The idea of a security team is difficult for some people. Jesus was very clear in the Sermon on the Mount, but the subject is open to considerable discussion. Obtaining information at first is a good idea.
One source is the Faith Based Security Network. These numbers are taken from FBI and other data that covers approximately 20% of the USA population from 1999 to 2018. Good data after 2018 is not easily available.
Understanding WHO is impacted is also important.
This helps identify that the problem of violence against church members is serious and growing.
The group should look next at what the church already does about security. Does the church have greeters and what are they doing to look for security challenges? Does the church already have security procedures in place for children? Does the church have security cameras? How would the church handle a serious violent threat?
The next challenge is to identify those in the church with appropriate training or interest in security. This does not mean those people would be acceptable, it simply means identifying who might be able to help, and how.
At this point the group needs to identify very carefully what the security group is responsible for and how it should conduct itself. The Gospel must rule. This means that the security group should understand that sin is the enemy, not the person. Stopping the sin stops the problem. This means that de-escalation is the priority. Winning means that the sinner stopped the sin and came to Jesus. Driving the sinner away may provide some safety but is a lesser result.
The group may decide on various tactics (pending review and upgrading later) that are acceptable. These may range from keeping some people outside (we do this for most panhandlers and some who refuse to sit for the services), to escorted attendance at services (where team members sit with and “escort” a suspicious person until out of the church), to the use of violence to stop violence. At all times security responders must obey the law.
Once an idea of reasonable tactics is developed for your church, then the group may then look at recruiting members for a Security Team. These must be extremely responsible, seasoned adults who can respond with witnessing for the Gospel and judgement enough to only use force where absolutely needed. They must also be willing to give their lives to protect others.
Once formed, the Security Team, as all other Teams, should update and upgrade their tactics and procedures regularly. These should be transparent to the church and under the control of the church leadership.
As the teams are formed, careful thought must be given to how the teams communicate, work with each other, and how they are controlled. There are various choices, and each church must evaluate which ones work best for them.
All the teams need training, and some will need certifications. The teams themselves should recommend these.
At this point the church will have identified the basic safety plan for the church. The particulars will take a while to work out, but the basics are ready for action.