LMPD is working with churches to keep their congregations safe

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- From Worship to worry, LMPD is trying to teach local faith-based organizations how to protect their congregations.

It is because of the kinds of violence seen at churches and other events across the country.

"He brought up the fact that he had shot, I think it was, a pit bull dog that day," said Pastor Reva Kasey, Senior Pastor of The Lord's Chapel.

"And I said, 'you shot him?' And he said, 'yes.' And I said, 'do you have a gun?'"

A few years ago, the congregation faced a deadly threat when a visitor brought a gun to church.

"He said yes and I said, 'have you got it now?' He said, 'yes,'" Pastor Kasey said. "I said, 'you can't have the gun at the church.'"

Pastor Kasey said the focus is on God, the cross and the Holy Bible, but the church is in a high crime area so it is hard to ignore its surroundings.

"In this neighborhood, there's a lot of drugs, there's a lot of prostitution. I think that it was maybe three weeks ago the lady that got her throat cut was right here on the corner of Fourth and M," said Pastor Kasey.

Pastor Kasey has also been following the tragedy in South Carolina involving a man accused of killing nine people during bible study.

"My heart grieved for that community and even for the young man that somebody could be so messed up to do such a hideous crime," she said.

Metro Police have also been keeping an eye on the South Carolina case.

"I want people to feel safe, I don't want people to feel like they have to look over their shoulders," said Officer Lamont Washington, District Resource Officer with LMPD.

That's why LMPD is preparing a Church Security Presentations. It will focus on educating the faith-based community on the importance spotting potential threats.

"Basically to talk about keeping your worship house safe so your parishioners feel comfortable coming in to worship," Washington said.

"The men started telling him, you're going to have to leave the church," explained Pastor Kasey.

You could say The Lord's Chapel dodged a bullet, that's why Pastor Kasey will attend the presentation to be better prepared the next time there's a threat.

"I believe you should use every resource you have to be safe," she said.

The first presentation is on Sept. 22 at LMPD's Training facility but there will be several more after that.