Bring your guns to church day.

You might not think church was the place you’d be headed if you were packing heat. Actually, you definitely shouldn’t go to church with a gun under normal circumstances. But, a local pastor is hosting his 5th Annual Gifts for Guns Exchange where the community is actually encouraged to bring guns with them to the altar.

A report by WBTV says Pastor John P. Kee, and the members of New Life Fellowship, is hoping the exchange will make the streets safer with fewer guns.

The program will accept guns through noon Saturday, December 17 at New Life Fellowship church in the former Double Oaks Community.

Double Oaks was once a dangerous area of town, and the church believes that’s exactly why they are there.

“It is and will always be Pastor Kee’s testimony that he and the church has been placed in this area to demonstrate that God can change anybody,” officials say.

According to Kee, the gun drive has taken more than 100 guns off the streets of Charlotte and the surrounding areas since 2007, with last year’s gun drive being the most successful where the group collected nearly 50 guns.

“We can’t prove it but I believe that we have taken more guns off of these streets than any other ministry,” Kee said.

In exchange for turning in your guns, gift cards for items such as gas, food and toys will be handed out. And, don’t go crazy, security will be on site to ensure the safety of everyone. Afraid you’ll get in trouble for your gun? Don’t worry about that either. No one is turned away and there’s a no questions policy during the drive.

At the end of the gun drive, all guns will be turned over to the Sherriff’s department to be destroyed.

There’s just a few rules for the exchanged guns:

• Please remove ammunition before you arrive
• Gun and ammunition must be in separate clear plastic bags
• For timely processing please call ahead
• Limit to 5 guns per person
• Guns and ammunition cannot be purchased during the event

Safe, guilt-free, and a gift…what other reasons do you need to get rid of your weapons?