Training prepares churches to respond to violence

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — In the wake of a deadly church shooting in Minneapolis that killed two children and injured many others, congregations in Ohio gathered recently at Quest Church in Middletown for hands-on training on how to respond to violence in houses of worship.

The session, organized by the Buckeye Firearm Association and led by former law enforcement officers and professional trainers, included drills on tactics, medical response and the use of SIRT pistols. The training weapons are equipped with lasers to simulate real firearms. Organizers said the goal was to make the exercises as realistic as possible.

“It’s a sad reality that we have to have something like this in our churches, but we want to make sure that we are ready, prepared, and we’re in the right mindset for any situation that comes toward us,” said Kyle Eaton, who leads the safety and security team at Quest Church.

Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearm Association, said many congregations are vulnerable.

“Unfortunately, churches are soft targets. A lot of people all in one place not paying attention. And something can happen and they’re simply not prepared,” Rieck said.

Rieck added that state law complicates security efforts.

“Most congregations are not prepared at all. Unfortunately, in the state of Ohio, firearms are banned from churches,” Rieck said. “The government says you can’t have firearms in churches unless the church specifically says that they are going to allow it.”

Rieck said many congregations are unprepared and that state law complicates security efforts. Under Ohio law, firearms are generally prohibited in places of worship unless the congregation decides to allow them.

Former Police Chief Jeff Lehman, one of the trainers, said security starts with awareness and basic preparedness. He emphasized the importance of de-escalation, knowing how to manage people in crisis, and understanding when to hand situations over to law enforcement. Lehman added that training should be ongoing, much like CPR or other life-saving skills.

At Quest Church, Eaton said that preparation translates directly into peace of mind for the congregation.

“People don’t need to be fearful if the churches are doing their job to prepare,” Eaton said. “You know, we come here to worship the Lord. The Lord is always on our side and protecting us.”

Organizers said attendance at these classes has more than doubled since they began earlier this year.