Our Purpose Statement (Our Mission)
The Purpose of the Refuge is to bring hope to hurting people through Jesus
Our Identity Statement (Who We Are)
We are a group of hurting people bringing hope to hurting people through Jesus.
The Purpose of the Refuge is to bring hope to hurting people through Jesus
Our Identity Statement (Who We Are)
We are a group of hurting people bringing hope to hurting people through Jesus.
Core Values (How We Keep On Track)
WE VALUE THE BIBLE
We value the Bible. Why? Because the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God; therefore, it is the standard of truth by which to live. We place an importance on the teaching of His Word in corporate worship and in small group settings. We believe the Bible should be applied and lived out in our daily lives. (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 119:105; John 17:17b; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; Heb. 4:12; Heb. 5:12-14)
WE VALUE PEOPLE
We value people. Why? Because all people matter to God and are made in His image. This means acting with patience, love, and respect in all our dealings with others, whether interacting with other believers or sharing our faith with those who don’t believe. (Gen. 1:27; Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 5:30-32; John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:2)
WE VALUE THE GOSPEL
We value the gospel. Why? Because we are all sinners and deserving of death, but God has provided a way of salvation through the gift of His son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, was crucified, was buried, and was raised on the third day. His death and resurrection paid the penalty for our sin and showed His victory over sin and death, allowing us to become children of God through faith alone, in Christ alone. He will continue His sanctifying work in us through the Holy Spirit, conforming us to His likeness until we are in glory with Him. (Rom. 1:16-17; Rom. 3:23-25; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 Pet. 1:18-19)
WE VALUE CHILDREN AND YOUTH
We value children and youth. Why? Because the Lord always had a special place in His ministry and heart for children. Here are the facts. The overwhelming number of people who come to Christ as Savior, do so before they turn 16 years old. That means, if you became a follower of Christ as an adult, you are a walking miracle. It also means, for right now, if these statistics are true, and they are, we need to put a very strong emphasis on reaching people for Christ while they are young. This means we need the best possible children and youth ministries on the planet. We don’t have to be better than everyone else, we just have to make certain that there are no better ministries to children and youth out there. It’s not about competition, it’s about doing whatever it takes to put our best effort out there. (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalm 127:3; Matthew 18:6,10; 19:14; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:12)
WE VALUE GIVING
We value giving. Why? Because Biblical stewardship reminds us that everything belongs to God. Therefore, everything we do should be done with excellence and accountability under God’s authority. We believe every church member has the responsibility to use their time, gifts, talents and finances to serve and support the church in its mission and ministries, here locally and all around the world. In addition to giving our tithes and offerings, God desires us to be faithful with all His resources. (Ps. 104:24; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7; Col. 3:23-24; 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
WE VALUE COMMUNITY (SMALL GROUPS)
We value community. Why? Because living in community allows us to encourage and serve one another, bear each other’s burdens, share in each other’s rejoicing, guard against the deceitfulness of sin, and fully experience the body of Christ. We are accountable to each other as we edify and encourage one another toward spiritual growth. This is often best accomplished through small groups where people care for and minister to one another. We further value healthy small groups generating new small groups. (Matt. 18:15-20; John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42; Rom. 14:19; Gal. 6:1-5; Eph. 4:11-14; Col. 1:28-29; 1 Thess. 2:8; 1 Thess. 5:14; Heb. 5:12-14; Heb. 10:24-25)
WE VALUE HEALING (REFUGE GROUPS)
We value healing. Why? Because God is the Great Physician. Where we recognize that God is all-powerful, sometimes He doesn’t heal physically in the way we would want Him to. Ultimately, God will heal all His children when we meet Jesus face to face and receive our new bodies. But until then, life can be a struggle. In the meantime, we should always strive to find healing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This happens in many ways. First, we should take care of our bodies through exercise, eating correctly, and paying attention to our body, soul and spirit. One strategy The Refuge uses is through our “Refuge Groups.” Refuge Groups are short-term study and support groups that are self-discovery driven and serve as a support through specific topics. One of many ways we find healing through community is with other people struggling with the same issues that we do. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 6:10; John 15:12; Philippians 2:4; Proverbs 3:27-28; Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2)
WE VALUE STRUCTURE
