Calling All Christians / Preachers - Page 3

Kevin · April 4th, 2006, 08:01 PM

I started carrying in church last summer and have slowly found out that several others have been for years!! There is about 1000 people at our church - so I'm sure there are alot more than I know about! When Jesus said to turn the other cheek - He was referring to not paying back evil for evil - not Self-Defense - so GEAR UP!!

okcglocker · April 4th, 2006, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

I started carrying in church last summer and have slowly found out that several others have been for years!! There is about 1000 people at our church - so I'm sure there are alot more than I know about! When Jesus said to turn the other cheek - He was referring to not paying back evil for evil - not Self-Defense - so GEAR UP!!

Amen.. I've just directed 3 more in our church to a carry class at H&H in OKC.

HotGuns · April 4th, 2006, 08:32 PM

Interesting topic.

I am a member of a fair sized Assembly of God church, we'll average about 750 in both morning services and about that at our evening worship.
In that church we have approximatley 20+ members of the LEO community. This includes a fair shair of the Sheriff's Office, including the Sheriff himself, some fo the local city PD and several State Police officers.

We are in the process of forming a "security "unit, for lack of a better name and its sole purpose is for the protection of the members of the church. It will be composed of several officers per month stationed in various locations in the church, and it will be on a rotational basis. We have been asked to carry our weapons in church and are discussing several plans and options to defend against various intrusions, one being an armed attack.

The thing about it is that churches are specifically mentioned on the "do not carry" list and it is illegal to carry in a church. That exemption does not apply to certified LEO's however. So, technically, we are following the letter of the law while allowing some measure of protection for the members...or anyone else that happens to be attending.

Its not a perfect situation, but its better than nothing. Personally, I would like to see churches struck from the list, and may soon have a chance to offer up my opinion of that at the state convention of instructors that reviews and changes the current CCW law.

This whole thing has only been in the works for a few weeks. I included it here so that others may know that they are not alone in their mindset of providing protection for their members and it reminds me of this verse from Joen 25:13 which states...

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

We've got folks out there with the willingness, the guts and the heart to know that they need to be able to protect all that they can.Lets give them the right tools so that they dont have to lay down their life when some guntoting heathen walks in and starts shooting the place up.

GoodSamaritan · April 5th, 2006, 02:09 AM

Youth pastor here.

Much has already been said, that I will not repeat. However I would like to add, that part of providing, for my family (immediate and in Christ) is providing for their safety. I will continue to do that through prayer, by carrying this sometimes uncomfortable lump of steel around with me, and forgoing the luxury of condition white, for the benefit of the little flock I have been entrusted with. I will continue to do it for as long as I am able. None of the teens I work with, know I carry, and I plan to keep it that way. But they all know that if anyone tries anything funny, they'll have to answer to/come through Pastor Bryan first.

Once when I gave them the little "if anyone won't leave you alone, or gets inappropriate with you" speech, one particularly outspoken girl made a comment. She looked at me pointedly (as I am only average height and a bit overweight) and said what do you think you are you going to be able to do about it? I promptly told them I am much faster, and a bit stronger than I look. If nothing else a 240+lb guy slamming into a bg at full speed is almost certainly going to knock them down. I then said, while I am getting my but kicked you guys will have time to get away and call an ambulance. They laughed and it hasn't been questioned since.

Baby Hulk · April 7th, 2006, 10:48 PM

I'm a Christian and don't (personally) see any problems ethically, morally, or spiritually with CC. While it's illegal in OH to carry in Houses of Worship, it is left up to the leaders of the congregation (being private property) whether concealed firearms are allowed within the walls. My pro-CCW dad just happens to be the minister, so I've got an ace up my sleeve!

I've appreciated the opinions expressed on this thread and especailly the analogy of protecting the sheep entrusted in our care using a 21st century firearm as opposed to a first century staff.

As Christians, (my opinion) we will be accountable for our actions (or lack thereof), but Heaven-forbid a life is ever taken, I'm sure that our souls and consciences can be clean and clear when obviously not taking a life out of hatred, jealously or anger but purely in self-defense.

