(FAYETTEVILLE) -- The Pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville has attracted considerable criticism since delivering a sermon more than a week ago that suggested that parents punch their sons who show signs of being gay.  Pastor Sean Harris has received hate mail and threats to burn down his church since delivering that sermon.

While protestors gathered near the church on Sunday, Harris thanked his congregation assemble in the Church's sanctuary. "You've been kind, you've been merciful, you've been awesome," said Harris. As he made this comment some yelled out, "we love you pastor," then the congregation erupted in cheers and applause.

The sermon Harris delivered a week earlier sparked a national backlash.  Harris said he was only joking when he made the controversial comments. He said he was just trying to make a point as he preached on the marriage amendment that is on the Tuesday primary ballot in North Carolina.