Following deadly Houston shooting, churches revisit safety protocols

PEORIA (25News Now) - Sunday’s shooting in Houston left two injured, and the woman who opened fire, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, with a rifle was shot and killed by two off-duty police officers who were working security at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood congregation.

Church security expert Kris Maloney said the security and safety protocols within the megachurch may have kept victim numbers down.

“They had an active plan for this type of event,” said Maloney.

Maloney owns Sheep Dog Church Security and trains others in safety protocols for various scenarios. Some include training on an intruder and active shooter.

Following Sunday’s shooting, he saw another example of what could have happened, but due to safety measures already in place, the threat ended quickly.

However, Maloney said that worship centers are an easy target due to their open and welcoming nature, but safety should still be at the forefront.

“Houses of worship have kind of lagged behind this, and maybe it’s because we don’t think these threats are real towards us, lack of awareness, a little denial,” said Maloney.

For Peoria’s Imago Dei Inclusive Christian Church, safety and security are nothing new. The church has experienced several instances of vandalism, and one of its pastors says it’s due to its progressive approach to the Christian religion.

“When you drive past this church, no matter who you are, you can drive by this church and go, ‘That’s a church that wants to love people,’” said Pastor Melinda Sparks-Renner.

She said security is present during services, and her team has safety protocols that are updated as needed. Following the Lakewood Church shooting, they are re-evaluating.

“What can we do better? What can we do differently, if anything, to make us even safer,” said Sparks-Renner.

Pastor Sparks-Renner shares this message with those concerned for their safety following Sunday’s shooting:

“Their church, synagogue, and temple are a sanctuary for them. That is where they meet with God, not only in those places but outside. It’s a place where we find community with one another, and we don’t need to give that up because we need one another; the world is too hard to do apart.”