Christian Growth Center seeks religious

RV parking (Credit: Via Unsplash: Hanson Lu)

Christian Growth Center could soon get an answer to its ongoing dispute with Pueblo's zoning department.

In May, the city zoning department told church leaders that they violated a city ordinance, as The Gazette reported.

It was due to offering RV hookups in its parking lot, which has been in operation for the past 30 years. But Pueblo zoning officials said the church needs to halt its operation.

Christian Growth Center offers its parking lot's RV hookup to traveling ministers. It is also reportedly open to homeless families and mobile dwellers seeking temporary housing.

The ministry has been an icon in Pueblo's philanthropic community. Lead Pastor Paul Elder said it is an essential ministry.

Unfortunately, Pueblo's zoning code reportedly prohibits the use of RVs in any location. It particularly forbids RV from being "used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored on a residential lot, or in any location not approved for such use."

Under the city zoning code, RV living is only allowed in designated RV parks. As reported, later this month, the church and the city will finally settle the dispute in court.

Religious Exemption

Religious liberties lawyer Andrew Nussbaum told The Gazette that he is seeking a religious exemption for the city ordinance.

He said that forcing them to shut down the ministry would violate the church's rights. The lawyer specifically cited the federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.

However, Assistant City Attorney Trevor Gloss answered that claim and argued that the mentioned federal law does not apply to the church's situation. He explained that it does not give blanket immunity to land use regulations.

Christian Growth Center Hospitality Ministry

According to the report, Christian Growth Center started its hospitality ministry in its previous location. When they relocated, the church looked for a property with RV hookups to continue the program.

The ministry has been operating smoothly at 1906 N. Hudson Avenue. Pastor Elder said that in the past 30 years of operation, that was the first time they have received a complaint about the program.

The congregation's hospitality ministry reportedly offers various services for the poor and homeless.

Some of the services include providing portable showers and feeding the homeless. They also allow traveling Christian ministers to use the parking lot for weeks.

Mayor's Response

Pastor Elder revealed to the news outlet that he spoke to Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar to settle the issue. But instead of coming up with a resolution, Elder claimed that the mayor "openly mocked" the ministry.

"He callously compared this ministry to a meat-packing plant, asking what the difference would be if we started a meat-packing plant," he added.

Elder said he explained to the mayor that a meat-packing plant is for profit while the church's ministry is not. He said it was a sacrifice they offered to the homeless and traveling preachers.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gradisar clarified to The Gazette that he never meant to insult the pastor. He said that the city supports the hospitality ministry. But, he noted that the land-use issue with RV parking is prohibited by law.