Church History

In the early 1950’s a group of believers met in a series of tent meetings on the corner of Cumberland and Hope Mills Rd.  In time, as the group grew, the local mill donated 2 acres of land on which the first house of worship was built.  In the early 80’s, the late Rev. James Wilson, built the church’s second sanctuary.  In the first 40 years of Cumberland’s history the church saw its greatest growth during the leadership of Rev. Wilson’s 19 year ministry.  In 1987 Rev. Paul B. Keeter, Jr. became the senior pastor of the Cumberland Church.  After 6 years of continuous growth and no room for expansion, the church purchased 7 acres of land off of Bingham Drive in the city of Fayetteville.  With the relocation of the congregation from the Cumberland district to the city of Fayetteville the church adopted the new name of Rivers of Living Water. 

Today, Rivers of Living Water is a thriving New Testament church.  Bishop Keeter’s unique ministry & “preaching” style has brought together believers of all colors and cultures.  Rivers provides cultural groups with English language challenges an opportunity to worship in their native language.   

Expansions

Rivers of Living Water has 3 ministry facility centers.  The first is a 4,800 sq. foot children’s ministry center where over 100 children come together weekly to worship the King.  The second is a state of the art youth center that ministers to over 70 young people weekly.  The third is a first phase education/fellowship center which today serves as a temporary worship center.   For the second time in 10 years Rivers is faced with the challenge to expand.  In 2007 the church began its 24 month initiative to build its second sanctuary.  In December, 2008 Rivers approved a proposal to begin the building of its 1400 seat worship center.  If you are interested in becoming a part of the Rivers building fund you may send your tax exempt contribution to: 

     Rivers of Living Water Church of God

Building Fund

1764 Bingham Drive

                       Fayetteville, NC  28304