One of the places that you should think about protection is church. I know it seems odd to take a weapon into a peaceful assembly, but with recent shootings a different churches, there seems to be a responsibility to consider the safety of parishioners.
Churches have several options that should be considered. The easiest is to pay off duty police officers to work inside the buildings and out in the parking lots when services are in session. By hiring local deputies or officers, you not only protect yourself, but you also add a certain peace of mind to the members of your church whenever they see a uniformed LEO.
Another option is to hire full-time security to work at the church. This is very costly and gives different levels of satisfaction. But, when you consider the alternative of no security it is definitely an option.
The final option that no one wants to talk about is CCW’s at church. Some states do not permit you to carry a CCW while services are in session. There is also the liability issue for the church. If you have a CCW you may want to speak with your pastor about his feelings if it is lawful in your state. While the pastor may not want armed parishioners, he/she may be willing to form a security team that you could coordinate.
Whatever you decide, make sure you look at these options. If your church currently doesn’t have a plan in place, take it upon yourself to investigate your legal options and bring them to the leadership. Everyone will be grateful that you did.
I like this post. I know the sheeple I attend church with would faint if they knew I carry at church but I keep it quiet (no one, not even my wife some days) knows if I’m packing at church at I like it that way. I adapted a nylon scripture case to hold my Ruger Sp101 so it blends right in. Your mileage may vary.
I’m reminded of a few Sundays ago when a man walked in about halfway through our services. Neither I, nor my family had seen this man before that day, and there was something peculiar about him. He was looking around strangely like he was searching for something or someone. He got up and left after sitting for only about 10-15 minutes.
Anyways, I’m normally carrying (tucked/concealed IWB holster), but this day my young cousins were also in attendance, so I did not have my firearm.
I don’t know who he was or why he may have been there (it seemed obvious he didn’t come to worship), so I couldn’t stop thinking about what I would do if someone suddenly intended harm on the congregation. I felt helpless without my trusty Glock 23 at the ready, whether I would end up needing it or not.
Either way, I now make it a point not to leave my house without at least one firearm on my person. We as gun owners must be prepared, wherever we go… except the airport, of course!
Good point. You have obviously considered how complicated this issue really is. Just remember, you are ultimately responsible for everything that happens once you decide to exercise the right for CCW. I think you are on the right track.
I am head of the security team at our church in Columbus,In and have been packing a Springfield Armory XD 45cal, along with 1 other member of my team for over a year. Our Pastor and some of the leadership knows this but the congregation is unaware . I would not recommend packing without consulting the Pastor he may have a program in place you may be unaware of.If something were to happen the security person wouldn’t know who not to shoot (creating much confusion).If this concerns you and it should,please consult your pastor.It is the pastors responsibility to protect the congregation and our duty to be an armorbearor for the pastors.
Andy,
I think you have brought up a great point. Just this week I had a conversation with a person at church who didn’t believe we needed full-time security. . . I bet that has changed. I encourage all churches to form good relationships with local police and try to employ off duty officers whenever possible. You will never regret having more security than you needed.
We are a church of 5000+ and we are forming a safety and security team that will have CCW’s. We have the full support of the Pastoral group and Elders.
Just make sure you get all of your liability insurance in order. I am not taking the position of no CCW’s at church, but you will have a colossal mess on your hands if a civilian pulls a gun. Don’t go cheap on this matter. You are better off to pay off duty LEOs to be there. They handle the risk, and they are trained.
I love this communication, afterall that’s what really matters. I’m available nationwide to answer questions or give suggestions for free. Keep up the dialogue, we all need to be aware.
http://www.secure-church.com
kenm@secure-church.com
Mitch,
Glad you commented. I am not aware of the services you offer, but anyone can feel free to contact you to discuss your services. If you do, make sure you let us all know how it goes.