As Gov. JB Pritzker's office announced the state's mandate to cancel all events with 1,000 or more people, and requested events consisting of 250-or-more to do the same, area churches are making the difficult decision to suspend services as well.
Lead Pastor Michael Nave at Cornerstone Church in Marion said it was a heart-breaking decision, but the right one, to suspend services.
"We have made the difficult decision to suspend all live services and only do online services for the rest of the month," said Nave. "Our people understand, that as a church, we are to be partners with our city, and so our governors, our city officials have said, 'Hey, stop congregating in large groups,' and we want to be a blessing to our city, we want to honor those wishes of our government officials to take care of our people, we want to protect our congregates and anyone they would come in contact with as well."
While Cornerstone's combined services sees nearly 2,000 people each week, churches of all sizes in southern Illinois are taking precautions.
Pastor T.J. Gentry at the First Christian Church in West Frankfort said they see around 300 people between two services each week. He said they will suspend church services this Sunday and will evaluate the situation for future closings. Both First Christian and Cornerstone churches said they would provide their worship services online.
"We have every age level in the demographic represented, but at least half--if not more--of our congregation is in that seniors age group," said Gentry, adding that the seriousness of this situation does create end-of-life conversations. "And what we have to do is balance a message of be responsible, be discerning, and also recognize that God is bigger than this, but he's very concerned about this."
At Mulkeytown Baptist Church, where services are routinely less than 50 people, Pastor Earnest Clifford said they will continue church on Sundays, but they have canceled their monthly Jam Session, which attracts close to 100 people.
Clifford said members of their congregation are among the demographic most at risk, as they are all above the age of 60. He added that the Jam Session provides too much risk for them as people come from around the region to participate each month.
"If a ball game, that makes millions, can shut their doors, we can shut our doors," said Clifford.
Other area churches News Three spoke with recommend their congregation stay informed on the situation and they will continue to use email and social media to post updates on worship services.
