Open Carry Policy
Northside Assembly A/G Bonifay Regarding Open Carry Policy
Set in order on September 25, 2025
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of Our Concern
As church leaders, our primary calling is to create an environment where people
can encounter God, grow in faith, and experience genuine Christian community.
While we absolutely respect the constitutional rights of our members and recognize
that many are responsible gun owners, we believe there are compelling reasons to
carefully consider how open carry might affect our worship services and church
activities.
Child Safety: Churches are places where children move freely, play, and explore.
When firearms are visibly carried, there is an inherent risk that curious children or
individuals in emotional distress might try to gain access to these weapons. Our
responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our congregation is paramount.
Preserving the Sanctuary: Open carry may create situations where firearms
become a focal point or political statement rather than remaining a matter of
personal protection. This can shift attention away from worship and create
unnecessary division within the body of Christ. Some individuals may choose to
openly display weapons not for security purposes, but to make political points that
could fragment our unity.
Welcoming All People: Our church must remain a place of refuge and welcome
for everyone—visitors, families, individuals who have experienced trauma, and
those seeking God's peace. Visible weapons may create anxiety or fear that
prevents people from fully engaging in worship or feeling safe in God's house.
Biblical Wisdom
The Apostle Paul provides clear guidance in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: "All things
are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things
build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."
This passage reminds us that having the legal right to do something doesn't
automatically mean it's the best choice for our community. We must ask ourselves:
Does this practice build up the body of Christ? Does it serve our neighbors' good?
Does it advance our mission to share the Gospel?
A Balanced Approach
We have chosen to adopt the General Council’s policy recommendation that
prohibits open carry during services and church events while continuing to respect
the rights of licensed individuals who choose concealed carry for personal
protection.
This balanced approach accomplishes several important goals:
•Maintains focus on worship and spiritual growth
•Significantly reduces safety risks, especially around children
•Preserves a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors and members
•Prevents the sanctuary from becoming a venue for political displays
•Still honors personal protection rights through concealed carry
We trust that those who choose to attend any events at Northside A/G Bonifay will
Set in order on September 25, 2025
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Heart of Our Concern
As church leaders, our primary calling is to create an environment where people
can encounter God, grow in faith, and experience genuine Christian community.
While we absolutely respect the constitutional rights of our members and recognize
that many are responsible gun owners, we believe there are compelling reasons to
carefully consider how open carry might affect our worship services and church
activities.
Child Safety: Churches are places where children move freely, play, and explore.
When firearms are visibly carried, there is an inherent risk that curious children or
individuals in emotional distress might try to gain access to these weapons. Our
responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in our congregation is paramount.
Preserving the Sanctuary: Open carry may create situations where firearms
become a focal point or political statement rather than remaining a matter of
personal protection. This can shift attention away from worship and create
unnecessary division within the body of Christ. Some individuals may choose to
openly display weapons not for security purposes, but to make political points that
could fragment our unity.
Welcoming All People: Our church must remain a place of refuge and welcome
for everyone—visitors, families, individuals who have experienced trauma, and
those seeking God's peace. Visible weapons may create anxiety or fear that
prevents people from fully engaging in worship or feeling safe in God's house.
Biblical Wisdom
The Apostle Paul provides clear guidance in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24: "All things
are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things
build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."
This passage reminds us that having the legal right to do something doesn't
automatically mean it's the best choice for our community. We must ask ourselves:
Does this practice build up the body of Christ? Does it serve our neighbors' good?
Does it advance our mission to share the Gospel?
A Balanced Approach
We have chosen to adopt the General Council’s policy recommendation that
prohibits open carry during services and church events while continuing to respect
the rights of licensed individuals who choose concealed carry for personal
protection.
This balanced approach accomplishes several important goals:
•Maintains focus on worship and spiritual growth
•Significantly reduces safety risks, especially around children
•Preserves a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors and members
•Prevents the sanctuary from becoming a venue for political displays
•Still honors personal protection rights through concealed carry
We trust that those who choose to attend any events at Northside A/G Bonifay will
understand our concerns and adhere to this important policy.
Pastor Ed Bell and Board of Directors