DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Many churches met for the first time since last week’s shooting in a Texas Church.
One local church is responding with increased security.
Hundreds of people at Life Church in De Pere sat through Sunday morning’s services, some with a little heavier heart.
“One of our security personnel said that they had someone walk in and say ‘what would happen if there was an active shooter? Is there a plan?’” said Sonny Hennessy the lead pastor at Life Church.
It’s the first time they’ve gathered since a man opened fire during a church service in White Settlement, Texas last Sunday killing two of its members.
The gunman was killed by an armed security officer at the church and it’s prompted churches locally to add that same security.
“We did see what happened in Texas, and I think to see the video, not just hear about it, was very unnerving. To see a pastor hit the stage. To see someone serving communion,” said Hennessy.
The video shows the gunman enter the auditorium with a shotgun.
“I don’t think we came in today nervous, but we came in prepared,” said Hennessy.
Hennessy tells FOX 11 as the church has grown security has too. But this week, they added a little more.
“We made the decision over the week to bring in an armed officer to be here in addition to our security team.”
As a Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy stood with a gun by his side, she said it added a sense of security.
“The people can just relax, and we can feel a peace when you walk in the building and that’s helpful.”
That’s exactly what one congregation, Sean MacDonald, tells FOX 11 he felt bringing his family to church following last week’s violence.
“I think it’s important that churches and synagogues and various places of worship require security.”
Even if that means armed guards.
“It feels good to know that there’s somebody looking out after people that are trying to do well versus somebody that could come in when you’re enclosed in an auditorium.”
Other security on staff at life church goes through martial arts training as well as active shooter simulations and training.
