Thankfully not all churches are in the "don't defend yourself" camp. I know for a fact in the churches I've belonged to over the years that I wasn't the only one carrying. In addition to regular civilians like me, those churches almost always have LE's and current or former military - all sheepdog types that take protection of themselves and others very seriously. I attend church feeling much more secure in that knowledge.
I think there is a belief that if you arm yourself for defense that you can't also be peaceful, caring, compassionate. That, I think is a place that pastors could help the message. The Bible says there is no greater love than laying one's life down for his friends (John 15:13). Some take that to mean sacrificing your time and talents, putting others first. But most would say it is inclusive of people that stand between others and danger, whether parents protecting their children, military serving the country, LE's protecting the streets, or, in this case, your friend or neighbor helping to keep you safe. Compassion and peace are not concepts that disappear when we arm ourselves for protection, rather, we arm ourselves in the hope of maintaining peace. Too many, I think, have missed that message, thus leading to the faulty belief that being unarmed and unprotected in a dangerous and unpredictable world is somehow evidence of a higher level of enlightenment. I call BS on that and will always be prepared to defend the life of myself and my family, as well as others, should the need arise. I hope more folks start waking up to that reality.
I think it was about 10 years ago. We were attending a different church at the time. The congregation was about 220, not small, but not huge. One of our members, a woman with 3 children had finally left her husband after many years of abuse. The church rallied around her to support her and her kids while they worked to get themselves in a stable place. Shortly after she left him, we learned this guy, who was a known drug user and alcoholic, saw the church, particularly the pastor, as the reason his marriage 'fell apart'. He made threats directly to the pastor, indirectly to other members of the church, including the church leadership, of which I was one at the time. And, we knew, through the wife that he owned a gun, though no one knew what it was or where he kept it. The police were brought in but they said since he hadn't done anything, there was nothing they could do. When asked what to do if he showed up, they said to call them and they'd be there right away. Well, we had no problem calling them, but with 200+ people, at least 50 who are children throughout the building on any given Sunday, we set about a plan to place armed members at strategic locations throughout the sanctuary and the rest of the building, including the education wing. We also placed several observers in the parking lots, covering each entrance so they could be the first call to the police if he showed up. Those of us that carry met separately with the pastor and we each identified ourselves so he would know who we are and where we are. The congregation, including the guy's ex-wife, were never told of this plan. We did it discreetly. About 12 of us were armed, covering the building and the congregation, assisted by a number of others that weren't armed, but were observers and ready to lock the building down if necessary. This went on for months until the threats finally stopped and the guy moved on to other things. No one ever knew, outside of our group, what was being done to protect them. In the end, a peaceful and safe place was maintained where worship could continue unabated in the face of potential evil. That, I think is really the ideal way for churches to provide a higher level of protection for their congregations. Perhaps they don't necessarily need to meet and identify a particular group of folks, but at least allow people the ability to carry for protection. As for the woman, with the church's help, she got on her feet and is doing well today, re-married to a really nice guy and her kids are healthy and happy.
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