ADAMS TWP — Discovery Christian Church pastor Matt Mehaffey appealed to township supervisors Monday night regarding zoning ordinances amid the church's discussions with an entertainment center to provide it with a permanent location.

The church has been in operation for 17 years, according to Mehaffey, and is looking for a new place to worship. Currently, it's located in the Regional Learning Alliance and Conference Center in Cranberry Township and has about 450 parishioners.

Mehaffey said the church looked to move in 2008 to a property it purchased along Myoma Road. Circumstances prevented the move, and church representatives recently sold the property.

“We have been searching for a permanent home ever since 2010,” Mehaffey said.

Mehaffey told the board that Discovery Christian Church has reached a “for-sale agreement” for the Lightning Bug entertainment center along Scharberry Lane. However, some details need to be worked out at the township level before plans are finalized.

“There are some zoning issues,” Mehaffey said. “We're basically just asking your permission for our attorney to speak with your solicitor.”

Specifically, church representatives wanted to know if the township would approve adding the church to the permitted use of the overlay zoning on the property. Mehaffey brought the issues to the planning commission at the Aug. 7 meeting, where he was told to address supervisors directly.

“We want to be of good use to the community,” Mehaffey said Aug. 7.

He indicated Lightning Bug space might provide enough room for both worshipping and community events. One of Discovery Christian Church's biggest annual events is “A Night to Remember,” a free gala for special needs guests.

The board unanimously approved a meeting between the church's legal representative, Jeremy Mercer of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, and township solicitor Michael Gallagher.

“That might be the easiest motion I've made in five years,” Supervisor Russell Ford said.

Lightning Bug owner Nick Morlino verified talks have taken place with Discovery Christian Church representatives. Morlino said the entertainment center will remain open indefinitely.