Interview with Keith Graves of Christian Warrior Training
SemperVerus interviewed Keith Graves, founder and trainer of Christian Warrior Training, which empowers churches with the knowledge and tools they need to create a safe and secure environment for their members.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]
Why have you focused your tactical attention on providing your professional expertise for church security teams?
Churches are often seen as safe havens, but they are not immune to violence or threats. As a retired police sergeant and a believer, I’ve witnessed the rise in targeted attacks on places of worship. I focus on church security because it aligns with the biblical call to protect the flock (Acts 20:28). A well-trained security team ensures that worshippers can gather safely and focus on their relationship with Christ, knowing that someone is standing guard.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]
Please describe your Church Security Threat Level System (CSTLS) and its objective.
The CSTLS is modeled after the national threat level system and provides churches with a clear, actionable guide to assess and respond to potential threats. It includes levels ranging from low (green) to imminent (red), with recommendations for each level, such as increasing security personnel, hardening entrances, or liaising with law enforcement. The goal is to keep churches informed, prepared, and proactive in the face of evolving threats.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Self-Defense and Church Security: Make Scanning Your Priority ]
Your website and newsletter offer free and relevant intel news for church security teams to be aware of in the following categories: Terrorism Update, Crimes Against Persons, Sex Crimes, Arson, Property Crimes, Church Crime, and International Stories. How should church security teams use this information?
This information is meant to enhance situational awareness. Teams can use these updates to identify patterns, understand current threats, and adjust their security measures accordingly.
For example, if there’s a trend of arson targeting churches, teams can focus on fire prevention and surveillance. By staying informed, teams can anticipate risks and better protect their congregation. A good example is a newsletter we put out last week. The ATF issued an alert for vigilance to New England states about church arsons. Many people in that area had not heard about the alert until we published it in our newsletter.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Tactical Training for Individuals and Church Security Teams to Thwart Active Violence Incidents (Part 1) ]
What other training resources do you make available free of charge?
I provide free training through the Christian Warrior Training (CWT) YouTube channel, which includes scenario breakdowns, tactics, and interviews with experts. The CWT newsletter offers weekly church crime roundups and training tips. Additionally, I’ve launched a podcast, Securing the Sanctuary, that dives deeper into these topics. My training courses cover areas like de-escalation, tactical visualization, and active shooter response, with all available for free.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Tactical Training for Individuals and Church Security Teams to Thwart Active Violence Incidents (Part 2) ]
How should a church go about creating a security team?
First, it starts with pastoral approval and alignment with the church’s mission. Next, recruit members who are mature in their faith, committed to serving others, and can maintain confidentiality. Vet candidates thoroughly, including background checks and interviews. Once the team is formed, establish clear policies, procedures, and training protocols. Begin with foundational training on situational awareness, de-escalation, and emergency response, and build from there. Many of these resources, including policy, are available for free at ChristianWarriorTraining.com.
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SPIRITUAL FITNESS ]
What are personality traits, characteristics, and mindset that a security team member should have?
A good team member is calm under pressure, observant, and disciplined. They must have a servant’s heart, prioritizing the safety of others above themselves. Integrity, discretion, and the ability to follow protocols are non-negotiable. They also need strong interpersonal skills, as they will often be the face of the church in high-stress situations. They don’t need to be a prior law enforcement officer or veteran. One of our best team members is a grandma with no experience in LE or military. She just takes personal training seriously.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security: Radio Communications Best Practices ]
What equipment (basic and advanced) do you recommend is necessary for a security team to be effective?
Basic equipment includes radios for communication, first aid kits, and AEDs. Advanced teams have firearms, use tourniquets, and security systems like cameras and access controls. Armed teams need holsters, firearms, and proper storage. The key is to match equipment to the church’s threat level and the team’s training.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment ]
What areas of training should security team volunteers be seeking on a regular basis and how regular?
Regular training is very important. Key areas include situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, medical emergencies, firearms proficiency (for armed teams), and child safety protocols. Monthly training sessions combined with quarterly scenario-based exercises work well for most teams.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Directory of Medical Kit Resources ]
As an example of the helpful training you make available, please describe how you would recommend security team volunteers to act in the following scenario: a person is being disruptive (either non-threatening or threatening, e.g., merely standing in the pew when everyone else is sitting, or heckling the pastor’s sermon, or shouting frightening threats, or attempting to storm the platform) during a church service.
The first step is to assess the level of threat. For non-threatening disruptions, a calm, respectful approach is key—engage the person privately and offer assistance. For threatening behavior, maintain a safe distance, use de-escalation techniques, and be prepared to call law enforcement. If the situation escalates to violence, team members must act decisively to protect the congregation while minimizing harm.
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ]
How does situational awareness factor into church security?
Situational awareness is foundational. It means constantly observing the environment, identifying anything out of place, and recognizing pre-attack indicators. A security team’s effectiveness depends on their ability to spot and address issues before they escalate.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Live Life Left of Bang ]
When are de-escalation tactics appropriate and when aren’t they?
De-escalation is appropriate when the individual poses no immediate physical threat and is willing to engage. It is inappropriate if the person is actively violent or if de-escalation delays necessary defensive action.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]
How can people contact you?
The best way to reach me is through the Christian Warrior Training website at christianwarriortraining.com or via the CWT newsletter.
[ Get the SemperVerus booklet, The Case for Biblical Self-Defense ]
Do you have anything else you’d like to say?
Church safety is everyone’s responsibility. While security teams play a critical role, creating a culture of awareness and preparedness within the congregation is equally important. Above all, trust in God’s protection as you take practical steps to safeguard your church.
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of CHURCH SECURITY ]
BIO: Keith Graves is a retired police sergeant and worked in the San Francisco Bay Area for 29 years. He was awarded California’s Narcotics Officer of the Year and is a winner of MADD’s California Hero Award. He has years of experience as a Narcotics Detective and a Narcotics Unit Supervisor and is a Drug Recognition Expert Instructor (IACP #3292). Keith’s other assignments have included Training Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, COPPS Officer, Traffic Officer, and 20 years as a SWAT Team member and Sniper Team Leader. Keith is the founder of Christian Warrior Training.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Book Review: Defending the Flock ]
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