Our Mission
The Refuge Church is a new church in Cadillac, MI that began meeting in October 2021.
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Our prayer is that God would use us to create a genuine and caring community to belong to as we discover and respond to the transformational truth of Jesus Christ and his gospel. As we follow Jesus in his mission to Cadillac, our conviction is to...
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Embody the Gospel
Jesus calls us to be people shaped by the good news of his salvation that we might embody its truths in all of life. Our longing is to be transformed into such followers of Jesus that — when the world looks at us — our words and actions will point them to Jesus. (2 Cor. 3:18; 5:20; Eph. 5:1-2; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 Jn. 4:7-12)
Foster Belonging
Our God is relational and has designed us for relationships, and our pursuit of God is meant to be sought in community with others. Therefore, we strive to create a safe place for believers, seekers, and skeptics alike to find belonging as they learn what it is to become a disciple of Jesus and follow him in his way. (Ecc. 4:9-12; Mt. 18:20; Mk. 2:15-17; Acts 2:44; 1 Cor. 12:25-27; Heb. 10:25)
Radiate Kindness
The gospel is not only true, it is also attractive when on full display in the church. As a church family we are committed to displaying God’s truth in all its beauty and loveliness, knowing that it is the “kindness” of God that leads us to repentance. This same tone should be clearly evident in all we say and do. (Ps. 19; Rom. 2:4; 12:9-10; 1 Cor. 13:1-13; Eph. 4:15-16; 1 Pet. 3:15-16)
Live on Mission
The church does not exist for itself, it exists to do the work of God wherever he has us. Our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, relational networks... No place is off limits! But more than that, God also calls us to go to places and people we might not normally associate with for the sake of reaching all with his gospel. This mission is not just for the ministry ‘professionals.’ It includes anyone who professes to follow Jesus. Therefore, we prioritize our church’s time, energy, and resources for equipping and encouraging our members to grow as Jesus’s disciples where he has already called them to live and minister. (Mt. 4:19; 5:14-16; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 10:31; 12:4-11; Col. 3:23)
Expect Transformation
Our confidence is not in ourselves but in the Spirit to accomplish His mission in and through us. We prayerfully expect to see the work of his transformation both in the individuals that he calls to our church as well as in the community that we serve. Thus we boldly proclaim God’s salvation and accompany our words with acts of service and restoration that bring a foretaste of the greater transformation to come with Christ’s return. (Ez. 36:25-27; Mk. 11:24; Lk. 4:18-19; Rom. 12:1-2; 2 Tim. 1:7-9)
Lead Humbly
Jesus is the head of the church and he has given us his example of humility and sacrificial leadership. He alone qualifies, calls, and equips elders to care for the church in his stead. Following his example, our elders gladly submit themselves to an attitude of humility and service to the church. (Mt. 20:25-28; Jn. 13:12-15; Phil. 2:1-11; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; 1 Pet. 5:1-5)
Multiply Our Mission
While much of our ministry focus will be on this church plant and this local community, God’s mission is much bigger than us. His mission is to reach all peoples living in every corner of the world, and we want to be part of it! We are committed to multiplying our mission, particularly by supporting church planting efforts both locally and throughout the world. (Lk. 10:2 Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 3:6; 2 Cor. 8:1-14; Rev. 7:9)
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