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As a true follower of Jesus Christ, I’ve come to understand the critical importance of integrating the faith into all aspects of my life, including Christian tactical training and preparedness. This journey, and the state of the world these days, has led me to recognize the pressing need for Christian self-defense training which is a discipline that equips us to not only protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities but also stay true to the faith.
In recent years, we’ve witnessed an alarming increase in violence against Christian churches and individuals. Armed attackers have specifically targeted places of worship driven by their hatred for the Christian faith. Many of these tragic incidents could have been prevented if trained and armed believers had been prepared to respond.
This sobering reality underscores the urgent need for Christians to be both spiritually and tactically prepared to deal with these threats and protect the flock.
As we explore Christian tactical training, we’ll dive into how we can develop a Christian tactical mindset by aligning our thinking with biblical principles and acquiring the skills necessary for effective self-defense. Our goal here is to bring clarity to this complicated topic and become not just proficient defenders, but righteous guardians who are guided by the faith.
Understanding the Biblical Basis for Self-Defense
When I began developing my faith-based tactical training journey, I was pretty conflicted.
How do you reconcile self-defense with turning the other cheek? As I carried on this journey of Christian self-defense training, I found inspiration in God’s guidance and the realization of the increased danger faced by Christians.
And as I dug into Scripture, things started to click. I discovered that it actually has a lot of guidance and examples that support righteous biblical self-defense.
Old Testament Examples:
The Old Testament’s got numerous examples of God’s people engaging in defensive actions.
Nehemiah had his workers building walls with one hand on their tools and the other on their weapons (Nehemiah 4:16-18). Talk about being prepared!
And then there’s David, a man after God’s own heart, who was also a skilled warrior.
It showed me that being tactically skilled while spiritually aligned aren’t mutually exclusive.
Read More: What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?
New Testament Perspectives:
The New Testament gets a bit trickier.
Jesus’ teaching about turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) used to confuse me. But I’ve come to see it’s not about being a pushover, it’s about not retaliating out of anger.
And when Jesus told His disciples to buy swords (Luke 22:36), it really made me think. He understood the realities of our fallen world.
The Apostle Paul’s writings about the government bearing the sword (Romans 13:4) further convinced me that there’s a place for righteous use of force.
Reconciling Peace and Protection
As men of faith, we’re called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), but we’re also entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3, Proverbs 31:9). This balance is at the heart of Christian tactical training.
We train not out of fear or aggression, but out of love.
Love for our families, our communities, and even the potential attackers whom we hope to deter rather than harm.
The key takeaway?
Faith-based self-defense isn’t about living in fear or initiating violence. It’s about being “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). It’s a balance that I believe honors God and shows love for our neighbors by being ready to stand in the gap if necessary.
If you’re wrestling with this, dig into Scripture, pray about it, and seek wisdom from mature believers. Also I’ve written more on biblical self-defense here.
Remember, being prepared doesn’t mean you’re looking for trouble. It means you’re ready to be a force for good in a world that requires protecting.
Core Principles of Christian Tactical Training
In my journey of integrating faith with tactical preparedness, I’ve identified several core principles that really guide tactical and defense training through a biblical lens:
- Faith as the Foundation: This is the big one, guys. Our trust in God is always number one. I remember when I first started training, I felt a bit guilty, like maybe I wasn’t trusting God enough. But then it hit me – we’re not training because we lack faith. We’re doing it because we believe God calls us to be good stewards of our lives and the lives of others.
- De-escalation and Conflict Resolution: As followers of Christ, our first line of defense is always to seek peaceful resolutions. We need to emphasize our skills in de-escalation and conflict resolution. We should be striving to defuse dangerous situations without violence whenever possible. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, I had a lot of practice and training that has helped me to develop this important skill.
- Stewardship of Life: This principle really changed my perspective. We’re not just learning to protect ourselves, but we’re honoring the gift of life God gave us and others. This mindset transforms tactical training from a purely self-centered activity into a real ministry of protection.
- Ethical Use of Force: Here’s where things can get murky. We’ve got to constantly evaluate the use of force through a Christian lens. Is it justified? Is it legal? Are we using the minimum force necessary? I remember grappling with these questions during scenario training. It’s not always black and white, but that’s why we train so we can make those split-second decisions as ethically as possible.
I’ve found that this approach not only makes me feel more at peace with my training but also makes me a better protector. Because when your heart’s in the right place, your actions tend to follow suit.
So if you’re considering faith-based tactical training, keep these principles in mind. They’ll guide you through the physical skills and the spiritual challenges that come with this territory.
Physical Skills in Christian Tactical Training
While our faith forms the foundation, effective Christian self-defense training also requires developing practical, physical skills. As I’ve grown in this journey, I’ve come to see how these skills can actually be an expression of our faith when approached with the right mindset.
Here’s how we can approach this:
Situational Awareness Through a Biblical Lens:
We must build a heightened awareness of our surroundings, not out of paranoia, but as an extension of our calling to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). This involves learning to recognize and acknowledge potential threats while maintaining a calm, Christ-like demeanor.