We value structure. Why? Because God is a God of order and not confusion. At The Refuge Owasso, we are Jesus ruled, elder-led, and congregationally accountable. Jesus is the head of our church as He is the head of every local church. He is also the head of the universal church. As such, He and He alone gets the responsibility of charting the course for all that we do. Through His revealed Word in Scripture, we have our marching orders, given by the King of kings. All that we do must flow from that authority and follow the guidance of The Holy Spirit by His Word. We understand that the Divine leader is Jesus Christ, and the human leader is the senior pastor, who also is the lead elder. Along with the other elders, they shepherd God’s people and equip God’s people for works of Christian service. (1 Timothy 3:1-16; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:18; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Hebrews 13:17)
WE VALUE SHARING THE GOSPEL, MISSIONS, AND REPRODUCTION
We value sharing the gospel, missions, and reproduction. Why? Because it was at the very heart of our Lord and Savior. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He also came to train a group of disciples to carry on when He left to go back to heaven. And on top of that He told His disciples to go and make more disciples. Furthermore, we are to make disciples here at home and all around the world. The Refuge Owasso values reproducing itself whether it be new believers, new churches, new small groups, or new leaders and servants. At “The Refuge Owasso,” our budgets, programs, and our leadership will reflect a high commitment to outreach, evangelism, church growth and the equipping of the saints. (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 19:10; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:11-12; Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15)
WE VALUE SERVICE
We value service. Why? Because Jesus came to serve and not be served. Therefore, as His disciples we should be known for our acts of service and good works. This includes serving those in the body of Christ and those outside the body of Christ. We have a strong emphasis on serving our community in hope that we can share the gospel of God’s love with them through our words, but also through our actions. We believe that every believer is endowed with certain unique spiritual abilities and spiritual gifts that were given to us by the Holy Spirit. We commit ourselves to helping people find and use their God-given abilities to serve Him within the context of The Refuge Owasso, and in our community. We value excellence in our service for God. Our greatest desire is that our God is honored through every part of our service for Him and in our motivation, preparation, and participation. In serving Christ, love will always be our motivation and excellence will always be our goal. We hope that every part of our service will reflect the honor and glory due to God, who, without reservation, gave His very best for us. (Mark 10:45; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Peter 4:9-11; James 2:18; Ephesians 2:10)
WE VALUE DISCIPLESHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
We value discipleship and spiritual growth. Why? Because it is God’s will that we grow and mature in our faith. Many Christians are a mile wide and an inch deep when it comes to their spiritual maturity. Becoming a disciple and a following learner of Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christ’s desire for all believers. From the moment of spiritual birth to spiritual maturity, we will help people in their desire to be wholly devoted followers of Christ. Just as the early disciples responded to the Great Commission of Jesus, we will spend our lives helping people grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ. We will help them and lead them in becoming mature in their faith, teaching them to feed themselves, and taking responsibility for their own spiritual growth. (Colossians 1:9-10; Philippians 1:6; Matthew 5:6; 1 Peter 2:1-25; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22-23)
WE VALUE PRAYER AND WORSHIP
We value corporate prayer and inspiring, meaningful, Spirit-led worship services. We further encourage practicing a lifestyle of prayer and worship individually. Why? Because worship is not something that only takes place for an hour on Sunday mornings, but throughout our lives. We don’t value “styles,” per se, but the words that we sing and contemplate. We value the Spirit behind authentic, transparent, and Spirit-led worship that honors God, is scripturally sound, and edifies His cause. We also value private, powerful prayer that fuels the believer’s energy to see miraculous things happen. Prayer does not change God but rather it changes the believer. (Ps. 33:3; Ps. 40:3; Jer. 33:3; John 4:22-24; Rom. 12:1; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6-7)
Core Values (How We Keep On Track)
WE VALUE THE BIBLE
We value the Bible. Why? Because the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God; therefore, it is the standard of truth by which to live. We place an importance on the teaching of His Word in corporate worship and in small group settings. We believe the Bible should be applied and lived out in our daily lives. (Josh. 1:8; Ps. 119:105; John 17:17b; 2 Tim. 3:14-17; Heb. 4:12; Heb. 5:12-14)
WE VALUE PEOPLE
