EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Excelsior Springs’ downtown entertainment district has some new talent, only this headliner will be preaching instead of performing. Restoration Church, housed in the remodeled theater space that was for many years Paradise Playhouse and, briefly, Firefly Events, officially reopened its doors to the public this summer. The church is part of the Assemblies of God, a Christian denomination with congregations across the country.
Lead Pastor JP Stafford, who has been in ministry for 27 years, leads the church. He grew up in the Kansas City area, as the son of a Kansas City police officer, and has pastored in cities like Kansas City, Kansas, Cameron, Missouri, and even Alaska. For the past 13 years, he has been involved in leadership at Restoration Church, officially opening their newest location in Excelsior Springs.
Stafford said Excelsior Springs stood out when he first began thinking about planting a church years ago. “Excelsior is a city that I feel people have overlooked,” he said. “There’s a lot of history and a lot of good people here.”
After extensive renovations, the church held its first prayer service in the new building on July 6, followed by its grand opening on August 10.
Restoration Church is part of the Assemblies of God fellowship, and its website outlines their mission, including the statement: “Saved people serve people.” This phrase, according to Stafford, shows the church’s goal of encouraging members to live out their faith in the community.
Some in the community have shared a different perspective on the church’s move downtown. One nearby business owner, who asked not to be named, said they have no opposition to the church itself but had hoped the space would be filled by a business that could bring more visitors and strengthen the tourism economy.
City officials noted that because the building is privately owned and zoned for general business, its use is up to the property owner, provided city codes are followed. Nevertheless, Restoration Church has plans to offer services and events for its congregation, with the possibility of bringing potential customers closer to downtown businesses.
The church currently offers Sunday morning services, youth gatherings on Sunday evenings, and children’s ministry. In November, they plan to add small group ministry in homes across the community.
Restoration Church also intends to host events in its new space. A planned October 17 program will feature Christian musicians, including rappers, and Stafford confirmed that future events could include concerts and guest speakers.
Stafford said the church’s focus is to “be the hand and feet of Jesus for people” and to create space for conversations about faith and community.
More information about Restoration Church, including service times, missions, and upcoming events, can be found at rcsprings.com.
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