Who is this for?
This training is open to any Lutheran educator in the Michigan District who is actively working in a school environment. This is for both administrators and teachers who are considering armed staff in their school and need to have the proper training.
What is the Faster Training?
This training is broken into two sessions: Foundations and Level I. The Foundations session is about a month prior to the main Level I class. It starts from the ground up. It provides every trainee with the basics of safe firearms handling and fundamentals. The Foundations class establishes good habits and allows students time before the main class to grow in areas where they are lacking, so they can be successful and enjoy the full Level I training.
The Level I training is the main three-day class. There are a variety of shooting drills to push your capabilities and skills. At the end, you will have to qualify and exceed the MI police academy standards. Along with the firearms training, there are valuable scenario drills that force you to think and react in a variety of situations. There is a strong emphasis on leading and communicating through stressful situations and how to provide trauma medical. You will graduate from this training with the confidence and skills needed to protect your school.
Dates
MI Foundations – Saturday, May 16, 2026
MI Level I – June 17-19, 2026
Application Process
Due to the personalized nature of the training, there are only 20 slots available. If you are interested, please use the application form to be considered. Applications are open through April 1, 2026. See below in the Registration section.
There will be a special informational Q&A Zoom event on February 17, 2026, to learn more about this training. For information on the Zoom and additional important information and Q&A Considerations see below in the Additional Information section.
When & Where
Macomb
May 16 - June 19
Immanuel Macomb47120 Romeo Plank
Macomb, MI, 48044
Registration
Application is now open.
For costs if accepted, please review in the Additional Information section.
Deadline to complete your application is April 1, 2026.
You will hear back regarding your application acceptance by April 10, 2026.
Application Form
FREE
Additional Information
Special Information Q & A Zoom Event – Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Plan to attend the Zoom Q&A on Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET. Julian Petzold along with a representative from FASTER will be available for any questions you have regarding the program or considerations you have.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82831567021?pwd=GbNDaetYYjWJRdwGg1ZmytHl8tRG0R.1
Meeting ID: 828 3156 7021
Passcode: 596953
Estimated Cost
Foundations – $150
FASTER Level I – $1000 $250! Thanks to CEF they are sponsoring a large chunk of the cost in an effort to make this possible for you and your school. Thank you, CEF!
Range Fee – $50-80
Ammo (about 1500 rounds) – $300-400
Travel and Food
Total = About $450 + Ammo + Travel and Food
Gear Requirements
FASTER does have gear requirements: https://fastersaveslives.org/gear-suggestions/. Depending on what you need to purchase, this may add some cost as well.
As part of this process, if you are interested in participating but the cost is prohibitive, you could ask and see if your administrator/church might help offset some of the cost.
Additional Q & A Considerations
Please view these additional Q&A Considerations for individuals and organizations if armed staff is a helpful addition to your security. Q&A Considerations – PDF file.
Sponsor
Thank you to Church Extension Fund for sponsoring this training!
