Threats, terrible neighborhood, megachurch with megacollections?
Many states have laws that say, no guns in churches.
This makes churches a "soft target" , as well places like the Mall in Omaha, Virginia Tech and any business that has posted signs saying: no guns allowed.
The State of Missouri passed a Concealed Carry Law a few years ago. Missouri citizens that want to carry concealed must take a 8 hour class, pass a written and shooting test. (Cost $100 - $250). Then go to the county sheriff's office to fill out a form, be finger printed, have a FBI background check. ($100 for a 3 year permit to carry concealed).
In Missouri the law says no guns in church even with a CC Permit. It is my understanding that some states allow private citizens to carry concealed in church with "explicit approval".
Early last Sunday morning in Colorado, Jeane Assam talked to the pastor about increased security at the church. She had worked as a police officer in another state but in Colorado she volunteer as a armed private citizen to serve as additional security.
Jeane Assam and Larry Bourbonnais are hero's.
Texas had the "no guns in Church" nonsense when they first passed their CHL law. But by the next time the legislature met, a large group of pastors, preachers and priests objected and the law was changed to treat churches no different than any other private property. IOW, rather than explicit approval being required, explicit disapproval is required, in the form of a regulation (30.06) sign, a written card with the same information handed to the CHL holder, or oral notification to the CHL holder. In the latter two cases, no offense is committed by the CHL holder, unless he or she refuses to leave after being notified.