The pastor of a Texas church says while his church family is grieving, he also knows they will survive the traumatic event.

A gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, near Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday morning. He shot two congregants before others shot and killed him.

“We lost two great men today, but it could have been a lot worse,” Senior Pastor Britt Farmer said at a news conference Sunday night.

“Today our home was invaded by evil. The sad thing is it happens all the time, as far as evil is concerned,” he said. “And I hope and pray that not only will we survive this, I know we will, but that in some way we might be a beacon to those who don’t know what to do. Because today we proved that not only can we be God-loving, God-fearing people, but that we can protect each other as well.”

A law went into effect in Texas this past September which allows licensed gun owners to carry their weapons in a church so long as the church doesn't oppose it. 

"I am thankful that our government has allowed us the opportunity to protect ourselves."

Farmer says that his church is a caring and open community, and will not be deterred by evil.

"We have a congregation here of open-hearted people. We help people - we're here to help people, and to have something like this happen destroys my heart.

"Today is one sermon I'll never preach. It'll go away. It was called 'Leaving A Legacy,' and two men today left a legacy. But, the congregation is going to build on that legacy."