Houston Baptist University assistant professor of government Shannon Holzer said most pastors wouldn't be opposed to having an armed security guard because it acts as a deterrent to make it less likely for a shooter to show up.
"Just because they're worshiping, it doesn't mean that their give up their right to life or the right to defend their lives," said Holzer.
He said, however, it would be discouraged to walk around openly brandishing a firearm because that doesn't appear welcoming.
More churches are looking into inconspicuous security team ministries, where parishioners know their safe, but not known to an outsider.
"It makes sense that you've got a group of unarmed people to be protected by at least somebody. If we've have the right to life, we've have the right to defend life to a certain degree," said Holzer.
He said there are more lottery winners every year than mass shootings at churches and schools.