Just FYI, in Las Vegas 3 Sundays ago - a middle eastern male entered a church and stood in the back of the congregation for roughly 10-15 mins as the meeting was going. People called police as his behavior was unusual. As he noticed that they noticed him, he exited the building and got into a waiting car that held an additional 3 people. Police arrived shortly after they left (no fault to the officers, but they can't be everywhere - its up to us). All info was passed on to police. It might have been nothing - or it could have been bad guys probing their target to do something terrible. Thank you for putting this series out WP. We are setting up a plan now and I will be waiting for the next video. Stay vigilante people. Wolves come in all shapes and sizes, and we must protect the flocks.
@Leo Peridot You honestly don't know what your talking about. You have some talking points, but no meat on the bones. No one is perfect but Jesus, and David is a good example. That is why all the details are there even the bad, to show that he was a man that had his worldly struggles just as anyone does, it wasnt right, and its not like it wasnt obvious. God used him anyway, as his obedience to God was strong, despite his downfalls. God used a boy when the men were to weak in fear to fight Goliath.
@@MeekButDeadly Luke 22:36 -" He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Jesus was speaking to his disciples.
Not only do I not mind that you preached for a bit, but you also got a subscriber for life. God bless you and all you do. America, despite what the media tells us, is a nation of the faithful.
I’ve been carrying in church and everywhere for years. My job as a husband and father is to protect my family. As a worshiper I’ll protect my church friends too.
Check your state's laws on requirements to ensure you are legally protected in the event you are forced to use your weapon inside the church. Though typically it is not illegal to carry inside a church, some states require that a person be listed in church records as a bonafide member of the church's security team in order to be immune from legal action (e.g. sued because an innocent is injured when you're firing at an attacker).
@@michaelbaldwin6543 perhaps you should work on your reading skills. The exact sentence is God created many of us to be his sheep dog to help protect his flock. The word help is literally stated in the sentence.
Critical Thinking Skills because God can’t inhibit our free will so he can’t stop an active shooter from shooting up a church. So he’d have to rely on one of us stopping them
@@Cdawg_6969if you believe the Bible, there many stories were God exactly inhibits people's free will. I'm not sure when he stopped doing it. And I'm pretty sure the person getting shot in church is having his or her Free Will violated, assuming that they are not choosing to get shot. If you were a God (with worshipping), wouldn't you stop innocencts from getting raped or killed?
As the youth pastor at my church. The only one on staff who has the call to protect, I have become the head of our security team. It’s a daunting task but I love it. Thanks for this series brother
My Dad (Navy Vet and CWP holder) just attended a class with other members of his Church on active assailant training. I also work in the school system as a SSO. He told me the training they got from this class was the exact same Hide, Run, Fight training they give these kids in school. It's unicorns and lollipop feels at best. He said they spent less than 10 minutes actually talking about firearms. I have forwarded this video to him so he can share it with his Church. Thank you for doing this!
John, I haven't looked at videos 2 - 12 yet, but I just wanted to throw this out there for the other team leaders: John gave the advice to check with your state laws and a lawyer. I would just like to add that it is imperative to check with your church's insurance company. Many thing that are legal may not be covered by insurance and can make your church liable for your actions. The liability issue can make the water very muddy in what legal/financial risks the church is willing to take. I really appreciate how you use your platform, John. May our mighty God bless you and yours. Thanks for doing this.
@Dave Harding Good idea to check with insurance company. Just remember that if the insurance company has a lot of misgivings about, and puts too many stumbling blocks in the path of your church defense, you need to consult with other companies. You do NOT have to always alter your security plan to fit the insurance company policies.
@@vodkaone1053 Agreed. Our situation is such that our insurance company allows for a specific rider on our policy covering the volunteer members of the team when serving in an official capacity. It protects is in civil and criminal legal matters to protect the indibidual volunteer and the church. That is key because it means we have the freedom to use our own guys without having to have state certification for security. I live in the Great Republic of Texas where our rights are still somewhat uninfringed. I'm just pointing out it's not like that everywhere.
I’m the head of security at my church. Im a former police officer and my dad, the Pastor, is a retired police officer. The Church granted us permission to carry concealed as well as our other security personnel. One of our church members is an NRA firearms instructor and has a beautiful piece of property with a gun range and allows me to use it all the time to practice. It’s funny, nobody realizes the Pastor is packing behind the pulpit. It always gives me a giggle when I look at him while he’s preaching😂. We’ve set up a camera system. Instituted security checks of making sure all the doors leading into the building are locked and secure. Especially the Children’s wing. We’ve voted in crucial policies reference dealing with sexual predators. That’s already weeded out a person with a Sex Offender status. And boy did that guy cause a stink. We’ve made it policy that whoever is handling the children must have a nationwide background check. Not just a local. We have access to law enforcement from all over the area to aid us with training and consulting. Unfortunately this day and age churches CANNOT be laxed with security. We decided to really step it up after that church shooting recently in Texas. The one where the church member, that happened to not be at church that day, with the AR15 took out the suspect. I can’t remember the name of it. We love our Lord and we love His people and having security to protect the Church is everything to me.
Shit, this is complex. The church is a house for all! God never sent away sinners, he embraced them! Ask your self What Would Jesus Do? I know you want to protect the kids but this is the antithesis of what church is about!
@@bobbuilder4345 That is what he is talking about. To keep the church open and safe for everyone the church sets up a policy so everyone can participate. If you one is against the policy they can prey elsewhere. We have had several past predators that appreciated the policies so they could could come safely(on many levels) to church and learn about their redemption and salvation. Sin carries consequences even after you are saved. Jesus knows the heart, we only observe the fruit. So really it is not antithesis of what church is about, it is a protection for all involved, including the past predator.
@@wyliewolf3823 If you feel like you have the right to kick one of Gods childen out of Gods house, good on you. Its his house not your house, his rules, all are welcome!
@@bobbuilder4345 You have taken my words wrong. I said we invite them to stay. If they do not want to it is up to them. Calm down Bob. Slow down and read. I pray you read GOD's word as well.
