Church offers concealed carry weapon class(NC)

the-dispatch.com ^ | 24 February, 2012 | Seth Stratton

[marktwain]

Guns and church seem to be topics of discussion on different ends of the spectrum, but one congregation is bringing them together in an effort to reach out to the community.

Central Baptist Church is hosting its first concealed carry permit class from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 24 at the church's Family Life Center.

The Rev. Ryan Bennett, the church's pastor, took the idea for a concealed carry permit class from one he attended at Trading Ford Baptist Church, just across the Yadkin River in Rowan County.

"It was a good time for fellowship," Bennett said of the course he completed. "We learned the importance of gun safety and the importance of how to properly use a weapon."

Bennett said he wasn't sure what the reaction would be when he brought the idea to his congregation, but the majority of folks have been excited and accepting of the idea.

"The reason we're doing it is because it's another avenue to reach people," Bennett said. "We want to draw people in to our campus, and we're going to try anything that we can do to do that."

Bennett, who has led the church for about a year and a half, was able to negotiate a good price for the class — $45 — with instructor Jeff Haigler. Bennett said other classes can cost as much as $120. Those who have their own gun can bring it, otherwise the instructor will have some rentals for folks to use if they don't have their own. Bennett's wife, Kelly, will also take the class along with several other women.

"We don't endorse violence," Bennett said. "It's just another way to draw people in."

The class has 50 slots available, however, about 30 of them have been filled already, the pastor said.

Bennett has been an avid hunter and gun enthusiast his whole life. He grew up being taught the proper respect to have around guns. He said he feels strongly in his support of the Second Amendment and believes that right is being threatened.

"If more people will embrace (the right to bear arms)," Bennett said, "the less of a chance I feel that there is for it to be taken away."

The pastor carries his 9 mm with him most everywhere he goes, which gives him a sense of security, he said. He's never had to draw his weapon and hopes he never has to, but he wants to be prepared for that possible situation.

Bennett will share a devotion with class attendees, and the church will also provide breakfast and lunch for those attending.

"Again, we want to make sure that the main reason we're doing this is that we love our community. We want them to take advantage of this," Bennett said. "We promote responsibility. We don't want to be labeled the gun-toting church. That's not what we're about."

To qualify for a concealed carry permit, a person must be a U.S. citizen, resident of the state for at least 30 days, at least 21 years old and be able to handle a gun safely. Those who cannot carry a permit include anyone indicted on or convicted on most felonies and some misdemeanors, is a fugitive, unlawfully uses drugs and alcohol, is mentally disabled, has been dishonorably discharged from the military, is free on bond pending a court date or charge that would disqualify a candidate or has been convicted of driving under the influence within three years of the date of which the application was submitted, according to state law.

After participants finish the class, they can apply for a permit at the Davidson County Sheriff's Office. They must pay an application fee and have their fingerprints recorded. The sheriff's office will then approve or deny the permit within about six weeks.

To sign up for the class, call the church at 357-7333.

Seth Stratton can be reached at 249-3981 ext. 226 or seth.stratton@the-dispatch.com.

[marktwain]

I have given ccw classes in churches. They are always well received.

[Joe Marine 76]

“Praise The Lord and pass the ammunition.”

[gitmo]

I’m going to a North Carolina CCW class at church next week. Different church.