A local official has backed off threats to fine Flat Creek Baptist Church, Fayetteville, Georgia, for hosting an evangelistic outreach that he claimed violated zoning regulations.
The outreach involved a car show that attracted more than 1,200 people to Flat Creek Baptist Church on Saturday (June 3).
Fayette County manager Steve Rapson notified church leaders in a letter Monday (June 5) that he had decided not to levy a fine.
Off with a warning
Instead, the church received a warning that it had violated a conditional use provision in local zoning regulations.
“There are no fines associated with this warning of violation,” Rapson wrote.
Rapson noted in the letter that his staff is reviewing zoning regulations and may recommend that county commissioners revise the conditional use provision that impacted the church.
Defying county threats
More than 100 vintage and classic automobiles were spread across the Flat Creek Baptist Church campus on Saturday in defiance of Rapson’s threats to levy a hefty fine if the congregation didn’t cancel a car show.
“We’re not doing this in a spirit of rebellion,” said pastor Josh Saefkow, standing amid hundreds of car enthusiasts and church members on Saturday. Saefkow is also president of the Georgia Baptist Convention.
“We’re doing this out of a commitment to Christ because there are people in this parking lot right now who are broken and in need of a Savior,” he said. “That’s why we’re doing this event, to point men, women, boys and girls to Jesus.”
‘Clear victory for religious freedom’
Mike Griffin, public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, noted the outcome is “a clear victory for religious freedom.”
“I have a lot of respect for Josh Saefkow and his willingness to be engaged in the public square and to defend religious freedom wherever necessary,” Griffin said. “He and his church serve as an example for other churches to follow.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Roger Alford and was originally published by The Christian Index, news service of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
