Protecting Congregations Through
Safety and Community
OKLAHOMA SAFETY COALITION
1st Annual
Equip & Share Conference
Train Together. Prepare With Purpose.
Breakout Sessions | Keynote Speakers | Lunch Provided
*Optional Afternoon Range Time*
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Destiny Christian Center
3801 SE 29th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73115
EARLY BIRD PRICING - THROUGH SEPT. 12TH
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If you are interested in joining the Oklahoma Safety Coalition Membership, please submit an application below and you will be eligible for the discounted price once approved.
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Event Details
Join the Oklahoma Safety Coalition for the 1st Annual Equip & Share Conference on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Destiny Christian Center in Oklahoma City.
This one-day conference is designed to equip church safety and security teams with practical knowledge, hands-on training, and real-world strategies to help protect their congregations and respond effectively when challenging situations arise.
Attendees will choose two morning breakout sessions covering topics including fire safety, suspicious-person encounters, active killer response, executive protection, and mental health and de-escalation. The morning concludes with a keynote presentation on Legal Considerations for Church Safety Teams, presented by a Right to Bear attorney.
Following lunch, attendees who register for the optional range training can continue the day with hands-on instruction at either Tombstone Range in Yukon or Roman Iron Tactical in Goldsby.
Whether you're currently serving on a church safety team or looking to strengthen your church's preparedness, Equip 2 Share brings together experienced instructors, practical training, and valuable resources in one focused day.
The five breakout courses are offered during both breakout periods, so attendees select two total. Some of the hands-on sessions have limited seating, including the Suspicious Person Workshop (20 seats), AKRT Primer (12 seats), and Executive Protection (20 seats).
Breakout choices: Fire Safety & Extinguisher Use; Making Contact with Suspicious Person Workshop; Active Killer Response Training (AKRT) Primer; Executive Protection & the First Family; and Mental Health & De-Escalation.
The optional afternoon range training runs from 2:30–5:30 PM at either Tombstone Range in Yukon with Mike Holland or Roman Iron Tactical in Goldsby with David Ellis.
- Self-defense & defense of others
- When force is legally justified
- Your rights after an incident
Christen Keller
Criminal Defense Attorney | Self-Defense & Use-of-Force Law
Christen Keller founded CKeller Law with a commitment to providing quality legal representation with a personal touch.
With more than a decade of trial experience, Christen has represented clients facing a wide range of legal matters — from self-defense claims and traffic offenses to serious felony charges, including attempted murder. Her extensive courtroom experience has given her a strong understanding of the legal process and the ability to effectively advocate for her clients when the stakes are high.
She focuses primarily on criminal defense at the municipal, state, and federal levels, with particular experience in cases involving self-defense and defense of others. She also handles civil matters involving forfeiture, family law, and personal injury.
Known for her personal approach and dedication to her clients, Christen works to ensure those she represents understand their rights and have a strong advocate throughout the legal process. Her combination of courtroom experience, legal knowledge, and commitment to her clients makes her a trusted resource for those navigating difficult legal circumstances.
Breakout Sessions & Hosts
Fire Safety & Extinguisher Use
This practical, hands-on class is designed to help church Safety/Security teams understand fire hazards, identify building safety concerns, and respond effectively when a fire occurs. This training will cover the fundamentals of fire safety and proper fire extinguisher selection and use, including hands-on practice putting out a controlled fire. Participants will also learn how to conduct a basic safety inspection of their church or ministry facility, with particular attention to egress routes, blocked or obstructed exits, access to emergency equipment, potential fire hazards, and other conditions that could slow or prevent a safe evacuation. The class will emphasize recognizing problems before an emergency occurs and taking practical steps to correct them. Whether you serve on a church safety team, facilities team, or ministry leadership team, this training will provide practical skills you can take back to your church to help create a safer environment for staff, volunteers, and everyone who walks through the doors.
Lindel Koch
Church Safety | Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Lindel Koch is a dedicated husband, father, and longtime public safety professional with a career built around serving and protecting others. He has been married to his wife, Shellie, for 19 years, and together they have an amazing daughter, Kinsey, who is a tremendous source of pride and joy for their family.
He retired in 2007 from the Clinton Fire Department after 21 years of service. During his fire service career, he served in several important roles, including Level I Fire Service Instructor, EMT-Basic for 18 years, and EMS Instructor. His extensive experience in both fire and emergency medical services gave him a strong foundation in emergency response, training, safety, and the importance of being prepared before an incident occurs.
After his retirement from the fire department, Lindel continued his career in the area of building systems and safety. In 2024, he retired from the University of Oklahoma, where he worked as a Building Automation Technician. His experience with building systems provides him with a unique perspective on identifying potential hazards and understanding how facilities can be made
safer and more prepared for emergencies.
