Professional Security Training for Churches & Places of Worship
Protect Your Congregation with Expert-Led Training in Chicagoland
We provide comprehensive Church Security Training, including unarmed security certifications, armed security training, and advanced firearm courses specifically designed for churches and religious organizations. Serving Chicagoland and willing to travel to your location.
Why Church Security Training Matters Now
Understanding the rising threat to places of worship
1,384
Acts of hostility against U.S. churches documented between 2018–2024 by the Family Research Council
415
Incidents targeting churches in 2024 alone, affecting 383 congregations across the country
246
Shooting events at houses of worship from 2000–2025, resulting in 402 deaths
The Growing Threat
Attacks on places of worship have increased significantly in recent years. Research shows that 67% of these attacks are motivated by hatred toward religious or racial groups, and 54% involve armed assaults. While 59% of attacks occur outside the facility, the 26% that occur inside underscore the critical need for trained security personnel and emergency response protocols.
The rise of extremism targeting religious institutions makes professional security training not just a precaution—it’s a necessity for protecting your congregation.
Our Training Programs
Comprehensive security solutions tailored for churches and religious organizations
Unarmed Security Certification
Professional training in conflict de-escalation, threat assessment, and emergency response protocols. Meets Illinois PERC requirements for security officers.
Armed Security Certification
Training for armed security personnel, including firearm safety, legal considerations, weapon retention, and tactical response. Illinois-compliant certification.
Advanced Firearm Training
Specialized courses for new or experienced shooters and security professionals. Covers advanced skills, precision, and real-world scenario training. A must for security teams, where every shot counts.
Concealed Carry Certification
Most Church safety teams are volunteers, not employees, and therefore might not require specific licensing. However, a concealed carry license allows your safety team to be armed while attending church.
Emergency Medical Training
Your church safety and security team is more likely to deal with routine accidents than attacks. We can prepare them to stabilize a person experiencing a stroke, heart attack, or life-threatening blood loss.
Church Scenario Training
Specialized courses for Church security and safety teams based on real-world scenarios. Prepares the team for the worst possible case.
Why Choose the Academy of Security Training?
Trusted expertise serving Chicagoland churches and places of worship
✓ Local Expertise
Based in Chicagoland with deep knowledge of Illinois security regulations and local threat landscape. We understand the unique needs of religious organizations in our region.
✓ We Come to You
Willing to travel to your location for on-site training. No need to transport your team—we bring professional instruction directly to your facility.
✓ Illinois PERC Compliant
All training meets Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) standards. Your team will receive recognized certifications.
✓ Customized Solutions
Every church has unique security needs. We assess your facility and congregation to design training programs that address your specific concerns.
✓ Insurance Premium Reduction
Professional security training demonstrates a commitment to safety, which can result in reduced insurance premiums for your organization.
✓ Grant Application Support
We assist churches in identifying and applying for federal and state security grants, including DHS Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding.
Additional Benefits of Professional Security Training
Insurance Cost Savings
Churches that invest in robust security measures and staff training may qualify for reduced insurance premiums. Demonstrating a proactive approach to security risk management signals to insurers that your organization takes safety seriously.
Government Grant Opportunities
The federal DHS Nonprofit Security Grant Program provided $274.5 million in 2025 for church security training, facility hardening, and security enhancements for nonprofits at high risk of attack. This includes places of worship. We help you navigate the application process to secure funding for your security initiatives.
Peace of Mind & Preparedness
A trained security team provides immediate response capability in emergencies. Your congregation will feel safer knowing that staff and volunteers are prepared to handle threats, medical emergencies, and other critical situations.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by churches across Chicagoland
…helped out immensely when we needed on-site training and certification for our large class of new Executive Security Ministry team members…
Tony Ladd – Salem Baptist Church
Members of my church safety team and those with CCLs were able to attend a private all-day class… It gave us an opportunity to really test our gear, practice our live-fire fundamentals, as well as drawing from our holsters, which most indoor ranges don’t allow. It was very informative and everyone came away having improved their skills by the end of the day.
Greg Howard – Trinity Gospel Church
Schedule Your Training Event
Let’s discuss your church’s security needs and create a customized training plan
What to include in your inquiry: Your organization’s name, location, number of staff/volunteers needing training, preferred training dates, and any specific security concerns you’d like to address.
Protect Your Congregation Today
Professional Church security training is an investment in the safety and peace of mind of your entire faith community. Let’s work together to create a secure environment where your congregation can worship without fear.