The Sanctuary Under Siege: A Call to Biblical Resilience

First Christian Church of Chicago
Jan 20
2 min read

Protestors at Cities Church in St. Paul MN on Jan. 18. Screengrab via YouTube / @The Independent

This past Sunday, the sanctity of worship was shattered at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. A group of approximately 30 to 40 activists disrupted the service, chanting and confronting congregants—including families and children—over a pastor’s alleged professional ties to federal immigration enforcement. While the Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation, the event leaves many of us asking: How do we respond when the "quiet life" we are promised in Scripture is met with the chaos of the world?

The reality is sobering. As Christian influence in the public square faces a noted decline, these "sanctuary disruptions" may become a new normal over the coming decade. If we are to navigate this era, we must move beyond knee-jerk reactions and return to a strong Biblical footing.

1. Reclaim the "Peaceable Witness"

Our first instinct may be anger, but our call is higher. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are urged to pray for those in authority so that we may lead a "peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." When that peace is interrupted, our response is our greatest sermon.

De-escalation over Defiance: We follow a Savior who, when reviled, did not revile in return (1 Peter 2:23).
Clarity of Mission: A church is not a political forum; it is a house of prayer. We must remain focused on the Gospel, even when others try to force a different narrative upon us.

2. Radical Compassion Amidst Conflict

The demonstrations in Minnesota were fueled by the tragic death of Renee Good and the resulting community trauma. As Christ-followers, we can condemn the method of the protest (disrupting worship) while still having a heart for the pain behind it.

We must be people who "mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).
If we lose our compassion for the hurting in an effort to defend our institutions, we risk losing the very "Biblical footing" we claim to protect.

3. Preparation, Not Panic

The coming decade will likely require churches to think more intentionally about security and the legal protection of their members (such as the FACE Act). However, our ultimate "fortress" is not found in locked doors, but in the truth of the Word.

Discipleship is our best defense. A church that is deeply rooted in Scripture cannot be "shaken" by external noise.
Dual Citizenship: We must remember that while we live in this world, our primary citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20). This perspective allows us to face hostility with a "non-anxious presence."

The Path Forward

The disruption at Cities Church is a wake-up call. It is a reminder that the world often does not understand the sacredness of our gatherings. Our response must be a blend of unwavering truth and sacrificial love. We don't need to shout louder than the protesters; we need to live more like the Christ who stood silent before His accusers while carrying the weight of the world's brokenness.

Let us pray for the congregation in St. Paul, for the protesters seeking justice, and for our own hearts to remain anchored in the Gospel.