Less than two weeks after a fatal shooting during a dance recital at Saenger Theatre, Mobile Bay Pastors will gather for a worship event at the theatre.
Mobile's "Night of Worship" will take place on Friday with pastors from area churches.
The group began meeting after Pathway Church, Travis Johnson was canceled for a June 2023 prayer at a Mobile City Council meeting, in which he asked God to protect children from harmful agendas and social media. The group wrote a public statement explaining their Christian views on marriage and God's condemnation of sexual activity outside of His intent.
Since forming, the group has met monthly. The June 1 event will be its second annual gathering. Johnson said the pastors work together and lean on each other.
Approximately 100 pastors are involved in the event, and 20 churches and their pastors are helping to fund it.
"It's very encouraging," Johnson said. "It's going to be a record event for us and it's going to be really special to be gathered in downtown Mobile, celebrating Jesus Christ and worshiping together in fellowship with one another."
Pastor David Smith of Oak Park Church said he feels the timing of the event is part of God's perfect plan.
"We've had it scheduled for several months," said Smith. "So obviously, we were all shaken when we heard the news of what happened. But really, I think it's providential that it's scheduled now because I really can't think of anything greater than Christians and churches just gathering together, you know, in the name of Jesus to lift up his name and worship together. I think it's just very providential."
Smith said he hopes the community can come together, regardless of denomination, and shine a light for God.
"The pastors, the Mobile Bay Pastors, have been meeting together monthly for some time, and so the unity in our city right now is really at a high level," he said. "And I just think when we join together in unison, the Bible says, 'How beautiful and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity."
"So, I think it just makes a big statement," he continued. "I mean, it makes a statement to those who would want to do harm. It makes a statement to those who would want to bring darkness. It just helps them understand that this is a city that's made up its mind. We're going to shine the light bright throughout our city."
Johnson agrees and said they plan to turn a tragedy into an opportunity for the community to come together.
"I think it's going to be a really great time of ministry for our city and for Jesus to be lifted up," said Johnson. "Of course, you know, that event happened there and so, you know, we've got really great security that's in place, both by the Saegner and by us. So I feel really great about it."
The event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and are available online.
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