PACKING (At Church): Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this...

Ray and JoJo Loc: Florida--Tenneessee

Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this Thursday evening. I can see 92 years old Ms Parker, who's seat is 2 pew isle whip out a .44 mag, MAKE MY DAY SUNNY!!

Your comments Please

FJT Loc: Delaware

I've seen other churches do this. In my opinion, this is a very, very bad idea. Just having a firearm and being able to hit a silhouette target does not qualify you for SWAT. If they want to make the church safer this isn't the way.

Rickyb

If your church has the money, then hire a professional. What would Jesus say about guns in church?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Possibly better than being a sitting duck?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Rickyb wrote:

If your church has the money, then hire a professional. What would Jesus say about guns in church?

Jesus beat the crap out of the crooks at the temple.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Ray and JoJo wrote:

Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this Thursday evening. I can see 92 years old Ms Parker, who's seat is 2 pew isle whip out a .44 mag, MAKE MY DAY SUNNY!!

Your comments Please

As they say LOCATION is everything.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

As people have been murdered in a church by a domestic terrorist it would seem that possibly the need to carry is justified. What are the fears? Quite possibly the person sitting next to you has been carrying for years, and why not? Bad things do happen to good people. Why be a victim?

Dennis

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Bad idea. You could end up with bullets flying from all directions in an attack. Yes, Churches do need plans, but these should be put together by the Deacons and not just by announcement from the pulpit to "y'all bring your guns."

Kozan Loc: Trenton Tennessee

Ray and JoJo wrote:

Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this Thursday evening. I can see 92 years old Ms Parker, who's seat is 2 pew isle whip out a .44 mag, MAKE MY DAY SUNNY!!

Your comments Please

Memphis and Nashville both have radical terrorist groups. Here in West Tennessee we are stuck in the middle. Jackson-Madison County EOC regularly conducts classes for churches in the area. Back in the Pilgrims day, they the men members of the church stacked their rifles at the door to protect against the native Americans. It's no different today. Radical Islamists want to destroy us. Why make it easy for them.

Low Budget Dave

If you are going to shoot in side a church, I think you need a 70-200mm f/2.8. The reach will let you stand back a bit and blur out the background.

If you are shooting portraits in a church, there is really no substitute for a 50mm f/1.2 or f/1.4. The kit lens really does not capture sufficient color.

This might be my most controversial opinion, but if I have the room, I also like to carry the 100mm f/2.8 macro. It might seem that you would use it too rarely to bother, but I have found occasions where I really need it.

I can't think of any reason why I would bring my 9mm Glock. If I get to the point where I am so scared of going anywhere that I have to draw down on every potential threat, then I will just stay home and shoot butterflies.

Largobob

Ray and JoJo wrote:

Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this Thursday evening. I can see 92 years old Ms Parker, who's seat is 2 pew isle whip out a .44 mag, MAKE MY DAY SUNNY!!

Your comments Please

My first thought is that if your church is that dangerous, perhaps you should avoid going there.

My second thought is, "I guess prayers haven't helped make things safer?"

My third thought is that in today's world, "shit happens to anyone, anywhere, anytime."

I'm done thinking now.

williejoha

This is the dumbest idea I heard of in a long time. There is plenty of research that shows how in a surprise attack, even people that shoot decent at the range are marginal at best in a surprise situation. There is a reason why in most communities the police have to qualify once a month. Leave security to the pros.
WJH

pbearperry Loc: Massachusetts

This Pastor is smart. He has put it out that his Church is no longer a soft target, gun free zone.Even if nobody takes his offer, it may deter the next local crazy person.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Ray and JoJo wrote:

Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this Thursday evening. I can see 92 years old Ms Parker, who's seat is 2 pew isle whip out a .44 mag, MAKE MY DAY SUNNY!!

Your comments Please

I can also foresee 92 year old Ms. Parker, with her anxiety & adrenaline stirring, missing her intended target and hitting a church member, or several people being armed and decide to shoot back, the church could turn into an indoor circular firing squad.

A couple of younger and trained people might be an answer, but this is folly.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Ray and JoJo wrote:

Would you believe the pastor ask anyone with a carrier permit to start packing at the services, and anyone that does not have a permit the course will be held this Thursday evening. I can see 92 years old Ms Parker, who's seat is 2 pew isle whip out a .44 mag, MAKE MY DAY SUNNY!!

Your comments Please

In 2007 an armed female church goer saved countless lives because she was packing. This was in Colorado.
There is nothing wrong with those having carry permits to be asked to carry.
If they went to the trouble to get the training and permit they would most likely maintain compentcy. The pastor is not requiring anyone to carry just saying there is no problem if they do and if they want, training will be available.