Beliefs

Any human that thinks he or she has God completely figured out has made an idol of human reason. Refuge is a safe place where we can ask the difficult questions about biblical interpretation, science, sexism, racism, social justice as we apply scripture to modern times, without predetermined conclusions or simplistic answers. As we discuss, challenge, and debate each other, we can disagree and still be a community.

GOD

The Triune God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit; three persons within the unity of God’s being, who are equally divine, who know and love one another, and who from all eternity have together worked for our salvation.  The beginning and end of all things.  The creator of matter.  The author of life.  God has one nature, name, and being.

SIN

We are all sinners, as God finds us, guilty, helpless, powerless, unable to lift a finger to do God’s will, or better our spiritual position by our effort.  Sin separates us from God, and leads to death.  All human problems are symptoms, and our separation from God is the cause.  Sin breaks our relationship with God and each other and then leads to devastating consequences in the world around us.

The BIBLE

The words of God given to the prophets and the apostles, written down in the Bible, comprise the main way we encounter God.  To encounter the words of the Scripture is to encounter God in action. We believe this collection of stories, songs, poems, letters, histories, and moral codes weave together to form a complete story from first creation to new creation. With the help of the Spirit, we seek to interpret, contextualize, and live out this story even today.

ThE CHURCH

Following Jesus is a group activity.  The Church is made up of every person who puts their hope and faith in Jesus Christ.  It is a place where the first are last and the last are first.  We believe the Church should be a SAFE PLACE for ALL PEOPLE regardless of race, language, political persuasion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or any other factor.  All means ALL!

MARRIAGE

Refuge recognizes the sacredness of monogamous covenantal marriage for all loving couples. No matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. We affirm that God’s love knows no boundaries and celebrates the diversity of human relationships. We seek to honor and uplift the sanctity of marriage, providing support and care to all couples as they journey together.

ETERNITY

We believe that those who put their hope and faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity with Him.