Local church taking steps to ensure safety of congregation

Grace Presbyterian Church sensed a need for extra security prior to the Sutherland Springs mass shooting.

In fact, two months ago Pastor John Roberts contacted CCPD for active shooter training. Now, he wants the training sooner rather than later.

“We’re going to ask CCPD to get here as soon as possible in terms of that training. In 23 years of ministry, I never thought I would have to deal with this and it's unfortunate that that is the state of our nation right now,” Pastor John told KRIS.

The more commonplace mass shootings become, the more difficult the situation becomes for places of worship.

“You have people at their most vulnerable, exposing their hearts and their souls, and lives to each other and to God and at that moment someone coming in and violating that and violating the sacredness of the church, to me is horribly offensive,” Pastor John added.

 Sutherland Springs proves that a threat to congregations exists and Pastor John wants his flock to be prepared if and when anything ever happens.

“I mean we are looking at all options, from armed security to keypad doors, we are going to be looking at everything,” said Pastor John.

In the meantime, he looks to the Bible for guidance in these most tragic of times.

“That’s the number one command in scripture, don't be afraid. We are going to take some measures to try to make it as safe as possible to try and mitigate any potential harm,” Roberts said
Grace Presbyterian did consider a “no guns allowed” sign on its door, but that idea was voted down by the elders board. They are currently considering the installation of metal detctors, adding armed security, and keypad locks on the church doors.