Attended An Active Shooter Training - AT MY CHURCH!

[SharpsDressedMan]

The United Methodists in my area reacted favorably to an offer by a local police officer and private trainer to offer a training to respond to an active shooter danger at the church. It was three hours long, and involved simplified response, "run, hide, fight", a concept and video put out by the City of Houston, and later some scenarios to act out and review. Our local cop was a SWAT, police trainer, and private trainer specializing in this type of instruction. Ohio originally banned guns in places of worship, but later amended the law to allow being armed, as long as not posted otherwise. The United Methodist Church is not on board with formal or church sponsored armed security, but apparently endorses their member who are legally licensed to carry concealed if they wish. This strengthens the institution's ability to provide a measure of security, and the training allowed the entire congregation to have the exposure of what to expect, and how to react (to include unarmed resistance if necessary) if an attack presented itself. Even improvised weapon were covered. This is going on at schools, workplaces, and other semi-public institutions, and everyone thought it was a very positive thing.

 

[PJSprog]

Outstanding. Glad to see your church is taking a proactive approach.

The pastor of my wife's church was shot during a service back in '09, so this topic is kind of close-to-home for me.

 

[Waldog]

I am a NRA Instructor and have held several classes at our Church. They are WELL received. Another Congregation is asking for a class soon. However, my class is the NRA Safety class and is not focused on Security/Protection. However, it has opened the eyes of previously "anti-gun" people. And, that in itself, is promising. Woman are, BY FAR, the majority in my classes.

 

[1911 guy]

We've done the same. The local P.D. sent two officers to conduct active shooter/ALICE training.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

The UMC is anti at the top and so this is certainly good news. 'In the pews' (of course) gun nuts abound. Here in IL we'll still need hope for the best 'cause AFAIK with permission or not no CCW is valid in church. Still, this is good to hear and on the right track.




(FYI--don't get mad--UMC Official Position is here: http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=4951419&content_id={B388BE35-F62F-4FA8-8C6F-FDFCA10977F8}&notoc=1 )

 

[Hometeached1]

Good for your church. More people need to know what to do if something like that happens where they are at.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I guess it didn't hurt that our lead pastor is a former Marine.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

The CSPD did a training event with the security teams from several churches here a coupl eof months back. They asked the participants not to share details but one thing that really concerned me was that in every single scenario when SWAT stormed the building they shot the security guy.

 

[BrotherFrankie]

i cannot remember the last time i preached a sermon without one of my rugers on my hip.. god is good

 

[JN01]

Ohio originally banned guns in places of worship, but later amended the law to allow being armed, as long as not posted otherwise.

Not quite accurate. What the law states is:

ORC 2923.126
(B) A valid concealed handgun license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun in any manner prohibited under division (B) of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code or in any manner prohibited under section 2923.16 of the Revised Code. A valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a concealed handgun into any of the following places:
(6) Any church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship, unless the church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship posts or permits otherwise;

The absence of a sign prohibiting CC does not automatically allow you to do so legally.

There was a bill (HB231) introduced in the legislature which would eliminate that provision as well as the restriction against carrying in any government entity owned/operated building, but it has not passed as yet.

 

[cowtownup]

I attend a Methodist church and I completely disagree with their stance on firearms. Quite honestly, I disagree with several of their political positions. I've attended this church since I was a wee little fella and I place my faith in God quite a bit higher than my love of firearms but I can't help but think of these political views when I place $$$ in the offering plate. What to do???

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Pray that they repent and spend your dollars wisely. I'm sure many other followers have the same problems with the their churches over more matters than just guns or government.

 

[Lex Luthier]

That is fantastic. There is a small group of us who are usually packing, and holy places of worship are becoming targets more and more. God bless you men and your good work.

 

[45crittergitter]

Pretty schizophrenic of the UMC.

 

[mikeasb]

Our Sunday morning service usually runs about 250-300 people, of those I know for sure about 18 who are always armed including the pastor. We started sponsering an annual CCW class about three years ago and have had three so far with attendance of between 25-40 students each class. We are in a college town with an Army post within 5 miles so our congregation is very fluid with lots of folks coming and going and with this turn over it seems that we always have a bunch of new people who want to get trained/licensed.

 

[ultratec1]

I am my agencies Active shooter instructor and I am also an ALICE instructor. I have told each and every school in my county that I will teach them the program for free. This also goes for all the churches as well!! The state of Ohio is EXTREMELY proactive in implementing ALICE I wish more states were would follow suite