TexasCHLforum.com

I bought my first civilian pistol two months after I got my CHL. That was Wed. Thu-Sun I was carrying openly in NM and CO. I have come to understand that Texas and Texans will not adjust as quickly as I expected. So I will go about life as I have; carrying openly where I can, concealing as the situation dictates, and disarming only when I must. I will be avoiding 30.06 locations as much as possible.

chuck j wrote:There is much controversy open carrying in church , there should be . I am not here to tell you how to think . I give everyone here credit for being able to think . Temper your desires with reason . Consider the common good . Make the best decision for a long term result , not short term gratification . Do what is right , may not be what you want but will be in time , patience . Stay the course , you will accomplish your goal . Just thoughts .

There are 30 churches in Elgin, Texas, give or take. I've personally checked about 1/3 of those. No signs. No Elgin churches are listed in Texas3006.com.

First Baptist has no signs. An announcement requesting that folks "refrain from exercising the right to open carry in the sanctuary so as to not be a distraction" runs as part of the announcement slide show before the service. Authorized persons will give effective notice to those carrying openly.

This morning I only saw one empty holster. We, as a church body, are very good at concealing our firearms. CC is fine.

As I have, I will continue to conceal in the sanctuary. I'll conceal or not as I feel best elsewhere.

Y'all carry your way.

Havensdad wrote:Our church will NOT be posting any 30.07 or 30.06 signs. I am the pastor, and I am carrying (concealed) every Sunday. That said, I will probably keep my own firearm concealed while at church, just because I want people focused on the message, and not on my new grips.

That said, others are free to open carry, and I may open carry other places when practical.

I'll be carrying in a OWB thumb break holster. Out side of the sanctuary, I'll take my suit coat off at will. Inside, I'll keep it on. Y'all carry as you see best.
God bless Texas.

C-dub wrote:I would like to play a little devil's advocate for a moment.

What about openly carrying a handgun in a church is so different from anywhere else? Is it because we don't want to detract from worship services? What about restaurants and disturbing others' peaceful meal? Should people not OC somewhere because they're afraid of disturbing someone's day? Just wondering where this line gets drawn.

I am only responsible for myself and mine. For me and my house, the line is 1Corinthians 8. I don't feel that it is edifying to discuss theology here.

The Annoyed Man wrote: ... I hope they are referring to OC only. Otherwise, I've got a major decision to make.

Agreed. When the Governor signed HB910, my wife and I sought out our assistant pastor, an NRA member and CHL holder, to discuss the churches intent. No signs, just verbal or written communication to dissuade open carry in the sanctuary. So, come 1/2/16, I'll be carrying my Tanfoglio BTA90 in a paddle restraint holster at 3 o'clock. I'll doff my suit coat at will outside the sanctuary, but stay covered when in the sanctuary. We will see how it goes.
1 Corinthians 8-10

troglodyte wrote:... Romans 14 states ...

I find Romans 14 to be instructive. I find 1 Corinthians 8 to be compelling, especially verse 9:

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Through this winter, I will be wearing my suit coat. Incidentally, the coat will cover my OWB holster and pistol. Other than inside the sanctuary, I will take off my coat whenever that would be more comfortable. Inside the sanctuary, I'll carry concealed.

We should be able to achieve a balance between our rights and our responsibilities.

The Annoyed Man wrote:... so that the audience's attention is on Christ ...

Concerning carrying openly in church, the principle I follow is 1 Corinthian 8:8 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (Read chapters 8 and 9 concerning freedom.)

As a rule, I'll OC outside of the sanctuary and don my suit coat before entering the sanctuary so as not become a stumbling block (distraction). As I always have, I'll OC where I can, conceal as the situation dictates, and disarm only if I must. YMMV.

Dad24GreatKids wrote:I am curious to know if your place of worship has or will be posting 30.07 signs? I understand concealed carry in a church, but I don't see the point of open carry.

No.