Ramona pastor Felipe Ascencio was murdered in his home. This debrief covers what happened, the investigation, church security lessons, and biblical perspective on grief and preparedness.
At least (for now) we don't live in a majority Muslim nation. Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, and others are murdering Christians regularly, legacy media wants to portray only Israel as an apartheid country. I believe our guide book the Bible tells the Christian that they will be persecuted in the last days. I think we are there.
Its coming slowly where they will attempt to drive churches out of towns by picking up mayor offices like Dearborn and NYC. Just have to look at the UK and France and it should wake all clergy and other ministers to the value of security personnel
Preparation is not fear—it is stewardship. It is the balance between vigilance and faith, ensuring the people of God can worship freely and without distraction.” AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.
Data from international and regional organizations show that dozens of Christian ministers (all types) were killed or abducted, but there is no centralized database tracking all attacks, many of which go unreported. We have to keep up with open sources and as Keith indicated the reporting is slow to non-existent in some areas. I think this will be a trend that will build with time. I site 2 Timothy 3, Matthew 24 and my security experiences. Its time to watch more carefully.
According to a June 2023 survey of pastors, 54% of Protestant churches rely on armed congregants as part of their security plans, while 20% use armed private security personnel, and another 5% have uniformed police officers present during services. This suggests a significant portion of churches have implemented armed security measures, with a combination of volunteer and professional staff.
Relying on armed congregants is not a plan. They will fail. Look at the Texas church shooting. That was their plan and so many people were murdered. You need to have a church security team that trains with each other regularly.
New life is a mega church, and they use police inside and out to regulate and to facilitate. My point was that the report shows an increase in the use of security since 2011. Fourteen years of chaotic times and we still remain apathetic. We have three officers in our church, and they don't always come to church. I remain a frustrated safety appointee. Your program is top notch, and I share this with everyone that will listen. I carry non-lethal spray for the most part.
I believe church congregations should purchase life insurance on the pastor on order to pay for the family needs if something like this happens. Many businesses do this.
Being a Christian means having a big bullseye target on our bodies!
These times I cant help but agree. Seems like attacks have increased with a concerted attempt to silence the truth.
At least (for now) we don't live in a majority Muslim nation. Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, and others are murdering Christians regularly, legacy media wants to portray only Israel as an apartheid country. I believe our guide book the Bible tells the Christian that they will be persecuted in the last days. I think we are there.
Its coming slowly where they will attempt to drive churches out of towns by picking up mayor offices like Dearborn and NYC. Just have to look at the UK and France and it should wake all clergy and other ministers to the value of security personnel
“Act with discernment and preparedness.
Preparation is not fear—it is stewardship. It is the balance between vigilance and faith, ensuring the people of God can worship freely and without distraction.” AMEN. AMEN. AMEN.
Praying for the family and church family.
Data from international and regional organizations show that dozens of Christian ministers (all types) were killed or abducted, but there is no centralized database tracking all attacks, many of which go unreported. We have to keep up with open sources and as Keith indicated the reporting is slow to non-existent in some areas. I think this will be a trend that will build with time. I site 2 Timothy 3, Matthew 24 and my security experiences. Its time to watch more carefully.
According to a June 2023 survey of pastors, 54% of Protestant churches rely on armed congregants as part of their security plans, while 20% use armed private security personnel, and another 5% have uniformed police officers present during services. This suggests a significant portion of churches have implemented armed security measures, with a combination of volunteer and professional staff.
Relying on armed congregants is not a plan. They will fail. Look at the Texas church shooting. That was their plan and so many people were murdered. You need to have a church security team that trains with each other regularly.
New life is a mega church, and they use police inside and out to regulate and to facilitate. My point was that the report shows an increase in the use of security since 2011. Fourteen years of chaotic times and we still remain apathetic. We have three officers in our church, and they don't always come to church. I remain a frustrated safety appointee. Your program is top notch, and I share this with everyone that will listen. I carry non-lethal spray for the most part.
Correction to church shooting from 2011
• 2007 New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado
very sad
I believe church congregations should purchase life insurance on the pastor on order to pay for the family needs if something like this happens. Many businesses do this.
Don’t know if it’s a good ideal to advertise your security. Wearing a shirt etc,
Keith, Thank you for such godly, thoughtful advice and updates. It breaks my heart to read them but appreciate the info and opportunity to pray.