Thank you for being bold in your faith for this day and time. It's rare to find someone that wears the full armor of God without crossing the line of inappropriate content. You are the leader of a rare fraternity of warriors. God bless you and your followers John Lovell.
John- Both my wife and I are Marine officers; our pastor is a retired Navy chaplain. We had a situation once where a visitor (our congregation is only ~100 people, all familiar) set off every alarm in the book; our pastor joked with my wife and I afterwards that he could tell we went into sheepdog mode. Fortunately, it was a false positive; however, having a team dedicated to the security of the congregation would put my mind at ease (even if I was one of only three who sensed anything amiss). Thanks for the info. I will be watching the whole series and bringing the intel to HHQ, as it were. I hope that it is geared both towards the boots-on-the-ground, as well as those in a leadership role, because I feel my background will steer me toward the latter. In Christ, Matt
I attend a small church on the edge of a smallish city in Indiana. I'm the one-man security team, so I appreciate getting all the information that I can to prepare for an active shooter situation.
Excellent video! You truly represent what a Christian and warrior should be. Thank you for your service to Christ and to our nation! I’ve been following for a little while and finally subscribed. God Bless you and your family!!
I look at you in a different light. You are so right about the church providing security for the flock. Just as a shepherds. I agree that security should be behind the scenes 95% of the time. When the bad guy know there may be a confrontation when they arrives they most likely want show. So glad you brought this topic up.
Jesus had divine power at his will if he needed it. Also, his disciples(or at least 1 of his disciples) had a sword, or swords so he clearly was not completely against being armed and ready to protect yourself. You and people like you might like to try to say that Christians have to be pacifists, but you would be wrong. Jesus did say to turn the other cheek, but there's a difference between, if a man strikes you, turn the other cheek and, if a man is beating you up, or attempting to kill you, let them. The God of the Old Testament is the same God as the God of the New Testament. And if you are going to try to point to the Ten Commandments, the commandment is probably more accurately interpreted "you shall not *murder*". Considering later in the Bible they are commanded in no uncertain terms to kill a murderer.
All fine and dandy but if you aren't on the security team and something breaks out and you draw your gun, you may be shot and killed also. Most churches have written policies that talk about this. While carrying is your right, you are not protected from civil or criminal liability if you shoot an innocent. If you are part of an official team, you are exempt from these things. Best to know your churches policy.
It is a shame that we have to have a video like this. But thank you Warrior Poet for making them. I myself am part of a security team at my local church. These videos will definitely help. I am in the same boat, not good at much but am good at taking out bad guys. I found a sense of peace joining my local church after getting back from Iraq in 08’
I am one of 4 Elders in my local Seventh-day Adventist (Protestant) church... As a medically retired public safety professional, I took it upon myself to *Be Responsible* for the safety of the congregation every weekend (and on special occasions when we have evangelism events during the week)! These videos have helped me to convince the church board of the necessity of a proper safety plan, and train/prepare my brother elders & deacons for emergencies should anything happen when we meet. THANK YOU FOR PREPARING THIS VIDEO PRIMER, TO GET MY BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST READY FOR *WHEN* THE STORM HITS!! Every year, our Church has a denomination-wide "Safety Sabbath" where we drill for everything that can (and will eventually) happen. We do our best to mitigate risk before it happens, and with the impetus that this video series provides, I've been able to get my congregation to acknowledge and address issues BEFORE they happen. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." - John 15:18-21
I have been conducting my own church security for a few years now, but I really appreciate your guidance here. After morning daily mass, just among the gentleman that I stepped to the side with my truck to speak to, 10 of us of 12 were CCW holders and carrying. I use the greeter presentation at the front door. A very friendly way, I greet everybody coming in, especially the late ones, open the door for them, and make sure they feel welcome. I also have calculated ranges out all the significant cover areas and approaches. As we kneel and stand, I always look into a pane of glass and can see the 180-degrees behind me. I am in Arizona, we have a very healthy gun culture, especially where my parish is. But I do not take that responsibility for the well-being of the parishioners lightly. I teach catechesis, Church history, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and anything else I can get my hands into at the parish. I'm going to be introducing your videos to the members of the full-time staff and my priests. Thank you again very much. I've also shared this video with two or three other Christian churches that I think could benefit.
Thank you John, I was involved with the church security at our church and tried to get it lifted off the ground and I found that all of the members or most are morally opposed to violence. I still carry my gun to church and I would still protect them but I have resigned from our "church security team".
When Sergeant York won his Medal of honor He did the action to save life's . And to protect the American troops that were being killed by the machine guns in the German foxholes . He was a man that loved the LORD . And the men he served with.
Thank you John, I'm the security Leader in our church. We have had a security team for three plus years but, we never have developed a plan for the security of the church. I really enjoy all your video's and have watched some several times. Thanks again Oh, My wife and I lived in Newnan for 6 years. Was employeed by one of the hospitals there. Stay alert and Stay focused Bert
Go ahead John! You're right on with our Israelite history, we are warriors! Our Pastor is former 82nd airborne and many in the ministry are current and ex-military. We carry in and outside of the assembly as did the Israelites, prophets and apostles. Jesus even instructed us to do so- Luke 22:36 If the Pastor isn't on board with the security team and staying armed himself, the wolves will come right into the flock.
When I came across your vids I said OMG someone with serious common sense..we are a small New England church but 3 of us conceal carried and only pastor knows we have basic plans but love this series. Thanks brother,...and you are scripturaly correct. I love my Walther PPS. And FN 509. Keep up the good work..
@Leo Peridot the fact that churches are an appealing target to evil hearted men makes armed defense necessary. It's not even close to the same as preaching violence or cult mentality.
By the way God doesn’t allow bad things to his people. He gave us his only son so why would he withhold anything from us? Where there’s good there’s evil. God doesn’t let bad things happen sometimes the enemy attacks so we fight back.
