Noise complaints prompt church to leave Ohio city

Massillon, USA - The pastor of a northeast Ohio church that's been the subject of neighborhood complaints because of loud worship services said he'll move the small Pentecostal church outside of town.

During the annual revival in May at Worshippers of Christ the Warrior King in Massillon, services with loud music go late into the night.

After services on May 3, officers walked into the church and wrote senior pastor Troy Sowell a ticket for violating the city's noise ordinance.

Sowell said the controversy has caused the church to lose worshippers. The 49-year-old said he's also lost friends and ministry opportunities.

One of the world's fastest growing religious traditions, Pentecostal Christianity is distinguished by its exuberant worship and emphasis on "spiritual gifts" described in the Bible, like speaking in tongues.

The Ohio church has held services elsewhere for the last several weeks, Sowell said. A new permanent location should be determined soon.