The Rocky Mount United Methodist Church has taken an unorthodox approach to attracting new members by transforming what used to be a backyard gully into a gun range for parishioners. Pastor Phillip Guin and parishioners originally turned the kudzu-covered patch that housed snakes and rats into a range to help teach firearm security.

The safety training led to the creation of the Rocky Mount Hunt and Gun Club, in an effort to bring more members to the church. “This is an opportunity for us to reach out in the name of Jesus Christ in a setting that is completely unique”, said Guin. Guin says many congregants are hunters or gun enthusiasts and they want to welcome more members.