The “Shoot-out” has become a popular event for the church. About 50 men and boys gathered for an afternoon at a church member’s farm for target practice using handguns, rifles and shotguns. They also enjoyed a lot of barbecue.
“This event brings men together with other men – members, and maybe more importantly, non-members,” says organizer Al Ritter. “We encourage members to bring friends from outside the church. It’s a great opportunity for outreach.”
Whether they attend the church or not, some of the participants have never attended another men’s event, Ritter adds.
“Shooting guns is one of those activities that brings men together – we love to shoot
things,” Ritter says. “The noise, the smells, the thrill of shooting a flying clay, and cooking and eating large quantities of meat is like a magnet for men.”
Previous gun experience is not needed. “Instruction is given to beginners,” says Ritter. “Safety is a primary emphasis, and everyone with any experience is looking out for the well-being of everyone around them. There is a high regard for the potentially
dangerous nature of what we enjoy doing so much.”
“Men who have guns – and many have multiple guns – bring them to the shoot-out so there are plenty to share,” says Ritter. Enough participants bring ammunition, targets, clays and meat to grill for them and also to share. The event is free.
He knows that not everyone will approve of the event. “Some people believe that shooting guns is not a very “Godly activity for men to rally around,” Ritter says.
He responds, however, by saying, “Many of us pray that God will use this event to reach men that are not reached in other ways. We believe that God has honored this request and through this activity, relationships grow and Christ’s community grows stronger.”
He notes that at least one father and young adult son, who have little in common and rarely do activities together, had a great experience. After the event – and for the first time in five years – the son initiated a request that they do something else together.