We value people. Why? Because all people matter to God and are made in His image. This means acting with patience, love, and respect in all our dealings with others, whether interacting with other believers or sharing our faith with those who don’t believe. (Gen. 1:27; Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 5:30-32; John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:2)
WE VALUE THE GOSPEL
We value the gospel. Why? Because we are all sinners and deserving of death, but God has provided a way of salvation through the gift of His son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, was crucified, was buried, and was raised on the third day. His death and resurrection paid the penalty for our sin and showed His victory over sin and death, allowing us to become children of God through faith alone, in Christ alone. He will continue His sanctifying work in us through the Holy Spirit, conforming us to His likeness until we are in glory with Him. (Rom. 1:16-17; Rom. 3:23-25; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 1 Pet. 1:18-19)
WE VALUE CHILDREN AND YOUTH
We value children and youth. Why? Because the Lord always had a special place in His ministry and heart for children. Here are the facts. The overwhelming number of people who come to Christ as Savior, do so before they turn 16 years old. That means, if you became a follower of Christ as an adult, you are a walking miracle. It also means, for right now, if these statistics are true, and they are, we need to put a very strong emphasis on reaching people for Christ while they are young. This means we need the best possible children and youth ministries on the planet. We don’t have to be better than everyone else, we just have to make certain that there are no better ministries to children and youth out there. It’s not about competition, it’s about doing whatever it takes to put our best effort out there. (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalm 127:3; Matthew 18:6,10; 19:14; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:12)
WE VALUE GIVING
We value giving. Why? Because Biblical stewardship reminds us that everything belongs to God. Therefore, everything we do should be done with excellence and accountability under God’s authority. We believe every church member has the responsibility to use their time, gifts, talents and finances to serve and support the church in its mission and ministries, here locally and all around the world. In addition to giving our tithes and offerings, God desires us to be faithful with all His resources. (Ps. 104:24; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:7; Col. 3:23-24; 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
WE VALUE COMMUNITY (SMALL GROUPS)
We value community. Why? Because living in community allows us to encourage and serve one another, bear each other’s burdens, share in each other’s rejoicing, guard against the deceitfulness of sin, and fully experience the body of Christ. We are accountable to each other as we edify and encourage one another toward spiritual growth. This is often best accomplished through small groups where people care for and minister to one another. We further value healthy small groups generating new small groups. (Matt. 18:15-20; John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42; Rom. 14:19; Gal. 6:1-5; Eph. 4:11-14; Col. 1:28-29; 1 Thess. 2:8; 1 Thess. 5:14; Heb. 5:12-14; Heb. 10:24-25)
WE VALUE HEALING (REFUGE GROUPS)
We value healing. Why? Because God is the Great Physician. Where we recognize that God is all-powerful, sometimes He doesn’t heal physically in the way we would want Him to. Ultimately, God will heal all His children when we meet Jesus face to face and receive our new bodies. But until then, life can be a struggle. In the meantime, we should always strive to find healing physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This happens in many ways. First, we should take care of our bodies through exercise, eating correctly, and paying attention to our body, soul and spirit. One strategy The Refuge uses is through our “Refuge Groups.” Refuge Groups are short-term study and support groups that are self-discovery driven and serve as a support through specific topics. One of many ways we find healing through community is with other people struggling with the same issues that we do. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Hebrews 6:10; John 15:12; Philippians 2:4; Proverbs 3:27-28; Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:2)
WE VALUE STRUCTURE
We value structure. Why? Because God is a God of order and not confusion. At The Refuge Owasso, we are Jesus ruled, elder-led, and congregationally accountable. Jesus is the head of our church as He is the head of every local church. He is also the head of the universal church. As such, He and He alone gets the responsibility of charting the course for all that we do. Through His revealed Word in Scripture, we have our marching orders, given by the King of kings. All that we do must flow from that authority and follow the guidance of The Holy Spirit by His Word. We understand that the Divine leader is Jesus Christ, and the human leader is the senior pastor, who also is the lead elder. Along with the other elders, they shepherd God’s people and equip God’s people for works of Christian service. (1 Timothy 3:1-16; Ephesians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:18; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Acts 14:23; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-5; Hebrews 13:17)
WE VALUE SHARING THE GOSPEL, MISSIONS, AND REPRODUCTION
