When I try to put myself inside the sick mind of a mass shooter, one thing I understand before the need to shower takes hold is that they like targets where they can get a lot of people inside an enclosed space with few exits and little chance of someone carrying a gun to return fire. That leads to a few possibilities, which is probably why so many choose places like schools.

Another all-too-common target is places of worship. Last year’s Sutherland Springs shooting and this year’s at the Tree of Life Synagogue illustrates that idea perfectly.

Now, a Kentucky pastor wants to make sure his church doesn’t end up in the same boat.

A Kentucky pastor asked members to carry guns to Sunday service after church nearly became the target of a racially motivated shooting.

First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown said they’ve stepped up off-duty police security and also asked church members with former law enforcement or security backgrounds to carry guns for services and Bible studies.

“There are several people that will be positioned for this situation,” said Rev. Kevin Nelson, senior pastor at the church.

The church said it identified about seven people thus far who are allowed to carry weapons. They will allow others with concealed carry permits to also bring guns into church, but they must notify church leadership.

This comes a short time after the deadly Kroger shooting not too far away. The gunman in that incident reportedly tried to gain access to a church before he began his rampage but was unable to, thus likely sparing anyone inside.

Frankly, at this point, I have to wonder about the wisdom of any church refusing to permit guns among the congregation should they not have armed security in some manner.

Church shootings are far too common to simply trust that the good Lord will protect you. Faith alone does not deter evil men, unfortunately. After all, Christ Himself told his followers to arm themselves.

“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” – Luke 22:36 (King James Version)

Frankly, the pastor’s move is a wise one. While I’m not a fan of having to tell anyone I’m carrying a gun, I’m far more likely to be tolerant of telling my church than anyone else and at least this way there are guns in the church should the need arise.

Ugliness can come at any time and any place. We, as good guys, don’t get to pick the time or the place, which is why it’s important that we be able to carry in all these places. Bad guys have proven they won’t respect the sanctity of a house of worship. They don’t mind staining the pews with blood. They don’t care about anything except their perverse desire to kill.

Anything that increases the odds of them meeting an abrupt end to their plan before they can do much of anything is a good thing indeed.