GRANBURY, Texas – After the recent shooting at the Lakewood Church in Houston, scheduled services for Ash Wednesday were cancelled, but Joel Osteen, the church’s pastor, reassured congregants that services will resume with a special unity service this weekend.
Jack Wilson, a Hood County commissioner located 270 miles north of the Lakewood Church, has been actively involved in church security consultation following his heroic act in December 2019. He fatally shot a gunman at his church, who had just killed two members.
Wilson’s experience has led him to advise over 150 congregations nationwide on matters of security. He believes that the recent tragedy in Houston will only prompt more churches to seek security consultation.
The shooting at Lakewood Church involved a 36-year-old woman who entered the church armed with a semi-automatic AR-style rifle, injuring two individuals before being confronted and ultimately neutralized by off-duty officers.
Similarly, in 2019, Wilson encountered a similar situation at his church, where a man opened fire, leading Wilson and his security team to intervene. The incident resulted in the deaths of two church members before Wilson managed to stop the attacker.
Reflecting on his actions, Wilson expressed that he doesn’t consider himself a hero, but rather someone who was simply fulfilling a duty. He emphasized the unpredictability of such situations, highlighting the need for churches to prioritize security measures.
As churches across the country grapple with the question of safety, Wilson encourages congregants not to live in fear, but rather to remain vigilant and have a safety plan in place. He stresses the importance of discreet security measures and rigorous training for church security teams.
Wilson’s expertise extends to practical tips for church security, such as training with an unloaded weapon and being mindful of visitors’ behavior. He underscores the need for constant vigilance, as the threat of violence can arise at any time.
In light of the recent shooting, Wilson’s insights are more relevant than ever, as communities and congregants seek to ensure the safety of their places of worship.