A recent surge in left-wing violence has faith-based organizations and conservatives in America hardening themselves to such attacks.
The recent CrossePointe Church shooting in Wayne this summer hit close to home for many Metro Detroit congregations. The shooter was associated to the church through an immediate family member, the church had armed security, and those security members saved the lives of the congregation when an armed church member and a deacon neutralized the shooter before he entered the building. …
“We need to be there and aware, but as discreet as humanly possible,” explained a church member licensed to carry and designated as a security guard at a Wayne County congregation with several hundred members. “We attempt to be as invisible as possible during church services. We are impossible to distinguish from the other members, and that’s both to watch for threats and for members to feel comfortable.”
The comfort of church members is a priority for pastors and leadership for one very good reason: Many Christians do not like the visible presence of firearms in church. “I’m well aware there are Christians in our building who disagree with the mere notion of firearms; I’m very sensitive to their concerns, and take their opinions seriously,” explained a pastor in suburban Wayne County. “But I won’t play around with the safety of our church and realize the current danger from mentally unwell people and individuals radicalized in our current era.”
— Jay Murray in Metro Detroit Churches Are Arming Themselves Against Left-Wing Terrorists
The Lutheran Church, where my friend Choo-Choo is an Elder, allows only persons who have been through their firearms certification program, to carry on Church property. Even so, they permit only concealed carry so as not to frighten folk. Once in a while, my wife and I go to services with Choo-Choo and his wife. Choo-Choo knows I am carrying, and as an Elder, he should stop me from doing so, but he knows I am as asset, not a risk.
Unfortunately, the average age of the congregation is about 167. When my wife and I attend, the average drops to 152.
Young folk are going elsewhere.
That’s about the average age of the church my parents attend. They would be sitting ducks if anyone were looking for an easy target. I suppose the church will die out in another decade or so.
I’m on our church’s security team, and we allow CCWs for the non-LE. Those who do not have a license can be equipped with an LTL (Taser) after going through our training. All non-LE carriers are covered by a use-of-force insurance policy.
We carry concealed and are plainclothes. The only “giveaway” is the radio earpiece visible to an observer, for those on the team who are carrying a radio on a particular day.
We get at least one “individual of concern” per month that requires our extra attention. Had to issue a No Trespass order against an angry man recently. Rare incidents lead to arrests and charges. Always need to stay frosty.
– IHAQ
I’m fully retired now. But for decades I worked a full time and either a second full time job or a part time job. I liked to work security as my side gig. We got the call a number of times for Jewish temples that had been defaced and vandalized. It made their congregation more comfortable to see uniformed and armed goons there to protect them. Visible deterrence.
I always got the most public area in the front because I am large and kinda ugly. More than once I’ve been told that I look dangerous.
Moderation? Negro, please.
JWM,
THAT was clever!!
Big(smile)
Big congregation, Haz?
Choo-Choos church has, maybe a hundred families.
I carry wherever I go. I know others carry at church. The haters of the 1st amendment are atheistic in nature. They always have been.
So far most self-defense use of guns at a church have been long distance shots. Over 15 yards.
Firearms instructor Clint Smith has said. You should be able to hit anything accurately. That is twice the length of your car in distance.
Hey, Chris!!
Didn’t Senator Tom Kaine recently say that he is troubled that some people think our rights come from God and not from the state?
Yes, he did.
Funny the same people whining about fascism are all in on “hail the state” controls.
Shows their real issue is not being the ones in charge of that fascism.
Yes he did say that. If you look into the history of Sen Kaine, he acted and claimed he was a “Christian”.
He reminds me of the communist preacher Jim Jones. Who got many to drink the “kool aid.”
The security team at my brother’s church is pretty pathetic. Insurance required certification, which amounted to having a deputy come and give a presentation. No requirement for actual training. My brother is a board member (meaning he orta set an example), and carries a pistol that he has never fired, and likely has never even dry fired or practiced drawing from concealment. Another guy is in his 80s and has Parkinson’s, and he has did some shooting years ago but now shakes like Barney Fife if manages to even get the little NAA revolver out of his pocket without dropping it. I asked the pastor about it, and he said their insurance covers only those who have taken the safety class. He also said, knowing me, that I am welcome to carry concealed so long as I understand that I’m on my own. Only two guys who I trust, and one of them is nearing 80. Whenever we are there, I have 3 pistols and some other tools, and we sit near an escape.
Now, we’re in a fairly conservative and quiet rural area, so I’m not too worried, but I am ready.