Pastor Shot and Killed in his Pulpit
This is just a horrific story. Fred Winters, the Pastor of First Baptist Church Maryville (IL) was interrupted during his sermon on Sunday by a 27 year old man carrying a .45 caliber pistol. The gunman then opened fire on the pastor who quickly aimed to block the gunman’s efforts with his bible. He was struck and collapsed. A struggle ensued between the gunman and two congregants resulting in the the gunman stabbing himself with a knife.
According to the church website, Pastor Winters leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. Please for the family and the church.
We were just studying the message to the church of Smyrna (Rev. 2.8-11) today in our community group tonight. We were reminded of the unmatched character and value of Christ and the promise and certainty of not facing the second death but rather enjoying the everlasting presence of the glorious One. When things like this happens we are reminded that our relative peace that we experience in this country can be lost quite quickly. However, the worth of Christ is does not flicker or fade; he remains alltogether lovely.
–note– Pastor Mark Driscoll uses this occassion to exhort pastors and churches to be certain that they are at least thinking through this type of scenario happening in their local church. Good stuff to think through pastors.
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I think I saw the same link for Mark Driscoll’s blog over at Pyromaniacs.
It is tragic but God’s sovereignty reigns supreme in the midst of this terrible event. I only hope that this church has a good grasp on this doctrine or they will really have problems.
Pastor Winter’s family and the church are in our prayers with love. Even the brief news interview this morning with two of your people reflected the victory of our Lord Jesus and HE was glorified as they spoke. May the comfort of His Spirit and His grace continue to sustain each one there.