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December 10, 2007

Colorado shootings reflect big threats at big churches

Growth of megachurches has spawned an industry devoted to protecting and securing large congregations.

Kevin Eckstrom, Religion News Service

With megachurches come mega crowds, mega money, and increasingly, mega security concerns.

The crowds -- anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 worshippers each weekend -- can be an attractive target for a deranged shooter. Overflowing offering plates are tempting to thieves, and well-known preachers can become high-profile targets.

Sunday's shootings at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and a missionary training facility in Arvada, Colo. -- which left five people dead, including a gunman -- reflect the security nightmares facing some of the country's largest churches. Many of those churches now employ armed guards to protect human, financial and physical "assets."

The full article is available here.

posted by Ted Olsen | Comments (3)

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Here's a crazy thought..."Do not kill"...Let's trust Him to keep our lives and "assets" secure. If He knows the number of our days, why fear anyone?

Posted By: HR | December 10, 2007 8:03 PM

Taking reasonable steps of precaution to anticipate possible acts of violence is wise stewardship and an act of love towards our neighbor. It is not necessarily reflective of a lack of trust in God's divine protection or a self-absorbed fear of man.

Posted By: AZ | December 11, 2007 1:29 AM

Taking reasonable steps of precaution to anticipate possible acts of violence is wise stewardship and an act of love towards our neighbor. It is not necessarily reflective of a lack of trust in God's divine protection or a self-absorbed fear of man.

Posted By: AZ | December 11, 2007 1:29 AM