​Firearms Policy

This policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees on July 19, 2010 and amended on October 14, 2015.

Definitions: The following definitions apply for purposes of this policy.

Church Property: All real property owned or controlled by the church. This includes indoor and outdoor areas. Specifically included, without limitation, are the church building and the entire parcel surrounding the church building.
Firearm: Any weapon of any size, make or model, that acts by force of gunpowder. No other facts are relevant, including such facts as whether the device is or is not encased, loaded, in a vehicle, or locked.

Prohibition: Firearms are prohibited on Church Property, except as follow:

Exceptions:

1. On-duty law enforcement officers acting within the area of their jurisdiction are exempt from this policy.
2. The full Board, at their discretion, may grant an exception to this policy if the Board finds it to be in the best interest of the church, subject to the following limitations.
a. Hiring of an armed security guard or guards for a specific event in which the Board finds the event to be vital to the mission of the church.
b. An event has the potential to provoke a disproportionately violent community response.
c. If reasonably possible, the Board will give advanced notification to the congregation and to anyone present on the property.
d. If advance notice is not possible, a written explanation shall be provided to the church membership as soon as possible explaining why the exception was granted.
e. Exception shall not be granted for the time of any church worship service unless is it granted in writing at least 48 hours before the church service and the congregation is notified.