The Importance Spiritual Fitness
On August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska—a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee—was fatally stabbed in a random, unprovoked attack while riding the Charlotte Blue Line light rail home from work. She had come to the United States seeking peace and opportunity, working at a local pizzeria and studying English at a community college. Her life was stolen in…
Read More...Church Security: Overcoming Challenges to Keep a Team Strong
By Jeff Williamson & Paul Bird Church security teams play a vital role in protecting congregations, but keeping a team strong and engaged is not always easy. Over time, every group faces challenges such as declining numbers, burnout, and a loss of focus. The question is not only how to recruit and retain members, but…
Read More...How to Select a Firearms Instructor
One of the unique aspects of Boondocks Firearms Training Academy is the quality of our instructor cadre. Ten years ago when Boondocks officially opened, the original mindset was to recruit the best of the best instructors from the surrounding areas and then provide the opportunities for them to expand their knowledge. These select group of…
Read More...Event Coordination Worksheet: A Practical Tool for Church Security and Beyond
I learned an invaluable organizational tip during my time in the Army, and over the years, I’ve adapted it to suit a variety of situations. While this article focuses on church security planning, the same principles apply to family reunions, community events, or any large gathering. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I wish I…
Read More...Boondocks’ Welcomes A New Instructor
JoAnna Dufrene is not technically new to Boondocks. She has been a frequent attendee of several classes hosted by guest instructors such as Tom Givens, Massad Ayoob, and others. As a staff instructor at FRC in Baton Rouge, JoAnna—affectionately known as “JoJo”—has often referred to Boondocks as her second home. Recently, a life event brought…
Read More...Violent Crime: Reports Vs. Reality
While Americans continue to grapple with the effects of crime, mainstream media reports that violent crime rates have been falling across the U.S. in 2025. The DC Crime Crackdown is probably a representative microcosm of the differences between reports and realities. In response to what he described as a “crime emergency,” President Donald Trump initiated an unprecedented federal takeover…
Read More...Beyond the Gun: The Critical Importance of Holistic Firearms Training
Recently, my family and I wrapped up an epic road trip that included over 3,800 miles, 15 states (mostly in the Northeast), and Canada. I knew that several of the states had very strict gun laws, and if we planned to cross the border, a handgun was going to be a “no-go,” so I opted…
Read More...One Big Beautiful Bullet Bill
President Donald Trump’s recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is making waves—not just for its sweeping economic and defense reforms, but for what it quietly delivers to American gun owners. Tucked into the bill’s defense section is a multi-billion-dollar investment in small-arms ammunition, signaling what some are calling an “ammo renaissance.” Read the article…
Read More...The Sig Sauer P320 Saga
The Sig Sauer P320 series handgun was released in 2014. It was initially greeted with much fanfare, but early issues suggested the gun would fire when dropped if it happened to land in a specific position. Sig brushed the issue off and seemed to appease the concerns with a voluntary recall on the trigger. Recently…
Read More...The Many Aspects of Church Security
The previous articles I’ve written focused on what can be broadly characterized as mindset or attitude. The logic behind emphasizing mindset for the Church Security Team member (CSTM) is the conviction that a proper mindset is both foundational and essential for effective service on a Church Security Team (CST). Once the CSTM develops the proper…
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