The Sherman police department is holding an active shooter training on Saturday aimed at keeping people safe in church.

The free training opportunity will be at Sherman Bible Church on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Police say preparation is key.

They want people to know 'avoid, deny and defend' are three words that could mean the difference between life and death in an active shooter situation.

"In light of the shooting that happened last month at the church in White Settlement, it's best we thought to put this training on in case something like that happens here, people already have a plan of action," Sherman police Sgt. Brett Mullen said.

Mullen said they will be teaching people to avoid the shooter if possible.

If you can not get away, deny access to where you are.

And as a last resort, defend yourself in any way possible.

"It gives you an idea of what to do in a situation like that and hopefully you'll revert to that training and you'll know what to do without really having to think about it," Mullen said.

Reverend Doctor Lander Bethel is the pastor at Grand Avenue Presbyterian in Sherman and First Presbyterian in Denison.

Bethel said an off-duty police officer regularly attends church and carries a firearm in case of an emergency.

"There's certainly increasing risks as society seems to take a turn in a kind of spiral toward violence and acting out toward strangers," Bethel said.

On September 1, Texas law changed, allowing licensed handgun holders to carry weapons in a place of worship.

That change is how a member of the congregation at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement was able to shoot a gunman who opened fire.

Bethel said he is letting his church staff know about the training.

"So people are able to feel like they more adequately have training and know what they may need to do in particular situations, especially as that seems to strike closer and closer to home," Bethel said.

Bethel said he does not live in fear of something like this happening, because he knows he can rely on church members who are armed and ready to defend the congregation.

For more information on how to register for the free training, visit the event's