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Charlotte Pastor To Keep Firearm At Pulpit

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(CHARLOTTE)  Recent shootings across the country have reopened the longstanding debate over gun control, and now one Charlotte pastor says she plans to arm herself.

The Rev. Brenda Stevenson is the lead pastor of New Outreach Christian Church in North Charlotte. It’s a small congregation that is about to make a big statement.

“We know God is with us; we just want to get those two new members,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson told Channel 9 those two new members theoretically speaking are Smith & Wesson, a firearms manufacturer.

The pastor purchased a firearm and plans to keep it near the pulpit once she’s received a concealed-carry permit.

“We just want to make sure that people can come to church and serve God without being afraid,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson’s congregation has welcomed the idea and several members said they intend to get their carry-conceal weapon permit and provide security during church services.

“It’s just so much is going on in this world,” Stevenson said.

She got the idea three years ago after James Holmes opened fire inside a Colorado movie theater, killing 12 people.

But the pastor told Channel 9 it wasn’t until the racially-charged shooting at a Charleston church where nine members were killed during a Bible study and prayer service that her church decided to take action.

Her decision was reaffirmed by two recent shootings at movie theaters, including one in Louisiana where two women were killed.

“I will not be afraid to shoot the weapon, but I pray that I never have to use it,” Stevenson said.

The pastor said donations from people across the country helped her pay for the gun. It will remain on layaway until she receives the proper training.