DefensiveCarry Concealed Carry Forum - View Single Post

JerryM · July 4th, 2009, 12:40 PM

Hi MinistrMalic ,

I appreciate the comments. I don’t see anything with which I disagree.

My own church (mine because I am a member and am also head usher) runs slightly over 100 at the main service, and probably 60-70 at night and Wed.

We have only two that carry; a friend who is a good shot, and myself. Most of the time one of us is outside the main entrance to the auditorium, and the other immediately inside. Our intent is to stop the threat before it develops. That is not always possible as someone could get inside and at some point in time attack someone. However, no one with an AK 47 is going to get inside the first set of doors. AK 47s and ski masks are not allowed in the church, or even in the parking lot.

We do have an LEO who is an excellent shot and is a member of a SWAT team but does not carry. Another is an employee of a security company that guards prisoners, and does not carry. I would conclude that they do not see a threat in our area.

Except in the mega churches, which can afford to hire security, I think that if a church is targeted it is probably a result of a jilted lover, or someone who hated the pastor. I do realize that there have been instances of attacks that do not fit that mold.

We had an instance of a teen who came inside with a cap and a sweat shirt hood pulled over his head. The pastor immediately confronted him, and asked that he remove the head coverings. The teen objected and was told to do it or leave. He elected to leave. I suggested to the pastor that I station myself at a point where I could watch the parking lot in case he returned with a friend to get even. I did that for several weeks, but nothing happened.

But if you looked at the main service in a mega church there is no one good enough to shoot farther than his immediate presence.
Yes, it is dangerous to go on the offensive unarmed to protect, but who are we if we cower? I do not believe that we would cower with men and women around the shooter in my church.

But if we ever got larger, and had people with CHL who wanted to carry it would be my recommendation that we examine the individual, assess his maturity and skill,and provide some orientation before we would allow him to carry.

I do appreciate your input. Thanks.

Regards,
Jerry

July 4th, 2009, 12:40 PM	#39
JerryM Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,694	Hi MinistrMalic , I appreciate the comments. I don’t see anything with which I disagree. My own church (mine because I am a member and am also head usher) runs slightly over 100 at the main service, and probably 60-70 at night and Wed. We have only two that carry; a friend who is a good shot, and myself. Most of the time one of us is outside the main entrance to the auditorium, and the other immediately inside. Our intent is to stop the threat before it develops. That is not always possible as someone could get inside and at some point in time attack someone. However, no one with an AK 47 is going to get inside the first set of doors. AK 47s and ski masks are not allowed in the church, or even in the parking lot. We do have an LEO who is an excellent shot and is a member of a SWAT team but does not carry. Another is an employee of a security company that guards prisoners, and does not carry. I would conclude that they do not see a threat in our area. Except in the mega churches, which can afford to hire security, I think that if a church is targeted it is probably a result of a jilted lover, or someone who hated the pastor. I do realize that there have been instances of attacks that do not fit that mold. We had an instance of a teen who came inside with a cap and a sweat shirt hood pulled over his head. The pastor immediately confronted him, and asked that he remove the head coverings. The teen objected and was told to do it or leave. He elected to leave. I suggested to the pastor that I station myself at a point where I could watch the parking lot in case he returned with a friend to get even. I did that for several weeks, but nothing happened. But if you looked at the main service in a mega church there is no one good enough to shoot farther than his immediate presence. Yes, it is dangerous to go on the offensive unarmed to protect, but who are we if we cower? I do not believe that we would cower with men and women around the shooter in my church. But if we ever got larger, and had people with CHL who wanted to carry it would be my recommendation that we examine the individual, assess his maturity and skill,and provide some orientation before we would allow him to carry. I do appreciate your input. Thanks. Regards, Jerry