John, Enjoyed the preaching as well as the security stuff, our lives have had similar tracks. Firefighter, USMC, pastor and foreign deployed missionaries. Now direct security for our church in SW Florida with a Team of about 35 members. I will be adding your series to our list of training for the team. Thanks Brother
Not a man of faith myself, but I can recognize the comfort and community it can foster, and that these communities are under attack both here in the USA and abroad. Good on you Brother, for your noble and commendable service to your community.
Your church has a dedicated security team? That's awesome! My church only has old people with hearing aids... And then there is my father, and His father, who both carry concealed. Then there's me, not legally of age to carry concealed, but knows a bit of BJJ, and caries a pocket knife everywhere if that counts for anything. (Everywhere excluding school obviously...) I see the knife mostly as a tool, but for what it counts can be used as a weapon if need be. It's no clinch-pick, or karambit, or anything like that, it isn't meant for self defense, it's just a nice folder. (Benchmade Griptillian 551-1 BK if you were wondering, 10/10, would recommend, great little knife) Outside of my father, and grandfather, nobody else is armed, or has any firearms training. It's a shame that my church doesn't feel the need to, or doesn't realize that a security team is necessary. I guess it's a, "it would never happen to us" kind of mentality that causes that, but I'm glad to see that other congregations out there have security teams, and I think provisions like these should be much more popular than they are.
I was telling my wife that I found someone on UA-cam who’s very similar to me. And with this video you just sealed that statement. This is exactly what I believe too!
Love the idea, though it's sad that it's needed. Also, thank you for being a clear supporter of Christ. The majority of people, especially UA-camrs, are rarely clear in what they believe and are straight afraid to proclaim Christ.
Watched the whole series. TONS of awesome advice. Would be tough for my church to be quite that secure. Old buildings, even older congregation. Front door opens directly to the sanctuary, and only about 30 ft from the vestibule to the pulpit. Pastor carries concealed, as do a couple of the “younger” members, HOWEVER, we’re mostly made up of a regular group of about 30 people and we RARELY have outside visitors. Still a lot of wisdom to be appreciated here.
John, thank you for your service, first and foremost, as well as everything you’ve done and continue to do in helping prepare the rest of us civilians. You are a true role model and a man among men! You’re a good man Charlie Brown!
John, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. This is the subject I have been trying to pond home in our men's meetings. As well as medical. Now I have some subject matter to present. God bless and thank you.
Can't wait to start the series. I have also heard the "God will protect me" argument. While I won't argue against it, you've set a great counterpoint to help others understand our point of view.
Sent this to my Church leaders, and referred these videos to all of my friends for their respective Churches. Thanks for all the hard work! Cannot wait for the upcoming class I'm taking!
Being Eastern Orthodox, our Priest has said that we will not be armed in the temple itself. That doesn't mean we don't post Security. Even when I'm not "on duty" I post up in a secure overwatch from which I can intervene nearly immediately, even unarmed. One of my fellow Security members is a prior Captain of Marines, and he's paying attention as well. He and I both believe velvet glove concealing iron fist. Keep Father happy, but be prepared to save my brothers and sisters. Father knew what he was doing when he named me Nestor at my Baptism. 😁
John, we have similar backgrounds and I have been following your YTC for about a year. Glad to have found you and enjoy the “refresher courses “. I too, am part of the Leadership on our Security/Safety TEAM. We have had our unit in place since 2008 and had between 3-5 members during that time. Around 2011/12 we experienced a huge growth and over the last 3 years so did our TEAM. We now have 26 plus 3 Uniformed LEO’s. We tactically shoot 1 @ mo with all having to pass the FBI quails before carrying in Church. In addition, they must pass a background check and Comms training. Each new person must shadow all of our posts before securing on their on. Thank you for putting this series together and look forward to meeting you one day. GOD BLESS BROTHER, Bob in Richmond,Va.
Outstanding brother. I too have walked a similar path and like you have sought to continue to serve the Lord & our brothers and sisters in Christ with the skill set that God has given me. I too teach Church Security and perform risk/security assessments for churches and provide training for the staff, volunteers and congregants who are willing to accept the training. I love that you are using your platform to help protect the flock. Keep up the work Brother.
A so-called "active shooter" just killed (with a shotgun he hid underneath a coat) two church members before he was shot and killed (with one shot) by a member of the congregation - a 70 old man. This church was three minutes from our church in White Settlement (North Texas) and this occurred the last Sunday of 2019.
This was a great idea from John, and a generous gift to the church community. However the link is now dead and the videos are nowhere to be found on the WP website, which is very disappointing. I'd be willing to purchase the series for our church if I could find them.
Thanks for this, John. I do wish our country had its own version of the 2nd Amendment. Thankfully, folks who want to carry still have that option. In these trying times, we need more warrior poets. Great video! In Church, I keep these three C's in mind: Concealed Carry, Condition Yellow (relaxed awareness at all times folks), and Condition One (carry with one in the chamber). :)
@Leo Peridot I'm confused by your opinion. I see John and so many others simply want to be prepared to stop evil men in their tracks. How is that a bad mindset to have? Or is that you don't believe that is the true desire of Warrior Poets?
Watched your content for sometime now. Loved it and enjoyed your delivery but realizing youre a christian i have new respect. God bless you and thank you for your work. Im from Canada our main threat is from the government sadly.
God bless you, Sir John. I baske in your knowledge and deeply respect your skills and training methods. Thank you for this series, after a few years of research and preparation for implementing a church Security ministry, i am very thankful for this series.
Thank you John, This is something that I have needed for a long time. As things progress in the times we live in this will become more and more important. Good video.
What a good balance of “perspective”! Thanks for your service to protect our country and our citizens! We do perceive God is sovereign over what He has created, at the same time, we ought to maintain a faith (believing, trusting and delighting in God) that reflects the why and how purpose for which God created us in the first place.
Thank you sir... as a leader on a church security team I was looking forward to this series... stay safe out there.. God bless... I will be sharing this with our team..
