When It Happened Here: Church Security Leaders Who Faced the Unthinkable
- Breakout Session
- the (FELLOWSHIP HALL 2)
- July 24 2026 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Most church security training focuses on preparing for the possibility of violence. This panel features men who have lived through that reality. Hear firsthand accounts from church security leaders who responded when a killer entered their church during worship. They will share what happened in the critical moments before, during, and after the attack, the decisions that saved lives, the lessons they learned, and how those experiences have shaped their ministries. This is a rare opportunity to learn from those who have stood in the gap when everything changed in an instant.
Featuring:
Carl Chinn – Founder of the Faith Based Security Network. Carl's passion for protecting ministries was forged after surviving a hostage incident at Focus on the Family in 1996 and later experiencing the 2007 attack on his own church, New Life Church in Colorado Springs. Those events led him to build what has become the nation's leading church security network.
Bruce Alpe – Former Security Director at Lakewood Church in Houston and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent. Bruce was on site during the February 11, 2024 shooting at Lakewood Church, where armed security and off-duty officers stopped the attacker within minutes. Drawing from more than 30 years of executive security leadership, he brings invaluable lessons learned from one of the nation's most publicized church attacks.
Jay Trombley – Member of the armed security team at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan. Jay responded when an armed attacker attempted to carry out a mass shooting during worship on June 22, 2025, helping stop what could have become another national tragedy.
Moderated by Matt Stidham – Pastor of Countryside Christian Church (Nixa, Missouri), owner of Tereo Training Solutions, Missouri's Faith Based Security Network State Leader, and host of many of FBSN's YouTube interviews and educational videos. As an experienced instructor and trusted voice in church security, Matt will guide this unique conversation with thoughtful questions that draw out practical lessons every church can apply.
