North Carolina ? The pastor of a Gastonia, N.C., church dealing with a controversy over a recent blackface performance reassured his congregation Sunday that their difficulties will make them stronger.

The Rev. Thomas Holbrooks Jr. told worshippers at Pilgrim Baptist Church that “churches occasionally have tough times, but they keep on going.”

Holbrooks, who founded the church almost 16 years ago, also urged his congregation to welcome members of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network who say they will visit the church next Sunday.

“This is a Christian church, a welcoming church,” Holbrooks said at the beginning of the morning worship service. “We are good people, Christian people. We will welcome those who say they are coming here next week.”

Holbrooks’ congregation found itself receiving unwanted attention last week after photos surfaced of a skit during a May banquet, in which three church members performed in blackface.