Hand-to-Hand Defense Techniques:
We should learn some self-defense basics, always with the goal of neutralizing threats with minimal violence. Krav Maga and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu are great places to start.
I have trained in both disciplines. I favor Krav Maga for it’s practicality but love BJJ for its trainability and competitiveness.
I know this might feel un-Christian at first but remember:
We’re not learning these moves to hurt people, but to protect ourselves and others if absolutely necessary. It’s like having a fire extinguisher – you hope you never need it, but you’re glad it’s there.
Firearms Training For Christian Men:
Christian firearms training is a heavy topic for most and not everyone feels called to it. But for those in church security, law enforcement or similar roles, it’s crucial.
I feel pressed to say that it’s crucial for every man of faith especially if you are a father or in a leadership role.
That being said, drawing on years of firearms training and experience training with SWAT teams, special forces operators, and high-level competition shooters/instructors, and as a firearms instructor myself, these skills are nothing but a tool that can/should be used for good.
Just learning how to shoot accurately isn’t enough even though that’s also important. You should also spend a lot of time on ethical/biblical decision-making, safety, and legal stuff.
I remember spending hours in scenarios, learning when not to use a firearm. It’s always, always the last resort and proper training will help with that.
Otherwise the physical skill of firearms training is extensive and you should spend a lot of time out on the range and in training courses to build these skills. As a firearms instructor, I have seen the need for people to learn proper firearm handling skills and the only way to learn is by doing it.
But keep in mind, we’re not training to be action heroes or go on the offensive. We’re preparing to protect God’s flock if the unthinkable happens.
- Read More:
First Aid and Emergency Medical Response
Medical response is probably the most important physical skill in this arena. I like to think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Placing a strong emphasis on first aid and emergency medical response training is essential to saving lives.
Our goal should be not just to know how to neutralize threats, but to be prepared to render aid and save lives in any crisis situation. Yes, that includes even the neutralized threat if applicable.
From basic first aid to more advanced emergency response, it’s all about being ready to save lives and help others in need. I’ve used these skills more than any other, from helping my kids with a scraped knees at church to assisting at a car accident.
It’s a practical way to show Christ’s love in action and to be able to do that you need some medical supplies. Here are a couple of my favorites resources:
- Refuge Medical (faith-based): Use code “STRENGTH” for 10% off
- MyMedic: Use code “Strength15” for 15% off
Throughout all this physical training, we keep coming back to the faith. It’s not about being tough or macho. It’s about being prepared to protect and serve, just as Christ protects and serves us.
We train our bodies and minds, but always with our hearts focused on God’s love and our duty to loving our neighbors.
Spiritual Aspects of Tactical Preparedness
Christian tactical training goes beyond physical skills; it’s also about spiritual preparedness. Here’s how I integrate the spiritual aspects into my training:
Prayer and Meditation in Training:
I begin and end each training session with prayer, seeking God’s guidance and protection. I also incorporate moments of meditation on Scripture throughout my training to keep me faith-focused.
I focus on the training at hand, don’t get me wrong but this falls under what Paul taught us about praying at all times in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Building Mental Resilience Through Faith:
I like to use biblical teachings to build mental toughness and resilience. Stories of faith under fire, like Daniel in the lion’s den or David facing Goliath, inspire me to face my own challenges with courage and trust in God.
Dealing with the Psychological Aftermath:
Something people often don’t think about is the potential psychological impact of using force, even in justified situations.
Seeking help pastoral or professional could be crucial in that case. Our faith community plays a big role in support too. It’s about having people who understand and have your back.
Building some mental resilience and preparing your mind beforehand is essential too.
Cultivating a Warrior’s Spirit with a Servant’s Heart:
We strive to embody the paradox of being both guardians and servants of Christ. This means being prepared to protect, but always with a heart of compassion, love, and a desire to serve others.
This is the core of what we should be after. My ideal is training to protect others, but always with a servant’s mindset. It’s almost like trying to embody Christ in regards to being strong enough to flip tables when necessary, but gentle enough to welcome children (Mark 11:15-16, Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 10:13-16)
Remember, we’re not just preparing for earthly battles but, we’re equipping ourselves for spiritual warfare too. It’s not only about physical preparedness but also about being spiritually ready for whatever comes (Ephesians 6:12).
When your foundation is built on faith, prayer, and a servant’s heart, you can face challenges with a calm confidence that comes from knowing you’re not alone.
Christian Tactical Training for Everyday Life
The principles and skills of faith-based tactical training extend into all aspects of our daily lives.
Let’s look at some practical areas where we can take action:
Home Defense from a Christian Perspective:
Learning how to secure our homes and protect our families in a way that aligns with our faith is essential in an age of increasing crime and violence. This includes not just physical security measures, but also creating a home environment of love, faith, and spiritual strength.
Personal Protection in Public Spaces:
As we maneuver throughout the world in day-to-day life being situationally aware is key. It’s important to learn situational awareness and avoidance techniques for everyday situations that could become sketchy.
Your training should always have an emphasis on de-escalation and non-violent resolution whenever possible. But if it isn’t, you should possess the ability to protect the weak and needy out of love.
