Eric Lovett's Church in Zoning Mess

Former top administrator at defunct Tennessee Temple University blindsided by zoning crackdown on Missiongathering San Diego (Disciples of Christ):

https://sduptownnews.com/the-irenic-youth-shelter-shut-down/

"On Aug. 31, Missiongathering...received a Civil Penalty Notice and Order from the city of San Diego, ordering that the church cease operations of their homeless youth shelter and cancel all rentals of their sanctuary, called 'The Irenic' immediately....The church has already laid off staff in the wake of the order and they may have to cease operations at the campus before the end of the year after the swift action by the city."

"'We have partnered with Missiongathering Christian Church over the last three years to provide the only emergency overnight homeless shelter dedicated to homeless youth in the county,' said Eric Lovett, the executive director and founder of Urban Street Angels. 'That is in jeopardy now with the city telling the church they have to stop'."

"In addition to the shelter, the church also rented out their sanctuary to host concerts...the proceeds of which help to fund the church’s ministry to the community."

The city now says Missiongathering has transitioned from 'Church Zoning' to 'Music Venue/Nightclub Zoning'. In addition, the church must apply for a conditional use permit (CUP) [for the homeless shelter]....[it] cited the church with more than 20 violations and informed them that they may be back-charged at a rate of $300 per violation, per day"

"The church was informed that without obtaining a conditional use permit for both their sanctuary rentals and the shelter, they would not be able to continue operating these ministries. The church held their last youth homeless shelter on Sept. 3 and informed the youth that had come to rely on the ministry they are no longer allowed to serve them."

"In a press release, the church announced its intention to fight the order. 'Missiongathering believes that the city of San Diego may be violating their religious liberty as a church'."

 

Missiongathering Christian Church | San Diego, California

 

Oh no!
Lovett now fighting accusations of sexual harassment and abuse at his 'homeless youth' ministry:

Urban Street Angels denies misconduct, sexual harassment allegations

"SAN DIEGO — A lawsuit filed in San Diego Superior Court this month alleges sexual abuse and other misconduct by staff of Urban Street Angels, a San Diego nonprofit that works with homeless youth."

"The lawsuit...claims Lovett asked a youth to go to a gay strip club." "[that] Lovett purchased alcohol for underage employees...[and] was under the influence himself while transporting employees."

"Rey reported to Lovett...'well-founded allegations' that a residential assistant employed by Urban Street Angels was 'sleeping with certain youths in the program' and using illegal drugs in the workplace....[and] that Rey’s concerns were met with 'pushback' from Lovett who claimed there was 'no way' the residential assistant was sleeping with a female youth...that the RA was gay."

 

Lovett was a campus pastor at Liberty University:

Internet Archive • Liberty University • Spiritual Life Staff • Campus Pastors • Eric Lovett

"Eric Lovett is the Assistant Campus Pastor, and leader of Liberty University's praise and worship band Eternal Praise...Eric also counsels students and assists in organizing Campus Church and Convocation. Eric resides in Lynchburg, and is the son of Dr. Danny Lovett, Dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary."

 

Also was an administrator at Tennessee Temple University:

TTU • Eric Lovett • Chief Operating Officer
oversaw all operations of the university

TTU • Eric Lovett • Director of Marketing/Strategic Initiatives
oversaw university's marketing and partnership development

TTU • Eric Lovett • Director of Recruitment
directed university's recruitment trips, ministry teams, and public relations

 

former music minister at Highland Park Baptist Church:

Highland Park Baptist Church • Chattanooga, TN

"Highand Park Baptist Church • Eric Lovett, Director of Media and Worship
Eric began his ministry at Liberty University / Thomas Road Baptist Church..."