The Firearms and Weapons Policy (POL-WEAPONS) establishes the requirements and expectations concerning firearms and other weapons within the facilities of 1st Free Will Baptist Church of Park Hills.

The church recognizes the importance of protecting its congregation, guests, staff, volunteers, children, youth, and vulnerable adults while maintaining a welcoming environment for worship and ministry.

This policy seeks to promote safety, accountability, and coordinated security practices without discouraging lawful firearm ownership or responsible self-defense.

The policy addresses firearm carry authorization, applicable Missouri law, concealed and open carry, off-duty law enforcement, parking lots and personal vehicles, ministry areas involving children and vulnerable adults, weapon storage and handling, and violations of church policy.

Policy Code: POL-WEAPONS

General Board Approved: May 31, 2026

Document Status: Official Church Policy

Important Information #

Carrying a firearm inside church buildings or facilities requires authorization from the Lead Pastor, subject to the policy’s provisions concerning off-duty law enforcement officers.

The Lead Pastor has authority to grant, deny, limit, suspend, or revoke firearm carry authorization in accordance with church policy.

Off-duty law enforcement officers are permitted to carry under the policy’s specific provisions, including notifying the Lead Pastor of their presence and intent to carry as soon as reasonably practical.

Authorized firearms must ordinarily remain concealed. Open carry is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Lead Pastor for a law enforcement, security, or emergency-related purpose.

The policy does not prohibit lawful firearm possession inside a personal vehicle parked on church property, provided the firearm remains properly secured within the vehicle and the applicable conditions are followed.

Authorization to carry under Missouri law does not automatically establish permission to carry inside church facilities. Individuals must comply with the church’s established requirements.

The church’s Safety & Security Team operates under separate policies and expectations concerning membership, training, coordination, and accountability.

Violations of this policy may result in removal from church facilities, withdrawal of authorization, or involvement of law enforcement when appropriate.

This policy is part of the church’s Policies & Best Practices Manual and is subject to the church’s Constitution and Bylaws.