Hunter125
Member
Places like Southeast in Louisville, KY have paid, armed guards for their pastors and the members of the church. I am very interested in this topic as I am headed into ministry and have recently gotten my CCW permit.
I am in Seminary and have chatted with a couple mentors and professors about the topic. They all seemed to say that there is no need for security, especially armed, unless there is a specific threat (the pastors of Southeast regularly get death threats). I tend to disagree. I think the whole point of CCW is being prepared for the threat you don't know is coming.
I won't pretend to know much about the legal ramifications, but if the church didn't have a budget for security I think I would start an unofficial grassroots training for people who would be willing to CCW during church and 'happen' to sit in strategic locations during services.
I did an internship at a church where my mentor said he would not advocate CCW, but that elders and deacons, big guys, Sat at the back in case something happened. That's all well and good, unless the problem is a guy with a gun.
I see CCW in church the same as having people trained in first aid/CPR in each service and having defibulators in the church.
The youth ministry prof at my undergrad had his students do a project on church security, so at least they are being trained to think about it.
I know a few churches that ask their LE members show up in uniform. My cousin does that at his church of about 3000.
I am in Seminary and have chatted with a couple mentors and professors about the topic. They all seemed to say that there is no need for security, especially armed, unless there is a specific threat (the pastors of Southeast regularly get death threats). I tend to disagree. I think the whole point of CCW is being prepared for the threat you don't know is coming.
I won't pretend to know much about the legal ramifications, but if the church didn't have a budget for security I think I would start an unofficial grassroots training for people who would be willing to CCW during church and 'happen' to sit in strategic locations during services.
I did an internship at a church where my mentor said he would not advocate CCW, but that elders and deacons, big guys, Sat at the back in case something happened. That's all well and good, unless the problem is a guy with a gun.
I see CCW in church the same as having people trained in first aid/CPR in each service and having defibulators in the church.
The youth ministry prof at my undergrad had his students do a project on church security, so at least they are being trained to think about it.
I know a few churches that ask their LE members show up in uniform. My cousin does that at his church of about 3000.