What do you do when evil shows up at the front door of your church?

In Wayne, Michigan, one deacon didn’t freeze; he floored it.

I’m Justin Trapp, and this is your Ministry Minute podcast.

Today’s story is one of bravery, tragedy, and a reminder that every Sunday matters.

On June 22nd, 2025, over a hundred people, many of them children, were worshiping at Cross Point Community Church during vacation bible school.

That’s when a man wearing a tactical vest and holding a rifle stepped out of his vehicle and walked toward the sanctuary doors.

But before he could get inside, Deacon Richard Prior saw what was happening and acted.

With no time to think, he slammed the accelerator of his 2018 Ford F-150 and rammed the gunman in the church parking lot.

The shooter opened fire, damaging the truck and injuring a church security guard in the leg.

But before more shots could be fired, the church’s trained security team returned fire, stopping the threat.

What could have been a mass tragedy became a story of heroic courage and divine protection. Deacon Prior’s truck was riddled with bullets and completely totaled.

But when the local news picked up the story, a nearby Ford dealership stepped in.

They surprised him with the keys to a brand-new 2025 F-150, honoring the man who risked everything to protect his church family.

Deacon Prior didn’t wake up expecting to be a hero. He was simply attending church.

But ministry moments don’t always come with a sermon. Sometimes they come with a split-second decision and the courage to act.

His story is a powerful reminder. God often uses ordinary people for extraordinary moments.

As heartbreaking as it is, stories like this are becoming more common. And while we pray for protection, we also need to prepare.

Churches, don’t ignore this. Have a safety plan. Train your team. Talk about what to do if things go wrong.

Because ministry isn’t just about preaching; it’s about shepherding, protecting, and being ready when it matters most. You never know whose life might depend on it.

I’m Justin Trapp, and this is your Ministry Minute.

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