Pistol-packing pastor

McAbee and his wife, Misty, keep their guns in a safe in their bedroom--when they aren’t wearing them.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

“People think I’m a gun nut and gun crazy, but I’m not. I don’t want to hurt anybody. I believe the Bible teaches peace. But that doesn’t mean I should let them hurt me,” McAbee explains.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

McAbee made a name for himself in Beaumont as the “pistol-packing pastor” two years ago after he interrupted a burglary at his church.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

McAbee’s church office holds reminders of his side job as a shooting instructor.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

McAbee became a Pentecostal minister after a short stint in prison, where he felt called to preach.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

McAbee recently told church members about his troubled past. “I’m not ashamed of who I am,” he said. “We’ve all messed up. We’ve all been given a second chance.”  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

In addition to the classes he teaches for concealed weapons permits, McAbee is starting a gun safety class for children, including his own.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

The McAbee’s son Connor, 6, has already learned to shoot a .22 rifle.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)