Luke 22:36-38 King James Version (KJV) 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
And in Luke 22:38 when a disciple said, "Lord, look here are two swords" Jesus said to him "It is enough.". The Greek word there for "enough" is "ikanon". It means "sufficient" or "plentiful" (yes I read NT Greek). Jesus is saying that two swords were sufficient/plentiful between the 11 disciples. There would be plenty of four footed, and two footed varmints as they make their way in a dangerous world while they are doing their missionary work. The swords are purely for defensive purposes...they were not going to take on the Roman Empire. The NT tells us that it is a good thing to defend the defenseless and to protect the innocent (see also Romans 13:4 and 1 Timothy 5:8. We are to provide for our own household. Provide what? Food, clothing, shelter, and....security. If that is "nutty", defending the defenseless and protecting the innocent until help (i.e. the police) arrives...so be it. This is a fallen world and evil is not going away just because we want to wish it away. Some evil (like Hitler, Tojo, jihadists, or just some home-grown deranged person) is stopped ONLY by force of arms.
This series is critical information. Infinite thanks. Incredibly, there’s little enthusiasm at my church for implementing a security plan. The attitude seems to be, “It won’t happen to us.“ Yet more proof that only fools MUST learn through the school of bitter experience.
Outstanding video, especially addressing the elephant in the room. There are those that will prey upon worshipers and worshipers wearing blinders. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! Luke 22-36 NLT
Great video. I love serving my church through the Lord. I will definitely share this. Thank you Sir for your service in the American Army, and the Lord’s Army.
Thank you for this brother. I have watched your channel for years and just now found this series. You are spot and and are such an asset to churches across the world. Be blessed!
Very insightful and totally accurate. Not a day goes by that I do not carry. And especially at church. It's hard for some to think of the possibility for anything to happen. The church is a great safe place for people. The church is where we seek God's guidance. In order to secure that we need security throughout the churches. It is a horrible thought to even think of how possible an attack can be. Some people don't think this kind of security is necessary and with all do respect I say they are a bit naive. Thanks so much Jon. I'm glad God put this on your heart. Everyone needs not only security, but God as well.
John, thank you so much for putting this together. Our church is currently putting a security plan together. These videos could not have come at a better time.
Thank you for making this video series. I serve on security in my church and I feel as if I am the only one thirsting for more out of our security team. I agree with 100% of your advise in this series. You made several wise points that I have suggested to my security leaders almost word per word. I will be forwarding this to all of my church security team leaders. I have been praying for a while that you would make this exact series. Prayers are answered.........
Wow John! I am really impressed with that link you provide! Thank you so very much! We were just discussing this morning at the Bible study how we need a better security plan.
I've been talking to people at church a lot recently about our security set up, and I was hoping you would put something like this out soon. So needless to say I was very happy to see this upload.
Literally just got done watching a video of you and Mrs Poet last May talking about doing church security videos. Thank you for coming through! Definitely will be putting this info to use!
Thanks for these tips. We do alot of these steps in our church already to deal with the mentally ill or pushy homeless persons. We try to treat them with respect and kindness and often the situation deesculates.
Just FYI, in Las Vegas 3 Sundays ago - a middle eastern male entered a church and stood in the back of the congregation for roughly 10-15 mins as the meeting was going. People called police as his behavior was unusual. As he noticed that they noticed him, he exited the building and got into a waiting car that held an additional 3 people. Police arrived shortly after they left (no fault to the officers, but they can't be everywhere - its up to us). All info was passed on to police. It might have been nothing - or it could have been bad guys probing their target to do something terrible. Thank you for putting this series out WP. We are setting up a plan now and I will be waiting for the next video. Stay vigilante people. Wolves come in all shapes and sizes, and we must protect the flocks.
Just as David was Gods hands and feet stomping out evil, we also are the current hands and feet.
@Leo Peridot You honestly don't know what your talking about. You have some talking points, but no meat on the bones. No one is perfect but Jesus, and David is a good example. That is why all the details are there even the bad, to show that he was a man that had his worldly struggles just as anyone does, it wasnt right, and its not like it wasnt obvious. God used him anyway, as his obedience to God was strong, despite his downfalls. God used a boy when the men were to weak in fear to fight Goliath.
We carry in church and everywhere else.
Go carry you, your family and side arm back to the middle east where your god came from.
@@OliveMule Your comment is false logic. Makes no sense.
@@MeekButDeadly Luke 22:36 -" He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." Jesus was speaking to his disciples.
HickLife Amen
I usually only carry at church.
I like what the Reverend said in "The Patriot", A shepherd must tend to his flock, and at times, fight off the wolves.
You’re awesome!! I pray that the Lord bless you and your family. I pray that your ammo never dries out and your adversaries lie in “forever sleep «
Not only do I not mind that you preached for a bit, but you also got a subscriber for life. God bless you and all you do. America, despite what the media tells us, is a nation of the faithful.
I’ve been carrying in church and everywhere for years. My job as a husband and father is to protect my family. As a worshiper I’ll protect my church friends too.
Check your state's laws on requirements to ensure you are legally protected in the event you are forced to use your weapon inside the church. Though typically it is not illegal to carry inside a church, some states require that a person be listed in church records as a bonafide member of the church's security team in order to be immune from legal action (e.g. sued because an innocent is injured when you're firing at an attacker).
God is our shepherd, and I believe he created many of us to be his sheep dog to help protect his flock. God bless you brother!
Why would the Creator of the entire universe need help with anything?? Hmmn...
I don't see where the writer stated that the Creator needs help. Perhaps you should work on you critical reading skills.
@@michaelbaldwin6543 perhaps you should work on your reading skills. The exact sentence is God created many of us to be his sheep dog to help protect his flock. The word help is literally stated in the sentence.
