Frequently Asked Questions

We train church safety teams, pastors, ushers/greeters, volunteers, and staff—plus faith-based schools and ministries. We also deliver a non-firearm corporate version of our program for businesses and nonprofits.

Clear, realistic, and scenario-based. We build survivor’s mindset, situational awareness, communication, de-escalation, and decisive action. For firearms skills, we emphasize safety, marksmanship fundamentals, efficient draws, movement, and decision-making under stress.

No. We tailor scenarios to your facility, congregation, and volunteer team—so the training matches your real world.

Module 1: Active Threat Seminar (2 hours) – Awareness, survivor’s mindset, pre-incident indicators, and Run-Hide-Fight fundamentals. Audience: entire church.

Module 2: Unarmed Response (8 hours) – Prevention, avoidance, de-escalation, movement, communication, and evacuation. Scenario-based, no firearms. Audience: safety team, ushers, greeters, volunteers.

Module 3: Armed Response (8 hours) – For armed safety team members only. Scenario-based training with non-lethal firearms and protective gear.

Everyone—staff, volunteers, leadership, and congregants. It sets a common language and mindset across the church.

Safety team members, ushers, greeters, children’s ministry volunteers, and any staff or key volunteers likely to interact directly with the congregation. This module equips them to recognize risks, use verbal de-escalation, move people to safety, and respond effectively without firearms.

Vetted and authorized armed safety team members who carry concealed during services, as well as safety team members being considered for the right to carry. Participants should already have a working knowledge of firearm safety and handling. This module is designed for those entrusted with, or preparing for, defensive firearm response in a church environment.

Armed safety team members seeking to sharpen their marksmanship, drawing, and movement under live-fire conditions. This class is ideal for those who completed Module 3 and want to validate and refine their firearm skills with measurable live-fire standards.

Correct. It focuses on prevention, avoidance, movement, communication, and coordinated response without firearms.

We run realistic scenarios with non-lethal tools to practice decision-making and communication under stress with strict safety controls.

Yes. We offer a 5-hour live-fire class focused on safety, marksmanship, drawing from concealment, and movement. Typical round count is about 300. This class is for church safety team members that are looking to become more proficient with their firearms. A separate range fee may apply.

We host classes at partner ranges and can arrange private team sessions. Availability varies by region.

Any safety team member who needs to be qualified to carry at church. This includes current armed team members and those being considered for authorization by church leadership.

Participants must demonstrate safe gun handling, consistent marksmanship at basic defensive distances, and confidence with drawing from a holster. Unsafe handling will result in removal from the course.

• Personal handgun 

• Quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard (No Cross Draw)

• At least 2–3 magazines

• Eye and ear protection

• 50 rounds of ammunition

• Accuracy on standard defensive targets

• Efficiency of draw and presentation

• Controlled movement with firearm in hand

• Accountability for every round fired

• Safe firearm handling under stress

We use a level-based system from 1 to 5. Level 5 represents the highest performance standard, while Level 1 reflects areas needing significant improvement.

No. The system is designed to measure ability, not to eliminate participants. Instead of “pass/fail,” each shooter receives a score (1–5) that shows their current level and areas for growth.

Strata recommends a minimum of Level 3 to be considered for carrying at church services. This indicates solid, reliable performance under live-fire conditions. However, the final decision rests with each church’s leadership.

They will receive coaching, feedback, and a clear path for improvement. Churches may still allow them to carry, but Strata recommends additional training until they demonstrate at least Level 3 performance.

Because real-world readiness is a spectrum. The level system helps churches understand where their team members stand and encourages ongoing development instead of a one-time hurdle.

The church’s leadership has full discretion. Strata provides professional recommendations, but the decision ultimately belongs to the church.

We use strict protocols: controlled environments, safety briefings, staged equipment checks, non-lethal training tools, and required protective gear. Live firearms and live ammunition are never allowed in scenario spaces.

• Module 1: None.

• Module 2: Comfortable clothing and athletic footwear.

• Module 3: Pistol, Concealed-carry holster, (NO AMMO) We provide non-lethal training tools and protective gear.

• Module 4: Pistol, Concealed-carry holster, 2–3 magazines, 300 rounds, eye/ear protection, weather-appropriate clothing.

Seminars require none. For armed work, participants should be confident with safe gun handling.

Yes, and we recommend church leadership attend. Observers must follow all safety rules and stay in designated areas.

We use a Spirit-led pricing model for on-site church training. After training, you make a post-training payment based on what you’re led to give. There is no minimum.

Six weeks is ideal. Urgent requests may be accommodated when possible.

Module 1: unlimited. Modules 2 and 3: up to 24 active participants per day.

Yes. On-site training is our norm. We do a walk-through, identify training areas, set safety perimeters, and design scenarios around your actual spaces.

Yes. All participants and observers sign waivers acknowledging risks and safety rules. A Certificate of Insurance can be provided upon request.

If plans change, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll work with you to reschedule.

Modules 2 (Unarmed Response) and 3 (Armed Response) include a professionally designed workbook that every attendee receives. These Participant Guides are packed with valuable information, key takeaways from the training, and practical tools your team can revisit after the course. Each guide also includes space for personal notes and additional resources, making it an ongoing reference for growth and readiness.

We believe training shouldn’t end when the session is over. The Participant Guides give team members something to take home, review, and share, ensuring the lessons learned stay fresh and practical.

What is the carbon copy score card?

Each participant in the live-fire qualification receives a paper score card that records their performance across the evaluated standards. It uses carbon copy sheets so multiple parties get identical records.

Who receives a copy of the score card?

Three copies are made automatically: one for Strata, one for the church’s leadership, and one for the participant. This ensures transparency and shared accountability.

Online courses are in development for launch in 2026. They will include on-demand modules, downloadable resources, and optional live Q&A. A waitlist is available.

Join the Waitlist