect their families and fellow congregants. By participating in these meetings, they demonstrate a sense of responsibility that aligns closely with the mission of the safety team. Use this opportunity to invite them to take the next step.
Key messaging:
A Call to Serve: Emphasize that joining the safety team is more than a role—it’s a way to serve Christ and safeguard His church.
Enhanced Training: Highlight the additional training opportunities available to safety team members, from situational awareness to advanced de-escalation techniques.
A Team Effort: Explain that being part of the safety team is a chance to work alongside others who share the same values and commitment.
Reiterate that by joining the team, they will play a crucial role in creating a secure environment where everyone can worship without fear.
2. Strengthening Trust and Communication
A key goal of the meeting should be to foster trust between all participants. When people know each other’s names, faces, and capabilities, they’re more likely to work effectively as a team during a crisis.
Practical steps to build relationships:
Personal Introductions: Start the meeting with a round of introductions. Encourage attendees to share a bit about themselves, such as their background, training, and why they chose to carry.
Informal Fellowship: Include time for casual conversation over coffee or a meal. These informal moments help break down barriers and build rapport.
Ongoing Communication: Create a system for regular updates, such as a group chat or email list, to keep everyone informed about training opportunities or policy updates.
3. Framing Service as a Community Responsibility
For those hesitant to commit to the safety team, remind them that protecting the church is a shared responsibility. Whether they formally join or not, their participation in these meetings contributes to a safer environment for everyone.
Scriptural encouragement:
Share verses like Nehemiah 4:9, where the people of Jerusalem posted guards while rebuilding the city walls, as a reminder that protecting the church is both practical and biblical.
Reinforce that service is an act of faith, reflecting their commitment to Christ and their community.
4. Celebrating Unity in Christ
End the meeting by emphasizing the shared mission of protecting the congregation in the spirit of Christian love. Recognize the unique contributions of each person in the room, whether they are safety team members, concealed carriers, or both.
Closing remarks could include:
A prayer for wisdom, unity, and safety.
An acknowledgment of the group’s shared dedication to serving God and protecting His people.
An invitation for everyone to stay engaged, participate in future meetings, and continue growing as a team.
Bringing It All Together
A concealed carrier meeting isn’t just another checkbox on your church’s safety plan—it’s a cornerstone of preparedness and unity. By bringing concealed carriers, safety team members, and off-duty law enforcement together in a structured, intentional way, you’re fostering a cohesive approach to protecting your congregation while preventing unnecessary risks like misidentification.
Practical Next Steps
Here’s how you can get started with implementing this meeting at your church:
Plan Ahead: Set a date for the meeting and send out invitations to concealed carriers and safety team members. Make it clear that the goal is collaboration, training, and trust-building.
Draft an Agenda: Use the topics outlined in this article as a starting point. Tailor the content to your church’s specific needs and policies.
Prepare Resources: Ensure you have materials ready, such as your firearms SOP, use-of-force guidelines, and any scenario scripts for role-playing exercises.
Engage Participants: Create a welcoming environment where attendees feel respected and valued. Use personal introductions and fellowship time to strengthen relationships.
Follow Up: After the meeting, send a summary to all attendees with any important takeaways, updates to SOPs, or upcoming training opportunities.
A Call to Action
As we discussed earlier, coordination isn’t optional—it’s essential. The story of Detective Wilkins reminds us of the tragic consequences of miscommunication, but it also gives us a roadmap for how to do better. By holding these meetings, you’re taking a critical step toward ensuring your church is a place where people can worship safely, free from the fear of confusion or friendly fire during a crisis.
If you haven’t yet held a concealed carrier meeting at your church, now is the time to start. Take the initiative, get everyone on the same page, and invest in the training and relationships that will safeguard your congregation.
I’d love to hear how your meeting goes or answer any questions you have as you plan. Let’s work together to build a culture of safety and readiness in our churches.
Keith,
I know the 'other' officer, a good man, in that tragic blue on blue. While exonerated, that incident impacted him very greatly, ultimately leading to him leaving law enforcement. (He has done a screen play about it.)
That incident, and similar ones, inspired one cop to invent an inexpensive, convenient to carry, unobtrusive, easily deployed and very visible identifier for those of us not in uniform to be readily identified by other security and responding LEOs and not mistaken for the offender(s).
I've been using them for several years.
Our leader asked how he could get good participation to future meetings. I suggested two meetings. One midweek after work and one after second service on Sunday. Have the midweek before or after a regularly scheduled meeting so some are already coming into town that day. You know if they can't make it to both they personally don't want to participate.