Our church has decided we need a bigger building (a good problem) we have decided to merge with a church that is looking to hire our pastor. These two churches are both in Michigan. If the church/board of deacons is the one voting to hire our pastor, at they the ones in charge of authorizing concealed carry or is the pastor that is hired the one to authorize?
For reference:
Individuals licensed to carry a concealed pistol by Michigan or another state are prohibited from carrying a concealed pistol or a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology on the following premises:
MCL 28.425o
(http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(t1s3lbn04y301445gexcf055))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-28-425o) for the complete statutory text.)
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Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official or officials allow concealed weapons.
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Removed entries that were not relevant to the conversation hence the “* …”
IMO, its called concealed carry for a reason. Crazy world out there and ill take my chances in court if the situation arises and have to defend myself or family.
Im also in MI and our local Baptist church pastor carries during the sermon. He obviously allows it.
Doesnt hurt to read the bylaws of that organization
Good for me means good for you does not always apply. For instance, there are very many judges who carry in their courtrooms but will not allow others to carry in that courtroom.
That is what I need an answer to. Is he the head of the church IF he’s hired? or an employee and the deacon board is who is the head of the church.
to the other people who carry if you want whether it’s legal or not, all well an good. but if there is an issue and you pull your firearm out to solve the problem, church security will think you are part of the problem, not the solution. not to mention the chaos of crossfire. So you can take you chances, I want my Concealed carriers in my church trained and part of the security team. If you want to concealed carry, awesome, join the security team.
Nowadays im done depending on other people to protect me or my family. Ill take my chances.
Im not a church goer, the baptist pastor is just a friend of the family. I never did ask him if they have a security team. Im sure they have something…now im curious
Typically, the board of directors is responsible for all official matters related to whatever organization it is. And that board is bound by whatever bylaws or constitution that has been established by earlier or original boards. These bylaws are basically equivalent to something like the US Constitution, which the board must follow when doing business. So you are correct in thinking that the board will make these decisions. But they must be made within the rules set in the bylaws.
Now of course, some organizations throw all of that out the window and do whatever the hell they want. But for any organization that gets federal or state tax exemptions (like a church, or any non-profit), this is the format that is legally required to be followed.
You are sort of correct. But even in a large organization, there is a board or directors that has ultimate control over the CEO. Including the ability to hire and fire them. You see stories all the time about upper company execs being fired and replaced. That is the job of the board. (Just look in the news at the problems the founders of Ben & Jerry’s are having these days, and you’ll get the idea. )
That’s what I thought. figured I would get a second opinion. Thank you.
Also too everyone who is a 2A above all else. I agree, in theory, but just as I have the right to tell people they cannot carry in my house. The church would have the ability to tell its congregants, who can and cannot carry. You have the right to not worship at that church. It’s not a contest and it is about trying to ensure everyone’s safety. For churches that don’t allow anyone to carry or just the pastor, I would consider not going to that church, but others would want to not go any church that allows firearms. Different strokes for different folks.
Yeah, I was on the board for a local non-profit for a few years. There are all kinds of legal requitements for how an organization (either non-profit, or publicly traded) must do business.
I don’t remember all of the gory details. But I do recall that the board must have at a minimum 3 (maybe 4?) members. These include a pres, vice-pres, and treasurer. The board is supposed to have an annual meeting inviting all of the members of the organization to attend. At that meeting, the board members basically give the others a ‘state of the union’ type presentation, detailing what they have done, where they are going, and all of the financials.
Also at the meeting, the attendees get the opportunity to vote for new board members, based on the term limits and lengths stated withing the by-laws. This way, they have the opportunity to oust any board members that don’t have the same vision as the members of the organization. (Also note that these by-laws will often also state who is an actual member of the organization. In the case of my organization, you were a member if you paid dues, and therefore have a voice under the by-laws. I’m not sure how a church works. In a larger company, the shareholders are the voting members.)
There are lots of other legal requirements, but this is basically how it goes. The members of the organization vote to select the members of the board, who will represent their interest on behalf of the organization. And the board will (at least) give the members an annual update of how they are doing, and give the members an opportunity to change the direction. This makes sure that no one (or 2-3) person is in charge of everything, and without any oversight. And these basic rules apply weather is it a tiny church organization, or a multi-billion dollar company.
I suggest asking for a copy of your by-laws and look them over. Then politely point out to your board members any place where they may not be following them. (Like maybe not having the annual meeting?) Many members of small groups have no idea that they actually have a legal voice in how things are run.
