My church has a well-trained, volunteer security team (made up of church members, many of whom are deacons) with walkies, earpieces, and oh yes, firearms. They are discreetly posted throughout the sanctuary during worship services and walk the church campus and parking lots regularly. Most are current or ex-military and ALL are CHL holders. I definitely feel better knowing they are there and are keeping watch over the flock, if you will. I would recommend it for all churches. My pastor is totally on board with this. He’s all too aware of the vulnerability of worshipers, especially in this day and age.
Sorry, I should have said that our security team isn’t just watching for would-be church shooters, but on-site would-be pervs, too. Got so revved up over the armed guards thing that I forgot the original point of my post!
It seems odd, because what you talk about is still not very common, and is a relatively new phenomenon. In the past, churches and society were in sync, issues with perversion or assault would be dealt with according to commonly accepted standards, and of course, churches had the protection of society at large.
churches no longer have the protection of society. Indeed, in some cases, they face outright hostility. Its wise for churches to consider their own security.