Protection of Schools and Places of Worship

I have noticed an increasing number of courses marketed under titles such as “Protect This House,” aimed at training volunteers to protect their church or place of worship. While the intent behind these programs is commendable, similar training should also be extended to schools and any location where large groups regularly gather.

I attended one of these courses to better understand what was being taught. While it included some strong video content, the overall program fell short. The instructor was professional, articulate, and well-intentioned; however, from a practitioner’s standpoint, they were not well-versed in several critical subject areas beyond the limited curriculum provided to them. The learning model felt narrow, with little depth or flexibility. While this may not be entirely the instructor’s fault—many are constrained to teach only what the program dictates—anyone teaching safety and security should be expected to conduct broader research on the subject matter.

Much of the course focused on personal firearm use and self-defense. While this is undeniably important, there was very little emphasis on actually securing a place of worship as a facility or system. At times, the course felt more like a sales pitch than a comprehensive security program.

These courses are needed, but they must be done correctly. Ideally, training should be delivered through local law enforcement agencies or by companies that specialize in infrastructure and physical security. At a minimum, the course should be a full-day program that includes:

• Scenario-based training

• A “Stop the Bleed” course taught by a certified instructor

• A physical walk-through of a facility (church, school, or training venue)

• Hands-on exercises where students identify vulnerabilities and potential threats

If we are going to provide this type of training, it must be meaningful and practical. The goal should be to genuinely improve preparedness and safety—not simply to boost attendance numbers or expand rosters. Done properly, this training can make a real impact on protecting lives.

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