Brief History

Born on Sunday, February 7, 1999, Temple of Restoration " the church on the way" 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 was apropos for the conception of Temple of Restoration Church of God in Christ. In November 1998 the planning of this church began with only five (5) people. 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. After renovation, the first worship service was held on February 7th with approximately 100 people in attendance. As a confirmation that "where God leads He provides", the first offering was more than $3000 dollars.

Within a year of its birth, Temple of Restoration launched a building program. In June 2000 we purchased 3.3 acres of land at Stanton Road on 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. 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 consists of two buildings totaling 23,411 square feet and asphalt parking areas totaling 50,000 square feet. We believe that the best days for 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. The Christians in biblical days were often referred to as "people of the way."

Temple of Restoration closed its first fiscal year with an operating budget exceeding $100,000 dollars, with a conservative seventy-five (75) adult members and 30 youths membership. Temple of Restoration is one of the most promising new churches affiliated with the Church of God in Christ with its headquarter in Memphis, Tennessee. The Church of God in Christ is more than 100 years old with a membership of more than 8 million people worldwide. It is our perception that the Lord does not want to eliminate neither denominational relationships nor separate congregations from the heritage of their forefathers. The Lord does not want to eliminate what we each have received, but to integrate it 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 locally and nationally.

An approach to ministry at Temple of Restoration is the belief that minister and ministry must be broadened today to include all the members of a church. The common concept of the pastor as the professional minister who occupies the pulpit is still 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. And Temple of Restoration offers only one source for this kind of healing: Jesus Christ and his church.Temple of Restoration "the church on the way" brings new light, understanding, and a road map to God's blessings and answers to prayer.

So…why Temple of Restoration? New We have noticed that Little Rock, Arkansas is growing, particularly in the west and southwest regions along interstate 30W. Though Little Rock is home to many churches, there are still opportunities for Temple of Restoration to serve new 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 apparently 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 a remarkable impact on its communities.

Temple of Restoration offers new beginnings for people from all walks of life. Many families and individuals feel the need to get back into church or would like an opportunity to objectively investigate the claims of Christianity for 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 gone to church or hasn't been in a long time, Temple of Restoration provides a great opportunity for a new beginning.

Temple of Restoration promotes the leadership of Christ, multi-cultural 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.