Sign up for BFA-sponsored Houses of Worship Defensive Firearms Training

By now, you've likely heard of the Protecting Houses of Worship training classes designed as an intro to help identify security needs, as well as organizational and team training standards. Now it's time to step it up a notch with another Buckeye Firearms Association-sponsored event.

Houses of Worship Defensive Firearms Training, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, is a faith-based safety team training focused on responsible firearms use, threat recognition, immediate life-saving casualty care, and coordinated emergency response.

Designed specifically for houses of worship, this course helps teams protect congregations while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment. Attendees will be offered a shooting qualification standard at the end of the training.

The primary instructor is Forrest Sonewald, a veteran law enforcement professional and tactical instructor with more than 30 years of experience in patrol, SWAT operations, and law enforcement training. He currently serves with the Perry Village Police Department as a firearms and defensive tactics Instructor, where he develops and delivers advanced training programs that enhance officer proficiency and safety. Sonewald also is a Red Team instructor with the Ohio Tactical Officers Association who trains law enforcement officers all around the state of Ohio in active-killer response, among other valuable training.

The training will be held at Mushin Safety & Security Training, LLC, 10288 Amity Road, Brookville, Ohio.

We invite all dedicated safety team members serving houses of worship to join us on the range and showcase your skills in a supportive, professional environment. Whether you patrol the sanctuary, secure the parking lot, or stand ready to protect your congregation, this is your opportunity to sharpen critical marksmanship, tactical movement, and decision-making abilities alongside fellow defenders who understand the responsibility you carry. Come train with purpose, build camaraderie with other faith-based security teams, exchange best practices, and demonstrate the competence and readiness that keeps your community safe. Slots are limited, so reserve your spot today and prove that vigilance has no off day.

There will be a working lunch, so please bring your own food and beverage.

To register or for more information, check out our calendar listing or call Angela Armstrong at 614-715-4867.

BFA has several events and classes scheduled for this summer. Check out our Events page.