How it all started... From my very first shots as a young boy with a single shot bolt action .22 caliber rifle at summer camp I have had a passion for firearms and shooting. Sense that moment many years ago I have continued to expand my knowledge of their function and use. Along the way I have been fortunate enough to learn form hunters, range officers, police officers, federal agents, military instructors, and Army Special Forces members. I have been extremely grateful to all the people who have taken me under their wing and have shared and continue to share their knowledge and experience with me.
Until recently my passion for firearms and shooting was just a personal hobby. I would just share what I have learned with friends and family over the years to get them started on their firearms journey or improve their proficiency with firearms. That all changed when I was called to start a firearms fellowship for my church.
The Steady Aims Fellowship… Several Years ago, there was an initiative at my church to expand and offer a wider variety of small groups. I proposed to start a shooting group that would meet at the range and go shooting together. The idea was floated around and there was enough interest to move forward, however being a church function it would have to have a ministry included as well. I having no experience in ministry politely declined to lead the ministry section but said I would gladly teach the firearms section. However, as he often does, God had other plans. Another member of the church volunteered to lead the ministry portion and now we just needed a date and time. Unfortunately, the only time I could attend the fellowship was on Saturdays and the person to lead the ministry could not attend on Saturdays. Defeated I contacted the church’s director of activities to inform her of our dilemma and the conversation went something like this. “We don’t have a ministry leader for the fellowship and I’ve never done anything like that before.” Her, “It’s not that difficult and doesn’t have to be that long, just a quick passage and a prayer.” I responded. “Well, I guess I could…” She interjected, “Great! You can do both and we’re all set.” And just like that the Lord had called me to minister. I have to admit at the time I felt like Moses, “Who am I Lord that you call me? I am unworthy and clumsy with words.” But with the same encouragement that God gave Moses, “Fear not, for I will be with you.” I started my journey of ministry and firearms instruction, and found that I have an equal passion for both. It has been a rewarding experience and it provides me with great fulfillment. The fellowship typically meets the third Saturday of every month, but is subject to availability so please check the Fellowshp Page for our next schedules meeting. I would love to see you there. All are welcome.
Steady Aims Training… Over the years of leading The Steady Aims Fellowship many of the members would often express how much they valued my training and knowledge, and would tell me that I should open up a business to teach. I always dismissed the idea because once again “Who am I?” I’m not a police officer or navy seal. However, they continued to complement and encourage me, and brought up several points.
First, not everyone is ready to jump in and train at that level and it can be very intimidating especially for people who are just starting with firearms. They may need to learn the basics to prepare for a course like that, safety, loading, unloading, the basics of marksmanship, malfunction clearing, drawing from a holster, and more before they are comfortable attending one of those courses.
Second, it can be intimidating and nerve racking to jump into a course with strangers of different skill levels and trying to keep up with the class. People learn at different rates and some do better with personal and small group instruction.
Third, some information is not offered in those courses such as cleaning and maintenance, situation awareness, conflict de-escalation, mindset - mental fitness and forethought, home defense, first aid, what does it mean to be an armed citizen, what to do after a justified shooting, and more.
So, in 2021 I started Steady Aims Training with a focus on sharing what I have been fortunate enough to learn with others and to help people along their firearms journey. My primary motivation was for the love of teaching and to help people be safe and proficient with firearms. I try to set my prices as low as I can and I offer several discounts for military and first responders. The most important thing to me is that my students receive valuable training for their time and money, and I always offer students their money back if they are not completely satisfied with their training.
If you truly cannot afford training, please contact me and we can work something out. Also, if you would like free training, I teach abbreviated lessons at The Steady Aims Fellowship once a month. We would love to have you, all are welcome.
