OUR STORY
Founded in August of 2009 by Senior Pastors Bart and Sonja Williams, the Pavilion Church
was formed as a covering without limitations for the many ministries of the body of Christ
for such a time as this. Psalm 27:5 says, "For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His
pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a
rock."
The story of the Pavilion Church begins with Senior Pastors Bart and Sonja and the call God
had placed in their hearts years ago - that together they would serve God in whatever
capacity He led them as a couple to serve.
In 2009, they felt the Holy Spirit strongly prompting them that it was "time"-- time to step out and
lead in the capacity of Senior Pastors of their own church plant. "Will you build "My House?"
was the burning question that the Lord posed to them. Hence, the Pavilion Church was
birthed in the living room of their Nashville home.
The Pavilion Church remains lovingly steadfast. The message has never changed.. Methods
may change with the times, but the message remains rock solid and consistent. Jesus Christ
is the same, yesterday, today and forever. And He loves every person with an unconditional
and overwhelming love.
Building God’s house - "My House" - by building up His people one by one, and by discipling
and loving each individual person on their individual walk, is the mandate that keeps Senior
Pastors Bart and Sonja moving forward with God’s vision, no matter what obstacles may
come. Equipping the saints to truly know and experience God, to discover their unique
purpose, to build a deep foundation of God’s truth in their lives and then, to teach them how
to reach the world by making a difference in the lives of others, will always remain at the
center of the heart of the Pavilion Church.
The Pavilion Church Name
What Is a Pavilion?
- An open building used for shelter, exhibits, celebrations, reunions, etc.
- A covering in a beautiful garden
- A structure that has no walls, allowing a breeze or fresh air to flow
- A place to praise and worship openly
Building upon unconditional love and relationship as our foundation, this is a depiction of what church should be like:
- To be a place to celebrate God
- To operate in unity with all
- To be a structure with no walls (limitations) on the way God wants to move in our world
- To be a shelter for the lost and a covering for those needing protection and rest – a covering for everyone who is seeking God
"For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" Psalm 27:5 (NKJV)
Purpose
We, as the Pavilion Church, believe that Love is the first foundation – learning to love unconditionally. We believe that Truth is specific in the Word of God, as Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Leadership starts with the family, our jobs, schools and areas of influence. Relationship is the fulfillment of love, truth and leadership. Relationship is the ultimate purpose of life, as all flows back to the purpose of God sending His Son reflected in building relationships with others.
In doing so, we build strong families, restore relationships, relate to others and create an atmosphere of anticipation for God to dwell. We choose to reignite the true purpose of 'religion’ found in James 1:27 "Pure undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
