Love notes in concrete Meredith Flynn P. 9
ILS 2026
Intergenerational The key to strong, growing ministry. P 5-7
INSIDE: Team report from the Illinois Leadership Summit
SBC LEADERS RESPOND IB Protestors interrupt service IllinoisBaptist.org
News journal of the Illinois Baptist State Association
FEBUARY 1, 2026 Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Peoria, Illinois Permit No. 964
Vol. 120 No. 2
Church plant was targeted by demonstrators
St. Paul, Minn. | About three dozen anti-ICE protestors invaded the worship service of Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, January 18, confronting the pastor and worshippers, and eventually causing them to shut down the service. One of the elders of the church is the acting field director for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota capital is the site of multiple demonstrations and the shooting deaths of two protestors, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Cities Church leaders spoke to the “shameful, unlawful conduct” of protestors in a statement released two days later. In video from the service, Pastor Jonathan Parnell can be seen trying to regain order after protestors began chanting loudly and marching around the sanctuary. The protestors “accosted members of our congregation, frightened children, and created a scene marked by intimidation and threat,” the statement said. Church members responded with prayer and singing, but ultimately Parnell ended the service and asked members to hold prayer gatherings in their homes. “I’m just so encouraged by the way that my church responded to what happened,” Caleb Phillips, who has attended the church since October told World magazine. “The overwhelming response was one of love and care for one another, and a neighborly love and care for the protesters—even though they were doing a deep disservice and a deep wrong to us.” Continued P. 4
Take a hike P. 12
Transitions
Nate Adams P. 2