DETROIT (AP) - The Rev. Brent Hanson is fighting to get his congregation into what may seem an unlikely Sunday-morning destination - a bar.

Hanson, who founded New Song Community Church seven years ago, hopes the church will find its new home in a building currently housing Ref's Corner sports bar.

But according to the Wolverine Lake Planning Commission, village law says the coffee-and-cream colored building may only be used for commercial businesses, not churches.

Hanson has petitioned to change the designation, which village leaders will reconsider Oct. 24.

"Some people find it unorthodox that we're looking to move into a bar, but we simply saw it as a great opportunity," Hanson said. "We think we'd be a positive influence on the community."

The move was inspired by Pat Posiadlo, a congregation member and Ref's Corner owner, who decided in June she was ready for retirement.

Like other members, Posiadlo had noticed New Song's congregation outgrowing Walled Lake Middle School's auditorium, where the church has long held its nondenominational Christian services. So she approached Hanson about converting the bar.