We were honored to join Resurrection Power Assembly late last November for the dedication of their new church facility. As is evident from the pictures, there was great rejoicing at this inaugural service. The ceremony marked the end of an extensive zoning litigation process with the Village of Dolton.
Contrary to its Zoning Code, the former Mayor and the Zoning Administration delayed the congregation’s ability to move forward in the renovation of the former bicycle shop by denying building permits after learning of the Church’s plans. The Mayor’s reasoning was simply, “I don’t want a church there.” Knowing the Mayor’s wishes, the Zoning Administrator tried to snowball the Church by telling it that the Zoning Code did not permit a church on the property it had just purchased. Oddly, there was no available copy of the Code either online or at its offices. After numerous requests for the Code, the Church called Dolton’s bluff and sued to get its building permit. At that point, the Church found it had to get in line with approximately 27 lawsuits against Dolton or its Mayor in front of it.
Throughout the case, the Church remained steadfast in its commitment to creating a place of worship and community impact for the residents of Dolton. Seeing the doors of the new facility finally open, filled with celebration, gratitude, and anticipation, was a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. But sometimes, like their Jewish brethren rebuilding the temple after returning from exile, God’s people have to be willing to challenge the obstinate government officials for their religious freedom.
We are grateful to have walked alongside Resurrection Power Assembly throughout this process and are excited to see the impact their ministry will have in its new home.