Critical Thinking Skills because God can’t inhibit our free will so he can’t stop an active shooter from shooting up a church. So he’d have to rely on one of us stopping them
@@Cdawg_6969if you believe the Bible, there many stories were God exactly inhibits people's free will. I'm not sure when he stopped doing it. And I'm pretty sure the person getting shot in church is having his or her Free Will violated, assuming that they are not choosing to get shot. If you were a God (with worshipping), wouldn't you stop innocencts from getting raped or killed?
As the youth pastor at my church. The only one on staff who has the call to protect, I have become the head of our security team. It’s a daunting task but I love it. Thanks for this series brother
God, family and Guns collaboration? This is perfectly perfect for spreading good news and protect others. love it!
God, Family, and Guns is one of my favorites too
My Dad (Navy Vet and CWP holder) just attended a class with other members of his Church on active assailant training. I also work in the school system as a SSO. He told me the training they got from this class was the exact same Hide, Run, Fight training they give these kids in school. It's unicorns and lollipop feels at best. He said they spent less than 10 minutes actually talking about firearms. I have forwarded this video to him so he can share it with his Church. Thank you for doing this!
@Leo Peridot I bet if they offered him a sword he would have taken it! :D
John, I haven't looked at videos 2 - 12 yet, but I just wanted to throw this out there for the other team leaders: John gave the advice to check with your state laws and a lawyer. I would just like to add that it is imperative to check with your church's insurance company. Many thing that are legal may not be covered by insurance and can make your church liable for your actions. The liability issue can make the water very muddy in what legal/financial risks the church is willing to take.
I really appreciate how you use your platform, John. May our mighty God bless you and yours. Thanks for doing this.
@Dave Harding
Good idea to check with insurance company. Just remember that if the insurance company has a lot of misgivings about, and puts too many stumbling blocks in the path of your church defense, you need to consult with other companies. You do NOT have to always alter your security plan to fit the insurance company policies.
@@vodkaone1053 Agreed. Our situation is such that our insurance company allows for a specific rider on our policy covering the volunteer members of the team when serving in an official capacity. It protects is in civil and criminal legal matters to protect the indibidual volunteer and the church. That is key because it means we have the freedom to use our own guys without having to have state certification for security. I live in the Great Republic of Texas where our rights are still somewhat uninfringed. I'm just pointing out it's not like that everywhere.
I’m the head of security at my church. Im a former police officer and my dad, the Pastor, is a retired police officer. The Church granted us permission to carry concealed as well as our other security personnel. One of our church members is an NRA firearms instructor and has a beautiful piece of property with a gun range and allows me to use it all the time to practice. It’s funny, nobody realizes the Pastor is packing behind the pulpit. It always gives me a giggle when I look at him while he’s preaching😂. We’ve set up a camera system. Instituted security checks of making sure all the doors leading into the building are locked and secure. Especially the Children’s wing. We’ve voted in crucial policies reference dealing with sexual predators. That’s already weeded out a person with a Sex Offender status. And boy did that guy cause a stink. We’ve made it policy that whoever is handling the children must have a nationwide background check. Not just a local. We have access to law enforcement from all over the area to aid us with training and consulting. Unfortunately this day and age churches CANNOT be laxed with security. We decided to really step it up after that church shooting recently in Texas. The one where the church member, that happened to not be at church that day, with the AR15 took out the suspect. I can’t remember the name of it. We love our Lord and we love His people and having security to protect the Church is everything to me.
Very much agree. We have done pretty much the same as you. Do you guys have a written "policy"?
Shit, this is complex. The church is a house for all! God never sent away sinners, he embraced them! Ask your self What Would Jesus Do? I know you want to protect the kids but this is the antithesis of what church is about!
@@bobbuilder4345 That is what he is talking about. To keep the church open and safe for everyone the church sets up a policy so everyone can participate. If you one is against the policy they can prey elsewhere. We have had several past predators that appreciated the policies so they could could come safely(on many levels) to church and learn about their redemption and salvation. Sin carries consequences even after you are saved. Jesus knows the heart, we only observe the fruit. So really it is not antithesis of what church is about, it is a protection for all involved, including the past predator.
@@wyliewolf3823 If you feel like you have the right to kick one of Gods childen out of Gods house, good on you. Its his house not your house, his rules, all are welcome!
@@bobbuilder4345 You have taken my words wrong. I said we invite them to stay. If they do not want to it is up to them. Calm down Bob. Slow down and read. I pray you read GOD's word as well.
John we are so blessed to have you around! Psalms 144:1.
Thank you for being bold in your faith for this day and time. It's rare to find someone that wears the full armor of God without crossing the line of inappropriate content. You are the leader of a rare fraternity of warriors. God bless you and your followers John Lovell.
John-
Both my wife and I are Marine officers; our pastor is a retired Navy chaplain. We had a situation once where a visitor (our congregation is only ~100 people, all familiar) set off every alarm in the book; our pastor joked with my wife and I afterwards that he could tell we went into sheepdog mode. Fortunately, it was a false positive; however, having a team dedicated to the security of the congregation would put my mind at ease (even if I was one of only three who sensed anything amiss).
Thanks for the info. I will be watching the whole series and bringing the intel to HHQ, as it were. I hope that it is geared both towards the boots-on-the-ground, as well as those in a leadership role, because I feel my background will steer me toward the latter.
In Christ,
Matt
Don't apologise for preaching, it's the mission our King gave us. Thank you for your videos and service. God bless you and your family.
Thank you, John. Don't apologize for preaching. What you're saying needs to be said.
Part 1 of 12?! 😍😍
Jacob Kerwood It’s probably for the best he doesn’t release them all at once, my wife would not see me for hours.
They’re all on the website in the description.
Zach Hurley thank you! I’ve been waiting for part 2 like an idiot for two months
My server says it is not secure and will not load the site!
I attend a small church on the edge of a smallish city in Indiana. I'm the one-man security team, so I appreciate getting all the information that I can to prepare for an active shooter situation.
Excellent video! You truly represent what a Christian and warrior should be. Thank you for your service to Christ and to our nation! I’ve been following for a little while and finally subscribed. God Bless you and your family!!
God bless America, we need guys like you here in France.
