Classes are continuing at McLean Bible Church as it evaluates its options in the light of a recent decision by the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals, said Denny Harris, director of ministry operations for the church.
The Capital Bible Seminary, based in Lanham, Md., has been conducted seminary classes at the church, but the Board of Zoning Appeals recently upheld an interpretation that the church does not have permission to conduct the classes under the current zoning code.
"We feel that what we are doing is absolutely consistent with our [special exception amendment]," Harris said.
The church has a special exception that allows it to operate in a residential area, along with some other facilities that operate under the church's auspices. Harris said that the church has been conducting classes since 1987 at a seminary level.
In the past, it had been through a mix of seminary professors, and church staff teaching the classes. "We always had a mix of outsiders and insiders teaching," Harris said.
The church offered a masters of Bible studies degree, Harris said. He said that the program was not accredited, but that the State of Virginia does not require accreditation as long as the degree does not use the words "arts" or "sciences."
The class load had become too much, so the church sought out the Capital Bible Seminary to take over the operations.
The Board of Zoning Appeals, however, found that a degree-granting institution does not fall within the scope of operations of a church.
Harris said that the church is considering its options, including appealing the decision in court or applying for a special exception amendment.
As church officials make their decision, Harris said, the classes are still ongoing. He said the church does not believe that the Board of Zoning Appeals ruling means that classes must be immediately stopped.