Yes, there is a bit of a dilemma in making the decision whether to advertise/structure the security or not to. One of the factors in our consideration was the obvious reaction some of the congregation would have to the presence of armed security, especially during services. For those of us with experience, such presence would be a welcome sight, but for many of the uninitiated, it would be a serious detraction from the normal proceedings.

Also, since the purpose of our security is to secure the facility during service, we are not concerned too much with what happens away from the area after services are over. It is always a general concern the welfare of our friends and family while they are abroad, but that is beyond the scope of our purpose, which was strictly to secure the church during services, given that there is a tangible risk associated with that operation. Peripheral concerns are noted, and where possible, security personnel will exercise to the limits of their ability such additional protections as are warranted and allowed by law elsewhere, but that is strictly a consequence of having a security group in the first place, and not a direct intention.

Having a good plan up front, our clandestine security group has no problem actively participating in all aspects of the services, while also providing suitable defensive capability should a threat materialize. It wasn't too difficult to coordinate, and not everyone participates in every service action at all times. In fact, I haven't closed my eyes or bowed my head in prayer in church in a long time, but I still pray. You adapt and remain as inconspicuous as possible and with practice no one is the wiser. No plan or ability is 100% effective, and I am sure we could be overwhelmed if the force applied were high enough. I don't think we are a big enough target for something like that, given our congregation size is only about 100 or so people at any given time. Bigger churchs would have a greater risk, but also able to field a larger and more complex security force, so it is functionally scalable I suppose.

It all takes effort, as you point out, to get it as right as it can be. It was certainly better for us than to do nothing and remain at the mercy of our enemies. I will definitely agree our solution is not the only one, nor perhaps the most effective. It works for us, and we are all happy with it, and will adapt it if we find something that suits us better.

Good debate there oldsoldier.