In light of the recent church shooting in Texas, Fountain of Life Bible Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Johnson City, Tenn. (Dr. Vic Young, pastor), has taken steps to increase security during services. A report on WCYB-TV, Bristol, Va., tells the story. A portion of the article appears below. Click here to read (or watch) the complete report.
Johnson City church to upgrade security with an armed officer
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Last week, a shooter entered a church in Texas and went on a killing spree that resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Now, some churches are concerned about their own safety. One local church is taking extra measures to beef up security.
“Fountain of Life is a very unique church,” Fountain of Life Bible Church pastor Vic Young said. “People have oftentimes in the past called us a ‘biker church,’ which at first I resented. I said, ‘No, we don’t celebrate motorcycles. We celebrate Jesus Christ.'”
Church members have maintained their own security for years. Young said he has never worried about a shooter trying to hurt the congregation.
“We have a lot of folks who do carry their firearms in church,” Young said. “I’ve always said that I would feel sorry for anybody who would come into Fountain of Life and try something like that.”
Many who attend the church services are veterans, police officers, or have a background in security work. But some older members have raised concerns following the shooting in Texas.
“I thought it would be best if we could have an armed, uniformed police officer,” Young said.
Click here to read (or watch) the complete report.