interviews – SemperVerus

Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team

Emanuel Kapelsohn The Armed Citizens’ Legal Defense Network (ACLDN) is a membership organization that helps members in the legal fight after they justifiably use force in self-defense by paying for the services of attorneys, expert witnesses, private investigators, and more. It also educates members in the law governing use of force in self-defense and how armed citizens can protect against unmeritorious prosecution.

Attorney, court expert witness, and ACLDN Advisory Board member Emanuel Kapelsohn, president of The Peregrine Corporation, and author of the House of Worship Firearms Use of Force Policy Bundle is interviewed in the ACLDN Journal on the subject of “Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team.” Below are the complete 2-part video interviews, links to the Journal print articles, and bullet points of salient information from the interview:

Interview with Simon Osamoh of Kingswood Security Consulting

If you’d like to be interviewed to share best practices of your own church security/safety team, contact SemperVerus by emailing staytrue@semperverus.com.

SemperVerus interviewed Simon Osamoh, host of the podcast, Who I Became and founder of Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, offering proactive safety solutions & innovative security risk management.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

How important is it for churches of any size to have a volunteer security/safety team?
In the past decade, crime has significantly impacted nonprofits, including houses of worship. Once considered safe havens, churches now find themselves confronting challenges such as mass shootings, embezzlement, child misconduct, and other criminal activities. These incidents highlight the brokenness of our world and emphasize the necessity of preparation.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]

Tragic events like the 2017 Sutherland Springs, Texas, mass shooting and the Charleston AME Church shooting remind us that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” a crisis may arise. Churches must ask themselves: What is our pre-planned response to emergencies? This is where a security ministry proves invaluable. It provides a framework for handling medical emergencies, disturbances, lost children, and even natural disasters with a coordinated plan.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Shooting Analysis Reports ]

However, forming a security team shouldn’t focus solely on active shooter scenarios or the presence of firearms. Statistically, you’re more likely to need team members trained in providing first aid, supporting someone facing a personal crisis, or de-escalating situations involving mental health challenges.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]

The role of a security ministry extends beyond protection; it’s a ministry of care and preparation, ensuring that all who enter the church feel safe and supported. Regardless of size, every church benefits from having a dedicated team to manage security and safety, cultivating an environment where worship can flourish without fear.

John Farnum Advises How to Manage Stranger Danger

What do you say and how do you act when a stranger disrupts your purposeful ambulation by asking you, “Do you have the time?” or “Hey, have you got a match?” or some other “come-on” to disorient you and possibly set you up to be victimized by a criminal act?

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Video: How to Manage a Stranger’s Approach and Maintain Self-Defense ]

John Farnam is president of Defensive Training International and has personally trained thousands of federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel, as well as private citizens, in the responsible use of firearms. In this video interview with the Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network, he offers strategic advice in safely disengaging from unwanted interaction with possible predators. Following the video below are highlights to remember.

By semperverus
Posted on 12/29/202401/02/2025

Church Security Armament Recommendations By Tom Givens, John Correia, and 6 Other Professionals

SemperVerus asked 8 firearms training professionals for their recommendations as to what they consider to be optimal for church security team volunteers to carry while on duty, having as their objective to protect others rather than concerning their own everyday self-defense.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Training: Decision Decks Help You Think Through a Crisis Before It Happens ]

Every one of the questioned professionals stresses the absolute #1 prioritization of obtaining ongoing defensive mindset and quality skill training as the primary requirement before considering what guns and gear should be used. It’s not the weapon that makes the defender succeed; it’s the defender’s superior training and mental acuity. Once that is understood, they offer their equipment recommendations.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

The categories to which the professionals responded are:

Brand of firearm
Style (full size/duty size, compact, subcompact, micro compact, pocket, etc.)
Optics/Sights (red dot, reflex, night sights, 3-dot sights, black out rear site, fiber optic, tritium, etc.)
Carry method (IWB, OWB, appendix, shoulder, pocket, ankle, off-body, etc.)
Action Type (revolver, semi-auto)
Action (single, double, DA/SA, hammer, striker, etc.)
External Safety: (yes, no)
Magazine (single stack, double stack)
Magazine Capacity
Number of Extra Magazines
Caliber
Ammo Brand
Weapon Mounted Light (yes, no)