Sheepdog Safety Seminar

More than 400 people attended the  Sheepdog Safety Seminar at the Brainerd Hills Baptist Church Saturday afternoon.

The day was spent informing people how to protect their church and themselves in a violent situation.

Carl Chinn a security consultant, said churches have to be more proactive.

“Churches for many years have felt like they’re immune from danger. The sign of the church over their door and a cross on the roof, keeps the bad person from coming, well that’s simply not accurate.”

Sheepdog Seminar organizers said every church should have a plan if something before an attack happens.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Grossman, a West Point Psychology professor and author, spoke about the ways to prevent an attack.

“Back off and keep those classroom doors locked all the time. This is not rocket science.”

Chinn said the Charleston, South Carolina attack was the 13th mass murder at a faith based organization.

Chinn said there’s a reason why these attacks happen.

“There’s a decay in morality and American values.”

In regards to whether congregation members should be armed Sheepdog Safety organizer Jimmy Meeks said that’s up to state law and the church.

“I would certainly say if you’re going to deal with a good… a bad guy with…excuse me…a bad with a gun, it may be good to have a good guy with a gun.”

The seminar also focused on how to save someone if they are attacked.

The next stop for the event will be in Philadelphia next Sunday.