When to Draw Your Gun: Guidance for Church Security Teams

The role of church security teams is to ensure the safety and security of their congregations and communities. With the increase in church-related violent incidents, many are asking when it is appropriate for a security team member to draw their gun in self-defense scenarios. This article aims to provide guidance and insights on this critical subject, to empower church security teams in making informed decisions when faced with potential threats.

Understanding the Role of Church Security Teams

Church security teams play a vital role in ensuring the safety of their congregations and the sanctity of their worship spaces. These teams often consist of dedicated volunteers who are passionate about the protection of their church community. They provide an essential line of defense against potential threats, from theft and vandalism to violent intruders intent on causing harm.

In the context of church security, the use of firearms is a topic of significant concern and debate. Knowing when to draw a gun in self-defense situations is crucial, as it has the potential to save lives while also avoiding unnecessary escalation of conflict.

Legal and Moral Considerations

Before delving into specific scenarios, it is essential to address the legal and moral implications of using a firearm in self-defense situations. Laws governing the use of firearms in self-defense vary from state to state, and it is crucial that church security team members understand the laws in their jurisdiction. In general, self-defense laws allow the use of deadly force if a person has a reasonable fear of imminent death or serious bodily harm to themselves or another person. However, the specific criteria and conditions for the use of deadly force differ depending on the state.

In addition to legal considerations, church security team members must also consider the moral implications of using a firearm. I often hear bravado coming from some concealed carriers about when they would shoot someone. However, this often reminds me of the old saying, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Many times I have been in situations where I have had to draw my handgun or rifle, point it at someone, and be ready to shoot them. Several of these incidents I would have been justifiable in shooting the person. However, I was able to use a lesser means of force, or change my tactics, to avoid a fatal shooting. Using a gun should be a last resort, only used when all other options have been exhausted and there is a clear and present danger to human life.

Assessing the Situation

The decision to draw a gun in self-defense scenarios should be based on a careful assessment of the situation. Church security team members should consider the following factors when determining the appropriate response to a potential threat:

1. The nature of the threat: Is the threat armed and displaying a weapon? What is the potential for harm to the congregation or individuals involved? In cases where the threat is unarmed or not displaying a weapon, alternative methods of de-escalation or non-lethal force should be considered.

2. The immediacy of the threat: Is there an imminent danger to the lives of the congregation or individuals involved? If the threat is not immediate, it may be more appropriate to contact law enforcement and wait for their arrival rather than drawing a gun.

3. The location of the threat: Where is the threat in relation to the congregation or individuals involved? Drawing a gun in a crowded area could lead to confusion, panic, and unintended consequences.

Scenarios and Guidelines for Drawing a Gun

In the interest of providing practical guidance, the following are several scenarios in which drawing a gun may be warranted, along with guidelines to consider:

Active Shooter

In the event of an active shooter situation, drawing a gun is necessary to protect the lives of the congregation and neutralize the threat. In this scenario, church security team members should:

1. Ensure that they have a clear line of sight to the shooter and are not at risk of hitting innocent bystanders.

2. Only fire when there is a reasonable belief that the shooter poses an

   imminent threat to the lives of others.

3. Continuously assess the situation and cease fire if the threat is neutralized.

Armed Intruder

If an armed intruder enters the church and poses a direct threat to the congregation or individuals, drawing a gun may be necessary. In this situation, church security team members should:

1. Attempt to de-escalate the situation through verbal communication, if possible, while maintaining a safe distance. You may have your weapon out to be ready and protect yourself if needed. This is a call on your part and you should be judicious about your decision.

2. Draw their gun only if the intruder's actions suggest an imminent threat to life.

3. Be prepared to use their firearm if the intruder does not comply with requests to disarm and there is a reasonable belief that lives are in danger.

Brandishing a Firearm or Other Weapon

If a person arrives at your church and is brandishing a firearm or some other deadly weapon like a knife or baseball bat, you may want to have your gun in your hand and ready to go to stop any threats that occur. With that said, you should start planning and have contingencies for whatever plan you come up with. Simultaneously, other church personnel should be calling 911 for law enforcement assistance.

This also brings up the need for less than lethal weapons for church security team members. What other force options does your team have besides deadly force? In some instances, a lower level of force can be used to gain compliance without putting your team at risk.

Training and Preparedness

Proper training and preparedness are essential for church security team members who may be faced with the decision to draw their gun in self-defense scenarios. Ongoing training in firearms safety, marksmanship, and situational awareness can help team members make more informed decisions in high-pressure situations.

Additionally, participating in realistic training exercises that simulate potential threats can help security team members practice their decision-making skills and learn how to respond effectively in various situations. Training resources, such as those provided by Christian Warrior Training can be invaluable in preparing church security teams to make the right decisions when faced with potential threats.

Conclusion

The decision to draw a gun in self-defense scenarios is a complex and highly consequential one for church security team members. By understanding the legal and moral implications, assessing the situation, and considering specific scenarios and guidelines, church security team members can be better prepared to make informed decisions in the best interest of their congregations and communities.

Continual training and preparedness are essential to ensure that church security teams are ready to respond effectively to potential threats. By investing in proper training and resources, churches can empower their security teams to better protect their congregations and ensure the sanctity of their worship spaces.