Stonegate Fellowship Adds AI Gun Detection to Enhance Campus Security

The Midland, Texas church is implementing ZeroEyes AI technology as part of a $40 million expansion project.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Stonegate Fellowship, a growing church in Midland, Texas, is adding ZeroEyes AI gun detection technology as part of a $40 million expansion project to its campus. The church leadership sees the AI-powered system as an important layer of security to protect its congregation, staff, and visitors, while still maintaining an open and welcoming environment for worship.

Why it matters

As places of worship face increasing security concerns, Stonegate's decision to implement advanced gun detection technology highlights the challenges churches must navigate to balance safety and accessibility. The move also reflects a broader trend of houses of worship adopting new security measures, raising questions about the role of technology in religious spaces.

The details

Stonegate Fellowship, which has grown from 200 attendees in 1999 to averaging 3,000 weekly, is adding the ZeroEyes AI gun detection system as part of a $40 million expansion project. The system will monitor the church's existing security cameras and alert trained personnel and local authorities within 3-5 seconds if a gun is detected, allowing for a rapid response. Church leaders say the multilayered approach, which includes human review to minimize false alarms, will help maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

  • Stonegate Fellowship began its first worship service at Abell Junior High School in 1999.
  • Stonegate is currently undergoing a $40 million expansion project to its Wadley Avenue campus.

The players

Stonegate Fellowship

A growing church in Midland, Texas that is implementing new security measures as part of a major campus expansion.

ZeroEyes

An AI gun detection technology company that is providing its system to Stonegate Fellowship to enhance campus security.

Larry Gilbert

The executive pastor of Stonegate Fellowship, who stated the church's commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for worship.

David McReynolds

The operations manager at Stonegate Fellowship, who explained the church's approach to implementing the new AI security system.

Mike Lahiff

The CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes, who expressed the company's honor to work with Stonegate Fellowship on enhancing campus safety.

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What they’re saying

“Stonegate Fellowship uses ZeroEyes as part of our commitment to providing a safe, welcoming environment where people can worship, grow and gather with peace of mind.”

— Larry Gilbert, Executive Pastor, Stonegate Fellowship

“There are a lot of safety measures in place, or checks and balances, if you will, and layers to prevent false alarms.”

— David McReynolds, Operations Manager, Stonegate Fellowship

“We're honored to work with Stonegate Fellowship as they expand their campus to better serve their community.”

— Mike Lahiff, CEO and Co-founder, ZeroEyes

What’s next

Stonegate Fellowship plans to continue its $40 million campus expansion project, which will include the full implementation of the new ZeroEyes AI gun detection system.

The takeaway

Stonegate Fellowship's decision to adopt advanced security technology like AI gun detection highlights the growing need for places of worship to balance safety and accessibility in an era of heightened concerns about gun violence. This move reflects a broader trend that may prompt other churches and religious institutions to reevaluate their security measures.