I would imagine most people reading this blog are aware of the tragedy that took place yesterday at First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois. However, for those who have not read or heard the news, a gunman shot and killed the church’s pastor during the Sunday worship service. This particularly caught my attention because my family is originally from Southern Illinois and I still have cousins living in the area. In fact many, many years ago my father planted churches in the area with one of his church plants being in Maryville. I am emotionally connected to the area where this took place.

When things like this happen one often wonders what can be done. Here are two things:

First, we need to pray. We need to pray for the pastor’s family and for the church congregation.

Second, if you are involved in church administration I would recommend you review your church’s security measures. If you have never implemented security plans you might consider consulting with professionals knowledgeable about such things. Here is one: www.gatekeepersalliance.com.

But most of all, I think we need to pray.