Where we have been. Where God is leading.

Our
Story.

For more than five decades, God has used ordinary people, faithful leaders, and courageous steps to build a church family rooted in hope.

01

The beginning

Our Past

John and Rhodana Morgans and family moved to Liberty, MO in 1971 and started having Bible studies in their home. Eventually, they were secured a house free of charge as a place of worship for the church.

On the first Sunday of 1972, the church began and held their first official service in the house. In February of that year, they became first church in Missouri to be a recipient of the United Pentecostal Church’s “Christmas for Christ” offering.

Learn more about North American Missions and Christmas for Christ →

The church moved to 1310 E. Hwy. 10 in a place called “The Party Room.” We stayed here for the next three years while the church worked to raise money.

Ground breaking event took place at our current location on March 25th, 1979, and the church became a corporation on July 2nd, 1979. The first service held in our very own building was on December 15th, 1979. The church is still located at 1315 Nashua Rd next to the Liberty water tower.

02

Faithful leadership

Great Adventures

Pastor Morgans retired on June 7th, 2009 after almost 40 years of service unto God and the church. Gary Dornbach was voted in as the new pastor, and he and his wife, Jaqueline, and their 7-month old daughter, Kiera, moved to Missouri from Wisconsin to become Lead Pastor.

The United Pentecostal Church of Liberty changed its name to “Refuge Church.” Refuge Church is still a proud member of the United Pentecostal Church International organization.

Learn more about the United Pentecostal Church International →

03

The story continues

Our Present

Our church has witnessed consistent growth over the past decade! In anticipation of future expansion:

Refuge Church leadership realized the church would soon be outgrowing its current space, so they launched a Stewardship Campaign to begin saving to purchase a new location and prepare for the next stage of growth.

We will put the information about the new location in north Independence and launching a daughter work in Excelsior Springs.

Pastors James and Sarah Chester at Refuge Church

James and Sarah Chester were elected Pastors of Refuge Church in Excelsior Springs.

A Life Made New

The next chapter has room for you.

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