User:Davewill2000/sandbox

First Heavy Metal Church of Christ

The First Heavy Metal Church of Christ is a non-denominational Christian church located just north of Dayton, Ohio. Founded in 2012, it describes itself as a "Come as you are," biker church.

The church currently meets in the banquet room of Jackass Flats, a bar and restaurant that specifically caters to bikers. The church is currently looking for a new location for worship services as they have dramatically outgrown the current location.

The church was founded by Pastor Brian Smith. Current staff include Pastor Rachel Smith, Brian Smith's wife. Brian Smith has testified that his past included heavy drinking and promiscuity.

The motto of the church is, "Every Saint has a past and every hellion has a future." Congregants come from all walks of life, but consists mostly of bikers who have had a hard time being accepted in traditional churches. Services typically consist of music from a band, offering, sermon and altar call. Music is provided by various bands from genres such as bluegrass gospel, jazz and heavy metal. The in-house praise band also performs and is led by vocalist Emily Schulte.

Ministries within the church include groups for women, men, teens and children. They also have a support ministry for women who have had abortions. The church has identified, as a goal, a ministry for establishing church plants throughout the world. A second location is in Greenville, Ohio