“It is a city that is intensely independent and values freedom above almost everything else,” said Smith in a video from the church’s website. “It values sexual freedom as an end in itself, with a thriving sex industry that goes back more than a century.”

Fifteen minutes into the 10 a.m. service at its Portland location, a group of about 20 protesters, dressed in black arrived outside the church. The protesters took issue with the church’s stance on homosexuality, and carried banners and shouted obscenities at those in attendance as they exited the church. Then, after a request by a police officer, the protesters moved across the street from the church.

Lead pastor Tim Smith said Portland is a great city “known for many things, but the Gospel of Jesus is nowhere on the list.” The church is looking to change that with their new location.

The fast-growing church, which has already planted churches throughout the country, bought the 106-year-old church building in Portland’s Sunnyside neighborhood for $1.25 million in August. On Oct. 16, the new church held its first service in the castle-like building, reporting about 363 adults and children in attendance.

The sermon on Sunday was not directly about homosexuality, said Mike Anderson, director of communication for the church, but “Pastor Tim Smith did challenge the people to seek the welfare of the city, understand the city like Daniel and tell people about Jesus like Paul did at Mars Hill.”

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