We need guys like him everywhere honestly.
I look at you in a different light. You are so right about the church providing security for the flock. Just as a shepherds. I agree that security should be behind the scenes 95% of the time. When the bad guy know there may be a confrontation when they arrives they most likely want show. So glad you brought this topic up.
The WPS is seeming more and more like a modern day revival of the Knights Templar and I absolutely love it. Keep rocking them out, brother.
Let me say as a brother in Christ and in arms... It's about time there Army!!! 😁 Keep it up my friend. Love, a fan from the USMC.
Jesus had divine power at his will if he needed it. Also, his disciples(or at least 1 of his disciples) had a sword, or swords so he clearly was not completely against being armed and ready to protect yourself. You and people like you might like to try to say that Christians have to be pacifists, but you would be wrong. Jesus did say to turn the other cheek, but there's a difference between, if a man strikes you, turn the other cheek and, if a man is beating you up, or attempting to kill you, let them.
The God of the Old Testament is the same God as the God of the New Testament.
And if you are going to try to point to the Ten Commandments, the commandment is probably more accurately interpreted "you shall not *murder*". Considering later in the Bible they are commanded in no uncertain terms to kill a murderer.
Get a CCW permit and carry everywhere. Your safety and security is your responsibility........
@@waynv1835 police have no legal duty to protect you. Make your own life choices.
Wayn V so.
Don't ask the states permission to carry. Get training and carry.
@@waynv1835 ignore the law and do what is right.
All fine and dandy but if you aren't on the security team and something breaks out and you draw your gun, you may be shot and killed also. Most churches have written policies that talk about this. While carrying is your right, you are not protected from civil or criminal liability if you shoot an innocent. If you are part of an official team, you are exempt from these things. Best to know your churches policy.
It is a shame that we have to have a video like this. But thank you Warrior Poet for making them. I myself am part of a security team at my local church. These videos will definitely help. I am in the same boat, not good at much but am good at taking out bad guys. I found a sense of peace joining my local church after getting back from Iraq in 08’
As a person of reason I am happy to see you enabling persons of faith to protect themselves.
I am one of 4 Elders in my local Seventh-day Adventist (Protestant) church... As a medically retired public safety professional, I took it upon myself to *Be Responsible* for the safety of the congregation every weekend (and on special occasions when we have evangelism events during the week)! These videos have helped me to convince the church board of the necessity of a proper safety plan, and train/prepare my brother elders & deacons for emergencies should anything happen when we meet.
THANK YOU FOR PREPARING THIS VIDEO PRIMER, TO GET MY BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST READY FOR *WHEN* THE STORM HITS!! Every year, our Church has a denomination-wide "Safety Sabbath" where we drill for everything that can (and will eventually) happen. We do our best to mitigate risk before it happens, and with the impetus that this video series provides, I've been able to get my congregation to acknowledge and address issues BEFORE they happen.
"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." - John 15:18-21
I passed this on to one of my friends who is a Pastor. . . .Thanks John
I pastor in Bakersfield California- THANK YOI FOR CREATING THIS ... definitely going to be sending this to our security team
Always carry to Synagogue! Super excited about this!
Yossi Laz yes, it applies to synagogues as well, this is great and I’ll spread these teachings in our area. God bless.
What about Temples, Stupas and Mosques and what not? Why not EVERYWHERE. We need protection among humanity
I have been conducting my own church security for a few years now, but I really appreciate your guidance here.
After morning daily mass, just among the gentleman that I stepped to the side with my truck to speak to, 10 of us of 12 were CCW holders and carrying.
I use the greeter presentation at the front door. A very friendly way, I greet everybody coming in, especially the late ones, open the door for them, and make sure they feel welcome.
I also have calculated ranges out all the significant cover areas and approaches. As we kneel and stand, I always look into a pane of glass and can see the 180-degrees behind me.
I am in Arizona, we have a very healthy gun culture, especially where my parish is. But I do not take that responsibility for the well-being of the parishioners lightly.
I teach catechesis, Church history, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and anything else I can get my hands into at the parish.
I'm going to be introducing your videos to the members of the full-time staff and my priests.
Thank you again very much. I've also shared this video with two or three other Christian churches that I think could benefit.
Bravo, well done, *Preach On Warrior Poet, Preach On*. God Bless, brother.
Thank you John, I was involved with the church security at our church and tried to get it lifted off the ground and I found that all of the members or most are morally opposed to violence. I still carry my gun to church and I would still protect them but I have resigned from our "church security team".
👍👍 as always!
This is becoming more relevant especially today, with tomorrow's outlook.
🇺🇲
United We Stand, The Rest Is, Not An Option!
When Sergeant York won his Medal of honor He did the action to save life's . And to protect the American troops that were being killed by the machine guns in the German foxholes . He was a man that loved the LORD . And the men he served with.
Thank you John, I'm the security Leader in our church. We have had a security team for three plus years but, we never have developed a plan for the security of the church. I really enjoy all your video's and have watched some several times. Thanks again
Oh, My wife and I lived in Newnan for 6 years. Was employeed by one of the hospitals there.
Stay alert and Stay focused
Bert
Go ahead John! You're right on with our Israelite history, we are warriors!
Our Pastor is former 82nd airborne and many in the ministry are current and ex-military. We carry in and outside of the assembly as did the Israelites, prophets and apostles. Jesus even instructed us to do so- Luke 22:36
If the Pastor isn't on board with the security team and staying armed himself, the wolves will come right into the flock.
This is good stuff. Churches and schools are such soft targets. Keep up the good work, sir.
Thumbs up for both your comment and your user name!
Semper Fi, TreeTop - USMC 68-71
When I came across your vids I said OMG someone with serious common sense..we are a small New England church but 3 of us conceal carried and only pastor knows we have basic plans but love this series. Thanks brother,...and you are scripturaly correct. I love my Walther PPS. And FN 509. Keep up the good work..
@Leo Peridot the fact that churches are an appealing target to evil hearted men makes armed defense necessary. It's not even close to the same as preaching violence or cult mentality.