Don't mean to get 'preachy'

Eric

Doc Holliday · April 17th, 2006, 07:03 PM

I am not a preacher but I have carried in church before. Don't flame me but I carry condition 3 in the house of the Lord. I am not allowed by law so I don't want to take any chance of a ND. Even though it may slow me up to chamber the round, I at least have it on me and not in the SUV or truck. Am I in the wrong?????

Along the lines of this topic, my wife told me that one night at a youth group meeting at her former church when she was a teen, a "group" held up the meeting wearning ski masks and pointing what looked at the time like real weapons. The youth group members were told to kneel down and those that denied Christ would live and those that would not would be executed. Long story short, the youth minister was in on this and it was staged. It was an "exercise in faith." Needless to say my wife and her parents didn't go back to that church again and found a new church home. 10 years later this still bothers her. She was traumatized. Could you image this happening, drawing your weapon and shooting one of the youth group members in a ski mask? Just something to think about.........

HotGuns · April 17th, 2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

The youth group members were told to kneel down and those that denied Christ would live and those that would not would be executed. Long story short, the youth minister was in on this and it was staged. It was an "exercise in faith."

That would be a very stupid thing to do nowadays...

GoodSamaritan · April 17th, 2006, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Along the lines of this topic, my wife told me that one night at a youth group meeting at her former church when she was a teen, a "group" held up the meeting wearning ski masks and pointing what looked at the time like real weapons. The youth group members were told to kneel down and those that denied Christ would live and those that would not would be executed. Long story short, the youth minister was in on this and it was staged. It was an "exercise in faith."

I can see where the guy was going with this, but it was stupid beyond belief.

dr_cmg · April 18th, 2006, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

Along the lines of this topic, my wife told me that one night at a youth group meeting at her former church when she was a teen, a "group" held up the meeting wearning ski masks and pointing what looked at the time like real weapons. The youth group members were told to kneel down and those that denied Christ would live and those that would not would be executed. Long story short, the youth minister was in on this and it was staged. It was an "exercise in faith." Needless to say my wife and her parents didn't go back to that church again and found a new church home. 10 years later this still bothers her. She was traumatized. Could you image this happening, drawing your weapon and shooting one of the youth group members in a ski mask? Just something to think about.........

That was not an "exercise in faith." It was an exercise in stupidity. That could have easily ended up with someone killed. I carry everywhere. I had my little Kel-Tec P32 in my pocket as I led music yesterday. We had a big day. It was Easter, it was our church's 184th homecoming (it was formed April 6, 1822), and we dedicated our new family life center. I was on the platform and in the crowd from 10:30 til 2. The situation of having someone come in with ski masks and what appear to be weapons and point them at someone would be the kind of thing that would likely cause me to do something about it. The problem with that is that somebody would end up hurt or possibly dead because they pulled a really stupid stunt. I would hate that it happened, but I believe I could live with the fact that I was attempting to prevent the loss of life.

tegemu · April 18th, 2006, 12:16 PM

I am a lector and occasionally am called on to preach. My gun is always with me in the pulpit (Lectern) or not.

April 5th, 2006, 02:09 AM	#24
GoodSamaritan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 791	Youth pastor here. Much has already been said, that I will not repeat. However I would like to add, that part of providing, for my family (immediate and in Christ) is providing for their safety. I will continue to do that through prayer, by carrying this sometimes uncomfortable lump of steel around with me, and forgoing the luxury of condition white, for the benefit of the little flock I have been entrusted with. I will continue to do it for as long as I am able. None of the teens I work with, know I carry, and I plan to keep it that way. But they all know that if anyone tries anything funny, they'll have to answer to/come through Pastor Bryan first. Once when I gave them the little "if anyone won't leave you alone, or gets inappropriate with you" speech, one particularly outspoken girl made a comment. She looked at me pointedly (as I am only average height and a bit overweight) and said what do you think you are you going to be able to do about it? I promptly told them I am much faster, and a bit stronger than I look. If nothing else a 240+lb guy slamming into a bg at full speed is almost certainly going to knock them down. I then said, while I am getting my but kicked you guys will have time to get away and call an ambulance. They laughed and it hasn't been questioned since. Last edited by GoodSamaritan; April 5th, 2006 at 09:06 AM.