Serving on the Security Team at Southgate Baptist Church in Moore, OK, he brings decades of real- world experience, training, and a servant's heart to the Oklahoma Safety Coalition. His passion for helping others be prepared is evident in his desire to share practical knowledge that can make a difference when an emergency occurs. Whether teaching fire safety, emergency preparedness, or building safety, Lindel's goal is to help churches and organizations recognize hazards before they become emergencies and respond effectively when seconds matter.
Making Contact With A Suspicious Person (20 Seat Limit Class Size)
This workshop will take participants beyond simply recognizing suspicious behavior and focus on what happens next. This interactive workshop will explore the decision-making process involved in determining whether contact is appropriate, how to approach and communicate without unnecessarily escalating a situation, and how to recognize changing behavior and warning signs throughout the encounter. Participants will examine positioning, verbal communication, situational awareness, team coordination, documentation, and the appropriate transition from a safety-team response to law enforcement involvement. Through realistic scenarios and practical discussion, attendees will develop a structured approach to making contact that prioritizes safety, communication, and the protection of everyone involved while maintaining the dignity and respect expected in a ministry environment.
David Ellis
Law Enforcement & Military Veteran | Firearms Instructor | Oklahoma Safety Coalition Board Member
David Ellis brings a unique perspective to church safety and security from his years of training and operational experience. He served in the USAF (1978-1985) as a Security Policeman, Narcotics Dog Handler, Shift Supervisor and Military Police Investigator. In 1986 David joined the Oklahoma City Police Department. Among his many duties and assignments were patrol officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, TASER Instructor, Lieutenant of the In-Service Training Unit, Commander of the Department’s Emergency Response Team, and Nationally Registered EMT.
During this time, David worked as a contractor for the US Department of State where he travelled overseas to train foreign police and military personnel. He retired as a Captain in 2010. Since retiring, David lives with his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, (Lorrie) on their farm in central Oklahoma. He now spends his time raising cattle, riding horses and providing firearms training on his home range to civilians. As a “student of the gun”, he regularly attends training courses in order to further his own skill set as well as bring new and innovative training ideas to his students.
Active Killer Response Training Primer (12 Seat Limit Class Size)
When an active-killer event occurs, hesitation, confusion, and poor communication can cost valuable time. In this hands-on primer, Safety/Security team members will be introduced to the foundational principles of a coordinated response to an active threat. Participants will explore the importance of rapid decision-making, movement toward a known threat or stimulus, sector awareness, communication, team coordination, and maintaining situational awareness while operating under extreme pressure. Through instruction and practical demonstrations, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how a trained team can move, communicate, and work together during a critical incident. The goal is not to create a false sense of readiness, but to establish a strong foundation and demonstrate why realistic, ongoing training is essential for church safety teams. This primer is an introduction to AKRT concepts and is not intended to replace a complete AKRT course. The full course is available by speaking with these instructors to schedule a class on-site at a host church.
Mike Holland
Founding Member, Oklahoma Safety Coalition | Church Safety Director | Member FBSN |Oklahoma Safety Coalition Board Member
Mike Holland brings real-world experience in law enforcement and tactical operations to church safety and security. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran (1980–1986). He went on to serve with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Senior Corrections Officer and S.O.R.T. (Special Operations Response Team) member, specializing in sniper operations, cell extractions, and high-risk entries.
From 1989 to 1994, Mike served as a U.S. Deputy Marshal, conducting high-threat prisoner transports (including international extraditions) and participating in national special operations missions. He is also a certified firearms instructor through the Department of Justice's FLETC/U.S. Marshals.
Since 2017, Mike has dedicated his expertise to equipping churches to safely share Jesus by leading and training church safety teams. His instruction covers a broad range of critical skills, including de-escalation, active threat response, situational awareness, firearms proficiency, CQB, and trauma response techniques like CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed.
Aaron Dearick
Church Safety Team Lead | U.S. Air Force Officer | Emergency Preparedness Instructor | Oklahoma Safety Coalition Board Member
Aaron Dearick is an active-duty Air Force officer stationed at Tinker AFB with a passion for preparing families, churches, and communities to respond confidently in emergencies.
He teaches CPR/AED, First-Aid, Life Vac, and other practical lifesaving skills, focusing on clear instruction, real-world application, and empowering people to act decisively when it matters most.
Aaron and his wife Alanna are raising their three kids, Holden, Kaisley, and Jensen in the Mustang area, where they’re active in faith, community outreach, and family-focused initiatives. He is also an Oklahoma Safety Coalition Board Member, as well as a Safety Team Director at Bethel Community Church.
