Contact: Ryan R. Ellis, Christianity Today, 630-260-6200 ext 4276, rellis@christianitytoday.com 

CAROL STREAM, Ill., Mar. 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- All of us at Christianity Today International would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Winters family and all of the members of First Baptist Church in Maryville, IL. Though we cannot understand the depth of their pain or the magnitude of the loss they suffered this weekend, our thoughts and prayers go out to them in this tumultuous time.

This tragedy reminds us that gun violence, though infrequent, remains a reality churches must be prepared to face. While there is little that can be done to predict and prevent the actions of a determined gunman, there are some practical steps all churches can take to ensure that they know how to respond in the event of the unthinkable.

To help all of the churches around the country who are facing the fear and uncertainty of the possibility of violence in their ministries, Christianity Today International is providing a free copy of our Protecting Your Church from Crime and Violence download from ChurchSafety.com. Follow this link to download your free copy.

For additional information, please visit www.YourChurch.net for a free article, "Shooter in the Church." Also, the March/April edition of Your Church magazine focuses on "Drawing the Line on Danger: What to do When Someone Scary Enters Your Church." This pertinent content is available anytime in the free digital edition of Your Church magazine at www.YourChurch.net.

Christianity Today International is a Christian communications ministry committed to engage, encourage, and equip the church worldwide, sharing the depth and transforming power of the Gospel as it permeates all spheres of life. Find out more about the ministries of Christianity Today International at www.ChristianityToday.com.