Illinois Pastor Killed

Another church slaying has taken place. A pastor has been brutally murdered while speaking in a Sunday morning service. This time it was in Illinois at the First Baptist Church in Maryville.

During an early morning service a man strolled down the aisle, spoke briefly to Pastor Fred Winters, and then opened fire with a 45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Those attending the service did not respond initially, thinking the action to be part of a skit. But when it dawned on them what was really happening, two of the church’s men jumped the gunman and wrestled him to the floor while receiving knife wounds of their own in the skirmish.

There was a reason why so many thought the scene to be a planned part of the service. It had to do with the placement of the first shot fired. After realizing what was coming, Pastor Winters raised his Bible in self-defense. The first bullet struck the scared book, shattering it into hundreds of confetti-like pieces. Unfortunately the following shots found their mark and did their evil work just before the gun mysteriously jammed and prevented further damage.

One of the members at First Baptist said the following after the event. “He had just been teaching these last few weeks about how God had big plans for the church, that they had been growing so much, that they had drawn the communities' attention. But that meant that they were also drawing Satan's attention.” The father of two had been the pastor at the growing church for 22 years.

The lessons and spiritual applications from this latest attack are nearly endless – the most obvious one being ‘readiness’. 1 Peter 5:8 shares the core reason to be ready in sobering terms. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is never happy or satisfied with an effective church or with individual believers who take their faith seriously.

Then, 2 Timothy 4:2 speaks to the church, but specifically to its pastors. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Verse 5 then adds, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” Pastor Fred was doing exactly what he was called to do despite what occurred.

Also, Peter pens some sound advice to be applied even in the midst of the most fearful times. “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” For a Christian, it is the center of God’s will that is the safest spot on earth. (1 Peter 3:13-15)

Lastly, there are the words of Jesus himself - words meant to bring peace and purpose even in the midst of something as senseless and sinful as what just took place. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5) The members of First Baptist, who understand the great truth of eternal life in Christ, today cling to the blessed reality that their brother is now in God’s glorious presence. (2 Corinthian 5:8) His fear was not in the man who sinned against him but rightfully in the God who saved Him!

Christians everywhere should pray diligently for the family of the slain Illinois pastor and for the grieving members of his beloved church family. They should likewise pray for those on the front lines of spiritual battle and called to lead their own local congregations. And all should beseech the Almighty for His supernatural help to apply the difficult, but doable, commands in Romans 12 and 1 Peter 1.

"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:18-21)

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.” (1 Peter 1:6-8)

Bill Breckenridge