Protecting the Pulpit & First Family: Executive Protection for Churches
The focus will provide an in-depth look at the principles, mindset, and practical responsibilities of executive protection, with a particular focus on protecting pastors, ministry leaders, high- profile guests, and even First Family members who may face elevated security concerns. This class will go beyond simply “guarding a person” and examine the complete protection mission—from advance planning and threat assessment to route and venue planning, movement,
communications, team coordination, and emergency response. Attendees will learn how professional protection teams identify vulnerabilities, recognize potential threats before they develop, maintain situational awareness, and make sound decisions under pressure while remaining discreet and professional. The class will emphasize the importance of preparation, teamwork, communication, and proactive thinking in protecting individuals and their families while allowing them to carry out their responsibilities with as little disruption as possible. Whether serving in a church, ministry, community, or specialized protection environment, attendees will gain a better understanding of the principles and practices that make executive protection effective.
Stretch Wilcox
Church Safety | OSC Board Member & Central Region Director
Stretch Wilcox serves as the Central Region Director for the Oklahoma Safety Coalition. He brings more than 25 years of experience in Executive Protection and ministry, along with an additional 10+ years of experience in law enforcement and corrections. His extensive background has given him a strong understanding of safety, security, leadership, and serving
others.
Stretch is a graduate of the Executive Protection Institute as an Executive Protection Specialist and is a distinguished member of the Nine Lives Organization. He also holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. He is passionate about protecting people and helping churches create safe environments where ministry can take place with confidence.
Outside of his work with the Oklahoma Safety Coalition, Stretch enjoys woodturning and driving draft horses. He and his wife have been married for 25 years and have two sons. One of the special honors of his life was recently officiating the wedding of his oldest son. Stretch is committed to using his experience, faith, and passion
Mental Health & De-Escalation
Church safety and ministry teams are often the first to encounter someone experiencing emotional distress, a behavioral health crisis, or a mental health emergency. This practical class will teach participants how to Recognize, Respond, and Refer, recognizing warning signs, assessing immediate safety concerns, and using calm, effective de-escalation techniques that create space, reduce pressure, and preserve the dignity of the individual. Attendees will learn how to distinguish between mental illness, a behavioral health crisis, and an immediate emergency; respond appropriately to concerns involving suicide, threats of violence, substance impairment, or behavioral disruption; and determine when to involve pastoral leadership, 988, 911, or Oklahoma Human Services. The class will also address suspected child abuse or neglect, including the responsibilities of mandatory reporting in Oklahoma. Through realistic, scenario-based discussions, participants will learn to match their response to the level of risk without attempting to diagnose, investigate, or manage situations beyond their role. The goal is simple: keep people safe, reduce unnecessary escalation, treat everyone with dignity, and connect them with the right help at the right time.
Sara Stewart
M.Ed., LPC-Candidate | Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist
Sara Stewart, M.Ed., LPC-Candidate, is a mental health professional who provides both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services. She currently works as a mental health provider at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital, serving children and adolescents in an acute inpatient setting. Her clinical work includes crisis intervention, suicide and self-harm assessment, safety planning, family support, and helping individuals develop practical skills for managing mental health concerns.
Sara’s work has given her firsthand experience supporting individuals and families during mental health crises and navigating the important intersection between safety, compassion, and appropriate intervention. Through Recognize, Respond, Refer, she brings that experience into a practical framework designed to help community members recognize mental health concerns, respond effectively, and understand when and how to connect someone with additional support.
Protecting Our Children: What Every Church Safety Team Needs to Know
This class equips church safety teams with the knowledge and awareness needed to better protect children within their congregations. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs of abuse, neglect, grooming, and exploitation, understand potential risks within church environments, and respond appropriately when concerns arise. The session will also cover practical prevention strategies, reporting considerations, and ways safety teams can work with church leadership to create a safer environment for children and families.
David VanCuren
Oklahoma Air National Guard | Oklahoma Law Enforcement & Child Crimes Investigator | Church Safety
David VanCuren began his public service career in 1991 when he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a General Airman and firefighter aboard the USS John F. Kennedy during a Mediterranean deployment. In 1994, he joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, where he served until 2007 as a machinist and welder. During his military service, he supported Oklahoma marijuana eradication operations with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and developed a high-speed camera platform used by C-130 aircraft to photograph marijuana fields. His military accomplishments included receiving the Air Force Achievement Medal and being recognized as Airman of the Quarter in 1997.
David began his law enforcement career with the Oklahoma City Police Department in 2000, spending 19 years in Northwest Oklahoma City patrol and serving as a Field Training Officer for approximately 40 recruits. In 2019, he transitioned to the IMPACT Unit before moving to the Crimes Against Children Unit in 2020, where he investigated more than 60 cases involving child abuse, neglect, and homicide and became a certified forensic interviewer. Since 2021, David has served in the Oklahoma City Police Department Vice Unit, specializing in human trafficking and prostitution investigations, while also serving as an FBI Task Force Officer with the Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force for Oklahoma. In 2024, he became a certified and licensed drone pilot and currently serves as one of four Special Investigations drone pilots. With more than three decades of military and law enforcement service, David brings a unique combination of operational, investigative, technical, and public safety experience to his work.
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