ADAMS TWP — Deals are often made during a game of golf, but Discovery Christian Church and Adams Township haven't been able to do that.

Representatives of the church first approached the township in 2019, when they brought plans for converting the Lightning Bug located along Scharberry Lane into a church to the planning commission.

The same representatives came before supervisors Monday night for final approval. However, supervisors determined plans for the church aren't sufficient when it comes to the use of the Lightning Bug's miniature golf course.

“What is the future of the put-put?” asked supervisor Chairman Russell Ford.

“It's basically for church functions,” said Matt Mehaffey, lead pastor at Discovery Christian Church. “We're a church. We're not going to be a fun-for-all.”

Township solicitor Michael Gallagher asked if Discovery Christian Church would consider approval conditional on not using the course for commercial purposes to generate revenue.

“That you're going to restrict it for church purposes only,” Gallagher said.

The church's legal representative, Jeremy Mercer of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, said he needed clarification.

“What's your definition of a commercial purpose?” Mercer asked. “We all know that churches rent out their facilities for weddings and funerals and graduation parties.”

Ford said he was concerned the property, which would become a nonprofit when purchased by the church, would be removed from the township's tax roll, but still generate a profit.

“That's going to take tax rolls off of our taxes,” Ford said. “We have to address this.”

Mehaffey said he discussed a similar issue with a neighboring church in Moon Township. Mehaffey said that church bought an ice-skating rink and runs it at full capacity, with concessions and entertainment. At the end of the day, Mehaffey said, the church does not make a profit.

“Every church that I … know of has some kind of selling of a T-shirt and books or … renting their facility out,” Mehaffey said. “We're not looking to make a profit.”

Ford said he understood that, but wanted to know if and how the miniature golf course would generate money for the church.

“The only thing that is going to happen is the church is going to have this miniature golf course,” Mercer said.

Ford asked church officials if they thought the discussion should have been brought up before it came to supervisors for final approval. Mercer said he didn't think so because the church is trying to secure a development permit, which doesn't pertain to use of the golf course.

“The permit that we're seeking is not a permit where that is relevant,” Mercer said. “If we've misunderstood that, please feel free to let us know.”

Ford said he was concerned church officials were after final approval when they didn't have answers for the use of property facilities.

“It's not that we don't have all the answers for what we're seeking the permit for,” Mercer said. “It has nothing to do with the use of the facilities.”

Gallagher agreed with Ford. “I think we need to have a discussion,” he said.

Gallagher suggested approval be put on hold while church and township officials discuss the issue.

Mercer said he didn't see the connection between the permit and the use of the miniature golf course. He added that the concerns supervisors had could be applied to any property purchased by the church.

“Wouldn't you rather have the whole thing settled up front than have something hanging out there?” asked Ron Shemela, supervisor.

Church officials agreed to a month extension to discuss the problem.

Civil engineer Scott Foreman of Hampton Technical Associates said the biggest change that will be made to the property is parking. Foreman said lights on the miniature golf course will also be adjusted downward to avoid light bothering neighbors.