We value sharing the gospel, missions, and reproduction. Why? Because it was at the very heart of our Lord and Savior. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He also came to train a group of disciples to carry on when He left to go back to heaven. And on top of that He told His disciples to go and make more disciples. Furthermore, we are to make disciples here at home and all around the world. The Refuge Owasso values reproducing itself whether it be new believers, new churches, new small groups, or new leaders and servants. At “The Refuge Owasso,” our budgets, programs, and our leadership will reflect a high commitment to outreach, evangelism, church growth and the equipping of the saints. (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 19:10; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:11-12; Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15)
WE VALUE SERVICE
We value service. Why? Because Jesus came to serve and not be served. Therefore, as His disciples we should be known for our acts of service and good works. This includes serving those in the body of Christ and those outside the body of Christ. We have a strong emphasis on serving our community in hope that we can share the gospel of God’s love with them through our words, but also through our actions. We believe that every believer is endowed with certain unique spiritual abilities and spiritual gifts that were given to us by the Holy Spirit. We commit ourselves to helping people find and use their God-given abilities to serve Him within the context of The Refuge Owasso, and in our community. We value excellence in our service for God. Our greatest desire is that our God is honored through every part of our service for Him and in our motivation, preparation, and participation. In serving Christ, love will always be our motivation and excellence will always be our goal. We hope that every part of our service will reflect the honor and glory due to God, who, without reservation, gave His very best for us. (Mark 10:45; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 25:35-40; 1 Peter 4:9-11; James 2:18; Ephesians 2:10)
WE VALUE DISCIPLESHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
We value discipleship and spiritual growth. Why? Because it is God’s will that we grow and mature in our faith. Many Christians are a mile wide and an inch deep when it comes to their spiritual maturity. Becoming a disciple and a following learner of Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christ’s desire for all believers. From the moment of spiritual birth to spiritual maturity, we will help people in their desire to be wholly devoted followers of Christ. Just as the early disciples responded to the Great Commission of Jesus, we will spend our lives helping people grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ. We will help them and lead them in becoming mature in their faith, teaching them to feed themselves, and taking responsibility for their own spiritual growth. (Colossians 1:9-10; Philippians 1:6; Matthew 5:6; 1 Peter 2:1-25; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Galatians 5:22-23)
WE VALUE PRAYER AND WORSHIP
We value corporate prayer and inspiring, meaningful, Spirit-led worship services. We further encourage practicing a lifestyle of prayer and worship individually. Why? Because worship is not something that only takes place for an hour on Sunday mornings, but throughout our lives. We don’t value “styles,” per se, but the words that we sing and contemplate. We value the Spirit behind authentic, transparent, and Spirit-led worship that honors God, is scripturally sound, and edifies His cause. We also value private, powerful prayer that fuels the believer’s energy to see miraculous things happen. Prayer does not change God but rather it changes the believer. (Ps. 33:3; Ps. 40:3; Jer. 33:3; John 4:22-24; Rom. 12:1; Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6-7)
Our Vision (In Five Statements)
• We desire to be a community of believers and seekers who provide a safe place and a safe process of healing for the hurting through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We live in a broken world. Since we live in a broken world, we are affected by the broken system of this world. Sin has penetrated every aspect of our lives. As a result, everyone has issues. Both believers and non-believers struggle with real-life problems. We desire to be a community where people feel free to take off the mask without judgment or condemnation. Thus, we desire to be a refuge, a place of safety and a place of healing.
• We desire to live out our lives under His Word, through truth, grace, mercy, and compassion. The Refuge Owasso finds its authority in the Word of God. Therefore, we desire to live out our lives through truth, grace, mercy, and compassion as Jesus lived out His life when He walked on this earth. Jesus didn’t come for the healthy, or for those who thought they had it all together. He came for the sick and for those who knew they were not well. It is our desire to emulate Jesus in this life as we prepare for His return.
• We desire to be a blessing to people, the city, other churches, and organizations in the community. Therefore, we will regularly ask the questions, “How can we serve and how we can pray for you?” We will do this through service projects and developing a systematic way to pray for individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, and for the community at large.
