The first training session of the 2026 Oklahoma Church Security Association training year will be held Saturday, February 28th at 0900 AM at Christ Gospel Church, 1203 West Archer, Tulsa. Several training sessions this year will also be held at Covenant Baptist Church in Broken Arrow.
Every year, new students ask how they should dress for OCSA training. That depends on the nature of the training and the host church.
While Christ Gospel Tulsa has a diverse membership and staff, it is a predominantly black, inner city, traditional, Pentecostal church. Some of you may not be aware of the customs and traditions of the black or Pentecostal church.
Covenant Baptist is an Anglo/Latino conservative, suburban, Puritan, Reformed Baptist Church. CBC shares many of the same expectations as Christ Gospel.
In the black culture, the church is highly respected and often the center of community activities. The pastor is not only a highly respected spiritual leader but often also a community leader. As a sign of respect, always address the pastor as “pastor” or “reverend” in public even if you know their first names and use them in private conversation.
In black culture, you dress for church. Even if it is only for a weekend event. While Sunday mornings means literally “Sunday Best,” everything else still requires attire that shows some degree of respect. There are two principles behind this. The first is the concept that you are coming to holy ground. That deserves respect in everything including your attire. The second concept is self respect. In the black culture (and white southern culture for that matter) failure to meet appropriate dress and grooming standards for an occasion is a sign not only of disrespect but also poor personal values.
Women should dress modestly at all times. I Timothy specifically commands women to dress modestly. At CGT, for female members that usually means a dress or skirt and top that covers the knees and upper arms. Pants are OK for female visitors who are not members of CGT. Just no revealing tights or leggings please. There are two concepts behind this. Aside from the direct scriptural command is the pragmatic realization that male sexual sin, especially “lust in the heart,” usually begins through visual stimulation. The church wants men to concentrate on the message and worship not the show being put on by the little cutie a couple of pews ahead.
Men and boys over twelve or so should cover their legs and there should be no male tank tops or “wife beater” shirts.
Men should remove their hats in the church building. I Corinthians teaches that a man shouldn’t cover his head in church and that a man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. In black, southern and cowboy culture failure to remove your hat indoors, especially in a church, is a cultural sign of disrespect. A familiar old southern admonition common to black, white southern and cowboymothers expresses this concept well, “Take that hat off in my house. Where’s your raisin’?” In the southern idiom “raisin(g)’” means upbringing and manners. The implication is that the hat wearing culprit is not only showing disrespect and bad manners but also shaming his parents.
If the session involves scenario training you should wear a version of what you wear on duty at your church that you don’t mind getting manhandled. At the instructor’s discretion you may be asked to either clear your weapon or leave it in your vehicle. If you are not comfortable leaving the weapon in your vehicle one of the instructors will secure your weapon in the building.
If the training is being held at a firing range, tactical clothing is acceptable or whatever you are comfortable in for that season. However, ladies should wear high necked tops or a top that will button at the neck. Hot brass down the front of your shirt can create an embarrassing situation for a lady.
At the risk of being politically incorrect I would conclude with the following. These folks are our brothers and sisters in the Lord. You will find that we have a lot more in common in the Lord than anything else that divides us. Just relax, use good manners, respect their house and be grateful for their hospitality.
If you have questions or for further information about OCSA training respond to this email or telephone Bill Kumpe at 918-381-9792.
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