STOPPING THE MADNESS

In December of 2007 a gunmen entered a mega church in Colorado Springs, CO with all intent to kill and destroy many lives there. 24 year old Matthew Murray, opened fire in a missions training center killing two teenagers before heading to New Life Church in Colorado in an attempt to kill more. The situation would have become a complete blood bath had it not been for trained church security officers who were on hand to impede the actions of the assailant. This incident however is not isolated, nor is if the first of it’s kind as more churches have become the victims of such attacks. It recent years, churches have seen an increase in the number of attacks from shootings to burnings and in some cases members have terrorized and held hostage. It is for this cause, many churches have beefed up their security adding additional volunteers and even providing personnel who are dedicated solely to the position of church security.

Sean Smith is one such person, a former police officer, Smith oversees church security at The Potter’s House a 30,000 member church is Dallas, TX. He manages some 40 plus security staff members in the church alone. He is also the speaker and host of the nationally acclaimed S.T.O.P.P.E.D. conference (for more information about the conference visit www.thestopped.com) which educates churches large and small on the importance of church security. The conference which is held June 5th-8th in Dallas, TX trains church security officials in the importance of procedure, protection and the direction in which church security is moving. The conference has more than double its attendance in the wake of recent attacks such as the one in Colorado.

The fact remains incidences like these could have happened at any church. There are few safe havens anymore and the church along with other public institutions must take the steps to pursue safety at all times. Not just the safety of clergy and membership but surrounding institutions, and open areas who have businesses near by.  The word declares that For it is the lack of knowledge that the people perish. No one knows that better than New Life Church in Colorado, had they not been educated on the necessary steps to take in a situation like this they could have lost hundreds of lives.  Training and education is the key to circumventing the hand of the enemy.  Avoid the Aftermath be the victor rather than the victim. STOP THE MADNESS!

For more information on the STOPPED security conference, visit the website at www.thestopped.com or call 1800 Bishop2.