What To Expect
We know it can be a little unnerving to try something new, especially when you’re not exactly sure about the details that matter to you. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the church to give you a glimpse at what theRefuge looks like week to week.
Who comes to theRefuge?
What you’ll encounter when you visit theRefuge is a community where people seek to know and love God, live in community with others and see God transform the world by serving our city as we think Jesus would. Practically speaking, that means some of us are checking out Christianity for the first time, while others have been in church their whole lives. Members of theRefuge span all ages and backgrounds. Everyone is welcome.
What if I'm not used to going to church?
Then theRefuge is just the place for you. We want theRefuge to be a comfortable place for people who are curious about God but have never felt comfortable in church. It’s a place where you can learn, apply and wrestle with who God is and what He wants for you. It’s OK if you don’t have it all figured out yet.
What should I wear?
At theRefuge, you’re welcome to wear whatever you’d like. There is no dress code, although the attire is on the casual side. Just be you.
What about my kids?
theRefuge is a family-friendly environment. We believe children are a blessing from God and a vital part of a healthy church. Children preschool age and younger are welcome in theRefugeKids area, located just to the left of our Welcome Center. Children in first through third grade participate in our 678Kids program. They will register at our Kids Welcome Area and then go into the auditorium with their parents to sing with our congregation. At the end of our singing time, they will then go to our 678Kids Room to study the Word from the same passage that you are hearing from in the worship service. At the end of the service, they come back to the auditorium and those children who have trusted in Christ for their salvation are welcome to participate in communion with their families.
What is the worship service like?
At theRefuge, we keep it very simple. Services are relaxed but focused. We don’t feel the need to be flashy or put on big productions for people to meet God. We believe that Jesus is enough. Here’s what you can expect during a typical worship gathering:
Singing
At theRefuge, we love to "make a joyful noise". Every week, we sing new songs as well as many great hymns of the faith – all in a variety of musical styles. We do this as a heartfelt expression of praise to God, as well as to build each other up in our faith by declaring God's truth in song.
Teaching
Each week, our pastor, Scott Benjamin, teaches us from the Bible – the Word of God. We believe the Bible is our authority in teaching us the truths about God. We agree with the Apostle Paul when he writes to Timothy that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
Prayer
We pray together throughout our time together. If you would like to have someone pray for you at theRefuge, our pastor will be honored to pray with you after the worship service – you’ll find him up front, waiting to serve you.
Communion
Jesus instituted Communion the night before his crucifixion as a way for His followers to remember the events that were about to take place. At theRefuge, we worship together as we celebrate communion together every week after the message from our pastor. We practice open communion – so we welcome all Christians who actively trust Jesus for salvation and who are willing to turn away from their sin to receive communion with us. Each week, you may come forward and tear a small bit of bread and dip it in the cup as a way to participate in and identify with the broken body and the shed blood of Jesus.
This is, however, an observance for followers of Christ. If you are not a Christian, you are absolutely welcome to come, be a part of the service, and observe as we proclaim the Lord's death unitl he comes. We are honored and humbled to have you as our guest.
Giving
For those who call theRefuge Church home, this community of believers is an opportunity to continually give our lives to Jesus to serve God and His kingdom. We do this, in part, by giving of our finances with an understanding that money is not something that is ours to begin with and God will do more than we could ask or imagine with what we give. We give, not out of duty, but as an act of worship. The apostle Paul teaches that our giving should be joyful, cheerful, and sacrifical, and not be done out of obligation or compulsion. If you are our guest, this time together is our gift to you and we ask that you not give financially, but that you turn in a guest card to let us know about you and if there is anything that we can do to help you in your spiritual journey.