Thanks for being a faithful follower and outspoken man of God! Keep spreading the word!
By the way God doesn’t allow bad things to his people. He gave us his only son so why would he withhold anything from us? Where there’s good there’s evil. God doesn’t let bad things happen sometimes the enemy attacks so we fight back.
This is GOOD stuff!!!! As a pastor I greatly appreciate this!!!
John, Enjoyed the preaching as well as the security stuff, our lives have had similar tracks. Firefighter, USMC, pastor and foreign deployed missionaries. Now direct security for our church in SW Florida with a Team of about 35 members. I will be adding your series to our list of training for the team.
Thanks Brother
Not a man of faith myself, but I can recognize the comfort and community it can foster, and that these communities are under attack both here in the USA and abroad. Good on you Brother, for your noble and commendable service to your community.
To learn this of you was a pleasant surprise. Thank you for doing the Lord's work!
God bless you and your family John.
Been looking forward to this series!! Thank you so much John. I will definitely be passing this along to the head of our church's security team.
Your church has a dedicated security team?
That's awesome!
My church only has old people with hearing aids...
And then there is my father, and His father, who both carry concealed. Then there's me, not legally of age to carry concealed, but knows a bit of BJJ, and caries a pocket knife everywhere if that counts for anything. (Everywhere excluding school obviously...)
I see the knife mostly as a tool, but for what it counts can be used as a weapon if need be.
It's no clinch-pick, or karambit, or anything like that, it isn't meant for self defense, it's just a nice folder.
(Benchmade Griptillian 551-1 BK if you were wondering, 10/10, would recommend, great little knife)
Outside of my father, and grandfather, nobody else is armed, or has any firearms training. It's a shame that my church doesn't feel the need to, or doesn't realize that a security team is necessary. I guess it's a, "it would never happen to us" kind of mentality that causes that, but I'm glad to see that other congregations out there have security teams, and I think provisions like these should be much more popular than they are.
@@liamflanagan490 thats because no one wins souls.. he who wins souls is wise. Go ye therefor and make Disciples
I was telling my wife that I found someone on UA-cam who’s very similar to me. And with this video you just sealed that statement. This is exactly what I believe too!
You even kinda look alike lmao
Love the idea, though it's sad that it's needed.
Also, thank you for being a clear supporter of Christ. The majority of people, especially UA-camrs, are rarely clear in what they believe and are straight afraid to proclaim Christ.
Watched the whole series. TONS of awesome advice.
Would be tough for my church to be quite that secure. Old buildings, even older congregation. Front door opens directly to the sanctuary, and only about 30 ft from the vestibule to the pulpit. Pastor carries concealed, as do a couple of the “younger” members, HOWEVER, we’re mostly made up of a regular group of about 30 people and we RARELY have outside visitors.
Still a lot of wisdom to be appreciated here.
Outsider, your church sounds like mine here in rural central Texas!
Semper Fi, TreeTop
God bless you my brother! May we never need these tactics, but always have them in our toolbox just in case!
John, thank you for your service, first and foremost, as well as everything you’ve done and continue to do in helping prepare the rest of us civilians. You are a true role model and a man among men! You’re a good man Charlie Brown!
John, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. This is the subject I have been trying to pond home in our men's meetings. As well as medical. Now I have some subject matter to present. God bless and thank you.
Can't wait to start the series. I have also heard the "God will protect me" argument. While I won't argue against it, you've set a great counterpoint to help others understand our point of view.
Thanks! Yes, it’s not too much different than saying ‘God will provide so I will no longer work’
Sent this to my Church leaders, and referred these videos to all of my friends for their respective Churches. Thanks for all the hard work! Cannot wait for the upcoming class I'm taking!
Being Eastern Orthodox, our Priest has said that we will not be armed in the temple itself. That doesn't mean we don't post Security. Even when I'm not "on duty" I post up in a secure overwatch from which I can intervene nearly immediately, even unarmed. One of my fellow Security members is a prior Captain of Marines, and he's paying attention as well. He and I both believe velvet glove concealing iron fist. Keep Father happy, but be prepared to save my brothers and sisters. Father knew what he was doing when he named me Nestor at my Baptism. 😁
As a member of my church's security team, I appreciate your insight and wisdom on all of this. I'll be watching the rest of the series. Thanks John!
John, we have similar backgrounds and I have been following your YTC for about a year. Glad to have found you and enjoy the “refresher
courses “.
I too, am part of the Leadership on our Security/Safety TEAM. We have had our unit in place since 2008 and had between 3-5 members during that time. Around 2011/12 we experienced a huge growth and over the last 3 years so did our TEAM. We now have 26 plus 3 Uniformed LEO’s.
We tactically shoot 1 @ mo with all having to pass the FBI quails before carrying in Church. In addition, they must pass a background
check and Comms training. Each new person must shadow all of our posts before securing on their on.
Thank you for putting this series together and look forward to meeting you one day.
GOD BLESS BROTHER,
Bob in Richmond,Va.
Great vid as always, John. Thanks for being a cool former action guy who’s not afraid of sharing his love for God!! Keep it up!
Outstanding brother. I too have walked a similar path and like you have sought to continue to serve the Lord & our brothers and sisters in Christ with the skill set that God has given me. I too teach Church Security and perform risk/security assessments for churches and provide training for the staff, volunteers and congregants who are willing to accept the training. I love that you are using your platform to help protect the flock. Keep up the work Brother.
A so-called "active shooter" just killed (with a shotgun he hid underneath a coat) two church members before he was shot and killed (with one shot) by a member of the congregation - a 70 old man. This church was three minutes from our church in White Settlement (North Texas) and this occurred the last Sunday of 2019.
My church needs this video so much right now! Thank you so much!
This was a great idea from John, and a generous gift to the church community.
However the link is now dead and the videos are nowhere to be found on the WP website, which is very disappointing. I'd be willing to purchase the series for our church if I could find them.
