“What if a church could be more than just a place of worship?” That’s the question Pastors Ron and Kelly Wade posed when envisioning the Church of Compassion. This is not just another church. It’s a family-oriented, non-denominational community that welcomes all people. The Church of Compassion believes in the unifying message of Galatians 3:28 that says we are one in Christ Jesus.
Step inside the Church of Compassion. Feel the warmth of worship and the power of praise. Sunday Celebration Service starts at 10:00 a.m. Children’s church is available as needed each Sunday. This allows parents to fully engage in the service. Midweek, the church offers a Wednesday Bible Study at 6:00 p.m.
But the Church of Compassion’s story extends beyond regular services. It faced a challenge when California officials suspended it and Dayspring Christian Learning Center from a federal food program. This suspension stemmed from the church’s religious beliefs about human sexuality. The officials relied on the Biden administration’s reinterpretation of federal law.
The Church of Compassion and Dayspring fought back. They filed a lawsuit. Alliance Defending Freedom, the National Center for Law and Policy, and Advocates for Faith and Freedom represented them. The lawsuit aimed to protect their right to follow their religious beliefs while participating in the food program.
The legal battle ended in a favorable settlement. Officials acknowledged the rights of faith-based organizations like the Church of Compassion. The church was free to continue participating in the federal food program. The government reimbursed the church over $30000 for the money it paid out of pocket. It also covered $160000 of the church’s attorneys’ fees.
Jeremiah Galus, ADF Senior Counsel, stated that the government can’t withhold food because children attend a Christian preschool. He emphasized the constitutional right of the Church of Compassion and its preschool to operate according to their faith.
For nearly 20 years, the church and preschool participated in the food program. They received about $3500 to $4500 monthly. This money helped feed needy students in their daycare and preschool daily during the school year and summer. El Cajon has a large immigrant population. Many families served by the church and preschool qualify for free meals under the food program.
The Church of Compassion owns and operates Dayspring. Dayspring serves all families and children. This includes LGBT families who understand and appreciate the religious instruction their children receive at the preschool. While the church and preschool serve all families, they do not teach or promote all messages.
The Church of Compassion stands as a beacon of faith and resilience. It continues to offer warmth, worship, and unwavering support to its community. It is a testament to the power of faith in action.