• We desire to build relationships and bridges with the unchurched to engage them in meaningful spiritual conversations, sharing the gospel with them verbally, leading them to Christ, and personally discipling them to reach other hurting people. Our vision is not to grow off the back of other churches but to engage the lost and unchurched in our community. We desire to repair the damage done with people who have been burned by the established church or who have been disillusioned and disenfranchised with and by the established church. We want to have a significant impact in their lives individually, and on our community collectively, one person at a time.
• We desire to be a part of a church planting movement by being involved in 50 new church plants in our first 10 years of existence. We desire to be part of planting new churches here in Owasso, Oklahoma, our country, and around the world. We would like to be a part of 50 new church plants in our first 10 years of existence.
• We desire to be a community of believers and seekers who provide a safe place and a safe process of healing for the hurting through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We live in a broken world. Since we live in a broken world, we are affected by the broken system of this world. Sin has penetrated every aspect of our lives. As a result, everyone has issues. Both believers and non-believers struggle with real-life problems. We desire to be a community where people feel free to take off the mask without judgment or condemnation. Thus, we desire to be a refuge, a place of safety and a place of healing.
• We desire to live out our lives under His Word, through truth, grace, mercy, and compassion. The Refuge Owasso finds its authority in the Word of God. Therefore, we desire to live out our lives through truth, grace, mercy, and compassion as Jesus lived out His life when He walked on this earth. Jesus didn’t come for the healthy, or for those who thought they had it all together. He came for the sick and for those who knew they were not well. It is our desire to emulate Jesus in this life as we prepare for His return.
• We desire to be a blessing to people, the city, other churches, and organizations in the community. Therefore, we will regularly ask the questions, “How can we serve and how we can pray for you?” We will do this through service projects and developing a systematic way to pray for individuals, businesses, organizations, churches, and for the community at large.
• We desire to build relationships and bridges with the unchurched to engage them in meaningful spiritual conversations, sharing the gospel with them verbally, leading them to Christ, and personally discipling them to reach other hurting people. Our vision is not to grow off the back of other churches but to engage the lost and unchurched in our community. We desire to repair the damage done with people who have been burned by the established church or who have been disillusioned and disenfranchised with and by the established church. We want to have a significant impact in their lives individually, and on our community collectively, one person at a time.
• We desire to be a part of a church planting movement by being involved in 50 new church plants in our first 10 years of existence. We desire to be part of planting new churches here in Owasso, Oklahoma, our country, and around the world. We would like to be a part of 50 new church plants in our first 10 years of existence.
One God
There is one God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; who subsists in unity, and as three separate distinct Persons. (John 14:7-16; Genesis 1:1; 1:26-27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28-29; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
Jesus Christ
God’s Son Jesus Christ is God's Son. He was born of a virgin as both God and man, lived a sinless life, died to atone for the sins of human beings, was buried, arose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and will literally return to earth. (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; 53:5-6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 1:3-4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14-15; Titus 2:13)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the divine helper, assistant, counselor and instructor. His work is to reveal Christ, convict of sin, lead to repentance, guide believers, comfort, strengthen, and sanctify the soul. (2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13; 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; 5:25; Galatians 5:25)
The Bible
The Bible is God’s Holy Word, is without error, and is the sole authority for life. (Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Created Man’s Need for God
Human beings are the special creations of God, made in His image. They fell through the sin of the first man, Adam, and all human beings are sinners in need of salvation. (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6; 59:1-2; Romans 3:23)
Salvation
Salvation is a gift through repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. Every person who truly is saved is eternally secure in the Lord Jesus Christ and will spend eternity in heaven, while those who die in their sins will spend eternity in hell. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 14:6; 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1)
Baptism
Baptism is by immersion after salvation and is done in obedience to Jesus Christ’s command. (Matthew 3:15-17; Acts 2:38)
Believer’s Access to God
Each believer has direct access to God through the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:19; Ephesians 3:12)
The Church
The Church is a local body of baptized believers with the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:27-29; 1 Corinthians 12:27-29; Ephesians 1:21-23; 3:20-22; 4:1-3; 5:21-27; Colossians 1:17-19)
Read The Baptist Faith and Message for our full statement of faith.
