Pastoral Security in the Pulpit

      As I'm sure most people are now aware, a pastor was shot and killed in the pulpit last Sunday in downstate Illinois.  My heart goes out to his family and his congregation.
      I also believe this tragedy raises the question of security in our churches.  What a sad thought that people might actually consider church to be an unsafe place, especially for the teachers and artists up front who are serving.  I don't think any of us want our churches to become like airports or courtrooms, where everyone is checked before entering.  Of course this kind of incident is extremely rare, and we should not over-react.  But it reminds me of two times when I have been alarmed while up front at church.
      The first experience for me was several years ago.  As I was speaking, a woman came down the aisle of our church shouting some unintelligible words.  Everyone was quite startled, and an usher got up and helped her out of the room.  The Holy Spirit prompted me to pause and lead the congregation in a prayer for this woman and whatever her concerns were.  It turns out she was off her medication and having a bad day.  But I admit my heart beat quite fast in that moment.
      The second experience took place a few months ago as I was teaching on Sunday morning.  This time a woman got out of her seat and quietly came all the way up to the front to hand me a note.  God helped me to receive the note and calmly continue to teach.  Wonder what the note said?  Actually, it didn't make a lot of sense - something about her concern for older people.  Again, one of our very undercover security people got out of his seat and kindly ushered her out.
      I have to admit that those experiences gave me pause, because I know that in all of our churches, a certain small percentage of truly troubled people attend.  If any one of them has a serious disagreement with a pastor or worship leader, or just has some kind of psychotic episode, we are at risk.  Yet most of us choose to believe the best, trust God to protect us, and keep on doing the work we are called to do.  I'm curious if any of your churches are having conversations this week about security issues...and what do you think?