April 7th, 2006, 10:48 PM	#25
Baby Hulk Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,076	I'm a Christian and don't (personally) see any problems ethically, morally, or spiritually with CC. While it's illegal in OH to carry in Houses of Worship, it is left up to the leaders of the congregation (being private property) whether concealed firearms are allowed within the walls. My pro-CCW dad just happens to be the minister, so I've got an ace up my sleeve! I've appreciated the opinions expressed on this thread and especailly the analogy of protecting the sheep entrusted in our care using a 21st century firearm as opposed to a first century staff. As Christians, (my opinion) we will be accountable for our actions (or lack thereof), but Heaven-forbid a life is ever taken, I'm sure that our souls and consciences can be clean and clear when obviously not taking a life out of hatred, jealously or anger but purely in self-defense. Don't mean to get 'preachy' Eric __________________ It's not about the caliber you carry, it's about how you USE it. Acts 4:12 (Mohammad Who?) 1988 DIE HARD 2008 NRA Member Last edited by Baby Hulk; April 28th, 2006 at 11:27 PM.

April 17th, 2006, 07:03 PM	#26
Doc Holliday Distinguished Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,351	I am not a preacher but I have carried in church before. Don't flame me but I carry condition 3 in the house of the Lord. I am not allowed by law so I don't want to take any chance of a ND. Even though it may slow me up to chamber the round, I at least have it on me and not in the SUV or truck. Am I in the wrong????? Along the lines of this topic, my wife told me that one night at a youth group meeting at her former church when she was a teen, a "group" held up the meeting wearning ski masks and pointing what looked at the time like real weapons. The youth group members were told to kneel down and those that denied Christ would live and those that would not would be executed. Long story short, the youth minister was in on this and it was staged. It was an "exercise in faith." Needless to say my wife and her parents didn't go back to that church again and found a new church home. 10 years later this still bothers her. She was traumatized. Could you image this happening, drawing your weapon and shooting one of the youth group members in a ski mask? Just something to think about......... __________________ Give Doc the shotgun. They'll be less apt to get nervous if he's on the street howitzer. Why, Johnny Ringo, you look like somebody just walked over your grave. I have two guns, one for each of ya.

April 18th, 2006, 12:16 PM	#30
tegemu Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange Park, Fla. Posts: 997	I am a lector and occasionally am called on to preach. My gun is always with me in the pulpit (Lectern) or not. __________________ People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence in their behalf. - George Orwell

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April 4th, 2006, 08:01 PM	#21
Kevin Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 540	I started carrying in church last summer and have slowly found out that several others have been for years!! There is about 1000 people at our church - so I'm sure there are alot more than I know about! When Jesus said to turn the other cheek - He was referring to not paying back evil for evil - not Self-Defense - so GEAR UP!!

April 4th, 2006, 08:32 PM	#23
HotGuns Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 5,167	Interesting topic. I am a member of a fair sized Assembly of God church, we'll average about 750 in both morning services and about that at our evening worship. In that church we have approximatley 20+ members of the LEO community. This includes a fair shair of the Sheriff's Office, including the Sheriff himself, some fo the local city PD and several State Police officers. We are in the process of forming a "security "unit, for lack of a better name and its sole purpose is for the protection of the members of the church. It will be composed of several officers per month stationed in various locations in the church, and it will be on a rotational basis. We have been asked to carry our weapons in church and are discussing several plans and options to defend against various intrusions, one being an armed attack. The thing about it is that churches are specifically mentioned on the "do not carry" list and it is illegal to carry in a church. That exemption does not apply to certified LEO's however. So, technically, we are following the letter of the law while allowing some measure of protection for the members...or anyone else that happens to be attending. Its not a perfect situation, but its better than nothing. Personally, I would like to see churches struck from the list, and may soon have a chance to offer up my opinion of that at the state convention of instructors that reviews and changes the current CCW law. This whole thing has only been in the works for a few weeks. I included it here so that others may know that they are not alone in their mindset of providing protection for their members and it reminds me of this verse from Joen 25:13 which states... "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." We've got folks out there with the willingness, the guts and the heart to know that they need to be able to protect all that they can.Lets give them the right tools so that they dont have to lay down their life when some guntoting heathen walks in and starts shooting the place up.