First Liberty is representing Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place, a church in Bryan, Ohio. He’s facing 18 criminal charges for violating the city’s zoning laws.
The city is going after him because earlier this year Pastor Chris opened the church 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He’s seeking to serve homeless people.
In November 2023, the city sent a letter ordering the church to stop allowing overnight guests or face criminal prosecution. This past Sunday—on New Year’s Eve—police showed up at the church. They handed the Pastor a packet of multiple charges and violations.
Our attorneys will be attending a court hearing next week, on January 11, to defend the Pastor and the church.
Pastor Chris said he’s willing to face those charges for the sake of the church’s mission.
“I was spiritually homeless and God provided a home for me. He’s put a burden on my heart for the homeless,” Pastor Chris said. “Many of these people have been rejected by their families and cast aside by their communities. So, if the church isn’t willing to lay down it’s life for them, then who will? This is what we’re called to do.”
“The city would rather kick these folks to the curb in the cold outdoor months of December and early January than allow the church to remain open 24/7 to those who need it the most,” Dys said. “It’s unconscionable. We’re going to hold them accountable.”
“This isn’t a homeless shelter, it’s a church,” said Pastor Chris in an interview with The Village Reporter. “But we have put in things people can use, like a shower and a small ability to do laundry. Some who found this to be a home for them have stuck around.”
The Pastor says he began opening the building this way, because the local homeless shelter was often full, which led to the needs of many vulnerable people not being met. He says at least a hundred have been helped in some way by his church being opened 24/7.
Read more at: firstliberty.org