Trained and Qualified

“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” (Genesis 14:14)

Abram’s men were trained warriors.  The next verse shows how he used good military tactics to engage the invaders and pursue them even further.  This resulted in the rescue of the captives and the recovery of the loot.

“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22:35 and Psalm 18:34).

As David was trained for war, we should be trained for defense.  “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40)

Likewise, we should be qualified for our service in Church Safety Ministry. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8).

The doorbell rings and a delivery driver is at the door with a box from Amazon.  You sign the digital pad and take the box.  In it you find equipment you ordered, an owner's manual, and a card that says, "Read all the instructions before using."

There are still many people who have the attitude that instructions are what you read when something doesn't work.  Then they find out they should have read them first, because now it not only doesn't work, but it can’t be fixed.

When using devices which have the potential of causing serious injury or death, especially those designed for that purpose, we have the stewardship of other persons' lives and health. Training in the use of firearms, for instance, should go beyond knowing how to load the weapon, aim it, and pull the trigger.  It goes far beyond target practice.

Proper firearms training includes firearms safety, care of the weapon, and knowing when to use or not use it.  This should also include federal, state, and local laws pertaining to firearms, other weapons (lethal and less-than-lethal), and the use of force.  The National Rifle Association began with firearms safety education for hunters, which now also covers self-defense.

Firearms qualification includes proficiency.  Sharpen your aim with time on the firing range.  If you have to shoot, it is important to hit your target.  First of all, you need to immobilize an attacker as soon as possible.  Secondly, and just as important, you don't want to hit innocent people.  On the firing range, aim for more than a circular bull's eye.  If possible, include pop-up targets and shooting between neutral images.

More than marksmanship, proficiency includes keeping your gun clean and in good condition. Military and paramilitary services tell you, "Take care of your weapon, and it will take care of you." A clean barrel gives you a clean shot.  Keeping a firearm clean and in good repair makes gun jams and misfires less likely.  Several less-than-lethal weapons have been used by criminals to intentionally inflict serious bodily injury, even death.  Some weapons, such as black jacks, are illegal in several states and cities.  Non-criminals have misused less-than-lethal weapons carelessly, ignorantly, or with excessive force, seriously injuring subjects unintentionally.  For these reasons, some of these devices are regulated by a number of states.  For instance, in many places training and certification is required for using batons.  Even pepper spray has restrictions in some states and localities.

Before getting and using a less-than-lethal weapon, check your state and local laws.  If training and certification is required, get it.  Even if training is not required, get competent instruction so that you know how to use these properly and effectively.  I strongly suggest that you have the Team go through a lethal and/or less-than-lethal refresher course at least annually.

Be Safe!

Russ Sharrock

I have made available to anyone interested a FREE series of Do-it-Yourself forms that can be printed for your use:

1) A Safety & Security Risk Assessment form.

2) Church Emergency Plan Template

3) General Fire Safety Checklist

4) A Bomb Threat Checklist

5) A Bomb Threat Distance chart for various types of explosive devises to be referred to in the event of a bomb threat evacuation.  These are minimum distances to evacuate away from the area of blast.

They’re Word documents so you can make any changes necessary to fit your church size and needs.  I will be adding new forms as time allows. 

For a copy of any of the FREE Do-it-Yourself forms, or if you have any questions, you can contact me at:

Integrity Security Consulting

Russ Sharrock

405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com