Watched all 12 today. Great job, I'll be passing the links along for sure!
Thanks for this, John. I do wish our country had its own version of the 2nd Amendment. Thankfully, folks who want to carry still have that option. In these trying times, we need more warrior poets. Great video!
In Church, I keep these three C's in mind: Concealed Carry, Condition Yellow (relaxed awareness at all times folks), and Condition One (carry with one in the chamber). :)
How could not like John! So cool and so humble. Definitely gonna share this series with the other church defenders.
@Leo Peridot I'm confused by your opinion. I see John and so many others simply want to be prepared to stop evil men in their tracks. How is that a bad mindset to have? Or is that you don't believe that is the true desire of Warrior Poets?
Watched your content for sometime now. Loved it and enjoyed your delivery but realizing youre a christian i have new respect. God bless you and thank you for your work. Im from Canada our main threat is from the government sadly.
Excellent video. Thank you for your instruction and wisdom in this matter.
Love your channel John
God bless you, Sir John. I baske in your knowledge and deeply respect your skills and training methods.
Thank you for this series, after a few years of research and preparation for implementing a church Security ministry, i am very thankful for this series.
I like you even more than I already did after watching this video. Keep up the good work, I appreciate you.
This channel is one of the BEST! Thank you and God bless you sir for what you do!!!
I am so looking forward to this, it is an issue that has FINALLY been addressed in my church. Thank you sir!
Thank you John, This is something that I have needed for a long time. As things progress in the times we live in this will become more and more important. Good video.
What a good balance of “perspective”!
Thanks for your service to protect our country and our citizens!
We do perceive God is sovereign over what He has created, at the same time, we ought to maintain a faith (believing, trusting and delighting in God) that reflects the why and how purpose for which God created us in the first place.
Thank you sir... as a leader on a church security team I was looking forward to this series... stay safe out there.. God bless... I will be sharing this with our team..
Church security team... wait, what, do you think it’s time for a governmental and societal review if your church a security team is a new norm ?
Thanks for putting this together. I am blessed to be one of the coordinators of our church safety team. This helps tremendously.
Luke 22:36-38 King James Version (KJV)
36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
And in Luke 22:38 when a disciple said, "Lord, look here are two swords" Jesus said to him "It is enough.". The Greek word there for "enough" is "ikanon". It means "sufficient" or "plentiful" (yes I read NT Greek). Jesus is saying that two swords were sufficient/plentiful between the 11 disciples. There would be plenty of four footed, and two footed varmints as they make their way in a dangerous world while they are doing their missionary work. The swords are purely for defensive purposes...they were not going to take on the Roman Empire. The NT tells us that it is a good thing to defend the defenseless and to protect the innocent (see also Romans 13:4 and 1 Timothy 5:8. We are to provide for our own household. Provide what? Food, clothing, shelter, and....security. If that is "nutty", defending the defenseless and protecting the innocent until help (i.e. the police) arrives...so be it. This is a fallen world and evil is not going away just because we want to wish it away. Some evil (like Hitler, Tojo, jihadists, or just some home-grown deranged person) is stopped ONLY by force of arms.
I've got that on a T-Shirt :)
God bless you, your family and your mission, John.
This series is critical information. Infinite thanks. Incredibly, there’s little enthusiasm at my church for implementing a security plan. The attitude seems to be, “It won’t happen to us.“ Yet more proof that only fools MUST learn through the school of bitter experience.
Outstanding video, especially addressing the elephant in the room. There are those that will prey upon worshipers and worshipers wearing blinders. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! Luke 22-36 NLT
Great video. I love serving my church through the Lord. I will definitely share this. Thank you Sir for your service in the American Army, and the Lord’s Army.
A Soldier of Christ! The ability to stand up for the Lord, and our Christian beliefs. To be vigilant for our families and for the Lord's coming.
That shit you said sounds a wee bit muslim. Christian god doesnt need you to kill for him. If you or your family die its gods will
Thank you for this brother. I have watched your channel for years and just now found this series. You are spot and and are such an asset to churches across the world. Be blessed!
Very insightful and totally accurate. Not a day goes by that I do not carry. And especially at church. It's hard for some to think of the possibility for anything to happen. The church is a great safe place for people. The church is where we seek God's guidance. In order to secure that we need security throughout the churches. It is a horrible thought to even think of how possible an attack can be. Some people don't think this kind of security is necessary and with all do respect I say they are a bit naive. Thanks so much Jon. I'm glad God put this on your heart. Everyone needs not only security, but God as well.
Awesome video! I like that you are open with your faith John. We need more people like you.
Thank You John, for posting this series. As it stands at my church, I am the security team. My username says why.
I am part of our churches security team. This is great! Thank you! ✝️
John, thank you so much for putting this together. Our church is currently putting a security plan together. These videos could not have come at a better time.
This has been one of the top things on my mind. Thank you.
Thank you for making this video series. I serve on security in my church and I feel as if I am the only one thirsting for more out of our security team. I agree with 100% of your advise in this series. You made several wise points that I have suggested to my security leaders almost word per word. I will be forwarding this to all of my church security team leaders. I have been praying for a while that you would make this exact series. Prayers are answered.........
Watchmen on the tower. I'm head of my security at my church. This is a much needed topic
Wow John! I am really impressed with that link you provide! Thank you so very much! We were just discussing this morning at the Bible study how we need a better security plan.
Good video brother, this can save lives. My church is in NY State.
Great video I am always packing at Church. This is a ReloadWrap necessity
I've been talking to people at church a lot recently about our security set up, and I was hoping you would put something like this out soon. So needless to say I was very happy to see this upload.
Literally just got done watching a video of you and Mrs Poet last May talking about doing church security videos. Thank you for coming through! Definitely will be putting this info to use!
This series is exactly what I and many others were looking for. THANK YOU!
Thanks for these tips. We do alot of these steps in our church already to deal with the mentally ill or pushy homeless persons. We try to treat them with respect and kindness and often the situation deesculates.