SAN DIEGO -- The pastor whose home group meetings were cited for being an illegal religious assembly wants more than San Diego County's assurances that he no longer has to get an expensive permit to continue meetings at his Bonita home.

Sunday's sermon began with the same hymns and voices at the South Bay Community Church.

But the message was one some members had never heard before.

"I am very surprised it would be happening in San Diego," said church member Margaret Cane.

First reported on 10News, the story has made its way around the world.

"We were hoping it wouldn't have gotten to this extreme," said assistant pastor Ricky Feria.

For the first time, pastor David Jones addressed the issue surrounding his weekly Bble meetings in front of hundreds of church members.

In April, the county issued Jones a citation and told him he could no longer host a Bible study group in his home. The county claimed Jones needed a permit to hold religious meetings.

Last Friday, however, county officials reversed the decision.

Jones is looking for an apology and wants the decision inked on paper.

"We don't have anything in writing. We want something very clearly that states people can pray in homes and have friends over and read Bible together and study a bit," said Jones.

County officials said it is not a religious issue but a land issue since they said a complaint was filed about parking and traffic congestion in the neighborhood. The county said it is working with Jones to find a resolution.

"I believe we're headed in that direction; we've taken the proper steps," said Jones.

Jones and his attorneys with the Western Center for Law and Policy said parking was never brought up in previous meetings and discussions with the county. The only topic discussed was religious assembly, they said.

On Monday, the parties will meet with County Chief Administrative Officer Walt Eckard to clarify the matter.