New church insists, “No perfect people allowed”
Although the new Restored Church in Wilkes-Barre has been holding regular Sunday services since July, the church officially kicked off its Open House this past Sunday, September 8. The group has been attracting a lot of attention in the community with its massive billboard slogan “No perfect people allowed.”
The Gazette sat down with Pastors Dan Nichols and Tim Walker to learn more about their efforts, Restored Church’s affiliations, and its overall mission statement. The church’s core belief: “There is one true God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” Pastor Nichols explained the attention-garnering slogan by saying, “There are no perfect people. Jesus lived a perfect life, but all people sin, and need salvation.”
Despite the similarity in naming, the Wilkes-Barre Restored Church has no affiliation with the Restored Church of God (RCG) or the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). In fact, the Restored Church of Wilkes-Barre stems from an Evangelical Protestant Christian base, but church leaders stress that all are welcome, and that the church isn’t looking to change anyone. Pastor Walker’s invitation: “Come as you are, whoever you are, and let Jesus change your life.”
Pastors Nichols and Walker noted that Restored Church offers a network of house churches, where people can come together, have a meal, build relationships, talk about life, and advance through the Bible in a guided discussion format. A Restored Kids program has been created, led by Tunkhannock native Lacey Payne, and intended for children age newborn to 10. Nichols and Walker describe the initiative as offering a safe and exciting environment where kids can learn more about Jesus.
You may learn more about Restored Church Wilkes-Barre at www.RestoredChurch.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/restoredchurch.org. Contact them by email at info@RestoredChurch.org, or by phone at (570) 266–7675. Sunday worship is held from 10:30 am–12:00 pm at 47 North Franklin Street, with parking available in the lot across the street.