Explore self-defense through a Christian lens more deeply here.
Teaching Children about Safety without Instilling Fear:
Another aspect of any faith-based preparedness that is often overlooked my many men is learning how to educate your children about personal safety in an age-appropriate way.
Balancing awareness of real-life danger and building skillsets with trust in God’s protection is crucial here.
Using Tactical Skills for Community Service:
A huge one that I love to share is to explore ways to use your training to serve your communities, such as volunteering for disaster relief efforts or organizing neighborhood watch programs.
We get a lot of wild fires in southern California and I have spent a decent amount of time volunteering in any way I could to help whether that be with evacuations or tending to livestock.
Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions
As we engage in Christian tactical training, facing opposition from fellow Christians and non-believers alike will eventually arise.
It is common to encounter these challenges and misconceptions:
Addressing Pacifist Arguments:
This is a big one. I think we should respectfully engage with fellow believers who hold pacifist views and explore Scripture together to seek common ground in our shared desire to honor God and protect life.
Dealing with Criticism:
Man, I’ve faced my share of raised eyebrows, both from inside and outside the church community on this one. Some people think it’s just being paranoid, others worry we’re not being “Christian” enough.
It can be tough, but we always try to respond with grace and humility. We’re not afraid to explain our biblical basis for training, but we also listen to concerns. It’s a balancing act but stressing the foundation of it all for love and service helps some understand better.
Balancing Readiness with Trust in God:
This is something I wrestle with personally.
We should be constantly reminding ourselves that our ultimate security comes from God, not our skills or gear. Our training isn’t a replacement for trusting in divine protection; it’s more like an expression of faithful stewardship.
It’s like the old saying: “Pray like it all depends on God, work like it all depends on you.
Avoiding Extremism:
This is a big red flag I’m always watching out for. A lot of guys in the tactical communities can veer into pretty extreme territory, and that’s not what true faith-based tactical training is about at all.
We use Christ’s teachings of love, forgiveness, faith, and ultimately the Word of God revealed to us in the Bible as our compass.
If something doesn’t align with that, steer clear. Always test the spirits in an age of false teachers looking to deceive you at every turn (1 John 4:1).
These challenges have actually strengthened my resolve and clarified my mission with Men of Strength. They’ve forced me to really examine my motives and ensure I’m staying true to our faith. It’s not always easy, but I believe it’s making us better Christians and better protectors.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers. Sometimes, the best response to criticism or challenging questions is to say, “You know what? That’s a good point. Let me look into that and get back to you.”
It shows we’re willing to grow and learn.
In the end, I don’t think we’re trying to convert everyone to our way of thinking. I’m just trying to be faithful to what I believe God has called us men to do.
Integrating Tactical Training into Church Security
As attacks on places of worship have increased exponentially over the years according to this report from the Family Research Council and many churches are recognizing the need for security teams nationwide.
Here’s how we can approach this sensitive topic in faith-based tactical training:
Form and Train Church Security Teams:
If a church decides to build a security plan of some sort, it needs to select team members who possess both a warrior’s mindset and a servant’s heart that is truly grounded in the faith.
Training covers everything from threat assessment to emergency response protocols to the physical skills necessary to act, but they need to always grounded in biblical principles.
Balancing Welcoming Environment with Necessary Precautions:
I think churches should emphasize the importance of maintaining a welcoming, open atmosphere while implementing discreet security measures. This might involve strategically positioning team members, camera systems, and emergency plans that don’t disrupt worship, fellowship and learning God’s Word.
Emergency Response Planning for Congregations:
Churches should develop comprehensive emergency response plans, covering scenarios from active shooters to natural disasters. These plans could involve the entire congregation, which would foster a community-wide approach to safety.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
The legal and ethical considerations can be a real headache, I’ll tell you that. I am no lawyer but having spent some time in law enforcement I know that every state has different laws about security and use of force.
Church leadership should professional guidance on navigating the legal landscape of church security, including insurance considerations, use of force policies, and compliance with local laws.
I’ve seen firsthand how this kind of preparation can bring a church community together. It’s not just about security; it’s about caring for one another. And in the end, isn’t that what the church is all about? We’re not just protecting buildings; we’re safeguarding communities of faith.
Wrapping Up
As we wrap up our exploration of Christian tactical training, remember that our ultimate goal is to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). This training isn’t just about physical preparedness; it’s about becoming more effective ambassadors for Christ in a world that desperately needs His love and peace.
I encourage you to take the next steps in your journey of faith-based preparedness:
- Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates on Christian firearms training and spiritual growth tips.
- Explore our related articles on developing a Christian tactical mindset and integrating faith-based tactical training into your daily life.
- Consider joining our exclusive Men of Strength Collective, a community of like-minded Christian men dedicated to growing in faith, strength, and preparedness.
By embracing these principles and opportunities, we can move forward with courage, wisdom, and unwavering faith, ready to face whatever challenges may come. Let’s stand together as Men of Strength, guided by God’s word and the example of Christ, to protect, love, and serve our families, churches, and communities.
Take action today – your journey towards becoming a strong, prepared, and faithful guardian starts now!
