A Time for Every Purpose: A Statement from Church Planting and Renewal and Restoration Church of Black Mountain

In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded in the third chapter that there is a time for everything. A time for birth and death; for mourning and dancing; for tearing and

mending; and for keeping and for letting go. Such times, as we know, are often unpredictable, and come-and-go without ample warning. Discernment of such time, as the writer reminds us, comes from the wisdom that can only be found in Godly council, earnest prayer, and humble discernment. Therefore, it is through these virtues that the Board of Church Planting and Renewal, and the elder leadership of Restoration Church of Black Mountain announce that we have come to an agreement to seek Kingdom directions that will result in the mutual separation of our two ministries.

As a part of this separation, Church Planting and Renewal and Restoration Church will be working towards the selling of church building facilities, with the proceeds being distributed towards future ministry opportunities, with a special focus upon future church planting

opportunities.

“We know that God has great plan for both CPR and Restoration Church, both now and in the future,” states CPR Director Rev. Dr. Dustin Bannister. “And while we are moving in distinctive directions, we at CPR are eternally grateful for the hard work, faithfulness, and aspiration that Rev. Dr. Brad Williamson, Jennifer Williamson, and their family have put into this church planting effort. Because of their trailblazing work, which has equipped us with many learned lessons, we see hope for both CPR and Restoration Church within the Kingdom of God!”

“We are thankful to have had this opportunity to partner with Church Planting and Renewal and Original Free Will Baptists,” states Dr. Williamson. “God has been good, and we are excited to see how God continues to use His people. While we may be moving in different directions, we know that all of us together are working for the same Kingdom purpose - to see God draw a people unto Himself. As Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians, ‘I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’”

As Church Planting and Renewal and Restoration Church work through the details and requirements of this decision, we want to assure the Original Free Will Baptist denomination that we will continue to seek God’s direction for the Kingdom. Furthermore, because of the support of 100s of individuals and congregations from the Original Free Will Baptist community, we seek to honor your support and commitment by sharing with you the lessons learned over the last five years. These learned lessons will be shared publicly, and we invite the feedback of those whose commitment, prayers, and encouragement have sustained this work over the last five years. More information will be provided in the coming months.

Finally, as Paul commends the Roman Christians, we thank God through Jesus Christ for you all – for your faith has been reported across the world. Such reports have been heard and felt by all who have been, and who are involved with this Kingdom work. Truly, we continue to solicit your unyielding prayers and encouragement as we move from one season to another.

May God bless and keep each and every one of you!

Rev. Dr. Dustin R. Bannister, Director of Church Planting and Renewal

Rev. E. Kelley Smart, Board Chair of Church Planting and Renewal

Rev. Dr. Brad Williamson, Pastor of Restoration Church