New Birth pastor encourages his congregation to put the needs of others ahead of the church as SNAP benefits remain in limbo

STONECREST, Ga. — New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jamal Pastor is asking his congregation to put the needs of others ahead of the church right now.

In his sermon Sunday, the metro Atlanta pastor told his congregants not to give money to the church -- but instead help those who may lose SNAP benefits.

SNAP recipients will not receive benefits as of Nov. 1 if the federal government shutdown continues.

Sunday was supposed to be a day for the Stonecrest church to raise $1 million, but Bryant said he's putting that campaign on hold until the government shutdown is over.

He's encouraging his members to instead do things like bring in canned food.

"The congregation is supposed to be sensitive to the needs of the community, knowing that people are literally just trying to keep