Born on Sunday, February 7, 1999, Temple of Restoration is a most intriguing and refreshing congregation. How could it not be? The beginning of this Church is an unusual visitation of God's grace.
The time and season were apropos for the conception of the Temple of Restoration Church of God in Christ. In November 1998, planning for this church began with only five people: Robert and Benita Robinson, Alma Williams, Gwendolyn Porter-Cole, and Michael Hutchinson, who attended the meeting as a friend and consultant. While renovating the facilities (12825 Interstate 30) for worship, prayer, and information classes were held in December and January aimed at developing a solid foundation for the fulfillment of a larger vision. Following the renovation, the first worship service was held on February 7th, with approximately 100 people in attendance. As confirmation that "where God leads, He provides," the first offering was more than $3,000.
Within a year of its birth, the Temple of Restoration launched a building program. In June 2000, we purchased 3.3 acres of land located on Stanton Road, adjacent to Interstate 30. In February 2001, we sold the land and used the proceeds to help fund the down payment on our current worship center and facilities. On April 15, 2001, we moved into our new church. The Temple of Restoration property is situated on approximately 3.46 acres of land in the Southwest part of Greater Little Rock, Arkansas. As a fully functioning church, it comprises two buildings totaling 23,411 square feet and asphalt parking areas covering 50,000 square feet. We believe that the best days for the Temple of Restoration lie in the future, designed by God.
Robert Robinson, an ordained Church of God in Christ minister with more than 28 years in active service and proven leadership in church planting and development, has consistently refused to accept credit for Temple of Restoration's dynamic growth and stability, describing this phenomenon as an unusual visitation of God's grace, "the church on the way." We use the motto, "the church on the way", because of our location, direction, and emphasis: Our location – a busy thruway in Little Rock; Our Direction – we're on the way developing a ministry for today and everyday; Our emphasis – on Jesus Christ the Son of God, who is the way, the truth and the life. In biblical times, Christians were often referred to as "people of the way."
The Temple of Restoration closed its first fiscal year with an operating budget exceeding $100,000, comprising a conservative 75 adult members and 30 youth members. Temple of Restoration is one of the promising churches affiliated with the Church of God in Christ, with its headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The Church of God in Christ is over 100 years old, with a global membership exceeding eight million people. It is our perception that the Lord does not want to eliminate either denominational relationships or separate congregations from the heritage of their forefathers. The Lord does not want to eliminate what we each have received, but to integrate it so that light may be given "to all who are in the house" (Matthew 5:15). We believe God's purpose is not to break off national affiliations, but to heal and restore relationships both locally and nationally.
An approach to ministry at the Temple of Restoration is the belief that the minister and ministry must be broadened today to include all members of the church. The common concept of the pastor as a professional minister occupying the pulpit remains valid, but the biblical pattern is for the pastor to empower the congregation for ministry. Using the spiritual gifts distributed to each by the Holy Spirit, all the saints are responsible for loving and ministering in various ways to one another.
In a desperately hurting world full of toxic relationships, crippled values, and mutilated morality, lives are crying out for real healing -- not drug-induced solutions, not psychobabble Band-Aids, but authentic answers that heal the heart, soul, and mind. The Temple of Restoration offers only one source for this kind of healing: Jesus Christ and His church.
The Temple of Restoration, "the church on the way," brings new light, understanding, and a roadmap to God's blessings and answers to prayer.
So…why Temple of Restoration?
New Growth! We have noticed that greater Little Rock, Arkansas, is experiencing growth, particularly in the west and southwest regions along Interstate 30W. Though Little Rock is home to many churches, there are still opportunities for the Temple of Restoration to serve communities. The population is growing, and the number of churches per capita is not keeping up with the population.
People who say we don't need any more churches are counting buildings, not lost sheep, as Jesus did. There are thousands of people in greater Little Rock who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Temple of Restoration Church of God in Christ is making an impact on its communities.
New Beginning! The Temple of Restoration offers new beginnings for people from all walks of life. Many families and individuals feel the need to reconnect with their church or would like an opportunity to objectively investigate the claims of Christianity at this time. You could begin with us and grow within us! Some desire a growing relationship with God, possess encouraging friendships, and promote positive values for their children. Whether someone has never attended church or hasn't been in a long time, the Temple of Restoration provides an excellent opportunity for a new beginning.
Something New: Temple of Restoration promotes the leadership of Christ, a multicultural worship style and ministry, genuine friendships, a caring community, teamwork, authenticity, and quality – all in a manner that reflects a relaxed, saintly, and friendly atmosphere.
