Church Security Involved in Shooting in Missouri

But, it didn't happen the way you think it did

BELLEFONTAINE NEIGHBORS, Mo. – A dispute between two extended family members escalated into gunfire inside a church in Bellefontaine Neighbors on Sunday. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Major Warren Williss of the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police reported that officers were dispatched at 11:56 a.m. following a call about an active shooter at the Community Ministry Center of the Grace New Covenant Church, located in the 1000 block of Chamber Road.

At the time, services were being conducted by the Brothers and Sisters in Christ Fellowship Church, which rents the center from the Grace New Covenant Church. Approximately 40 attendees were present when the shots were fired.

Investigations revealed that the shooting stemmed from a conflict between two extended family members. The victim, who was involved in security duties for the congregation, encountered the suspect, leading to the exchange of gunfire. Major Williss stated that the suspect fired one shot at the victim, who then returned fire with three shots. Neither party was hit.

The suspect, whose description has not been released and who remains at large, approached the victim in an area behind where the service was taking place. Four shots were fired in total.

In response to the emergency, multiple law enforcement agencies, including St. Louis Metropolitan and St. Louis County police, arrived at the scene under mutual aid agreements. Surveillance footage from the church is currently under review as the investigation continues.

Church officials from the Brothers and Sisters in Christ Fellowship Church praised the congregation's adherence to active shooter safety protocols. Meanwhile, Grace New Covenant Pastor Tommie A. Harsley III, who was live-streaming services from his church on Chambers Road, informed his congregation about the incident and urged them to pray and avoid the scene.

ANALYSIS AND TRAINING

In this incident, a church security team member was targeted by a family member due to an ongoing personal dispute. Both the victim and the suspect attend the same church, highlighting the risk of external conflicts spilling into church environments.

The church initially labeled this as an active shooter incident, which is inaccurate. An active shooter is typically defined as an event where a minimum of four people are shot, either injured or killed, excluding the shooter. This situation does not meet that criteria.

It's important for those overseeing church safety ministries to regularly check on the well-being of their team members and congregation. Conflicts between church members can escalate into violence if not addressed. Here are some key steps to manage such situations:

1. Mediation: If you become aware of a conflict between members, initiate mediation through the church.

2. Separation Plans: If mediation fails, create a plan to keep the conflicting parties separated during services. This might involve assigning different service times or areas.

3. Monitoring: The safety team should monitor the individuals involved to ensure compliance with any agreements made.

4. Conduct Agreement: Have both parties sign an agreement on acceptable conduct within the church to prevent violence.

Ephesians 4:31-32: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

By taking these proactive steps, church safety teams can help mitigate the risk of internal disputes escalating into violence, ensuring a safer worship environment for everyone.