A Refuge Church

A Refuge Church is a place of protection and security in a time of trouble, instability and loss for exited pastors. It is where a terminated pastor and family work through their feelings of loneliness and rejection. It is a sanctuary where protection is given and strength is recovered. It is a retreat, a shield, a harbor, and a strong tower. It is safety and shelter. It is a shade from the burning sun, a port in the time of storm, a hedge to keep back the enemies of the soul. It is care and compassion taking concrete form in a people unwilling to let a pastor's pain go unaddressed and his family's needs unmet. It is an affirming, nurturing and restoration ministry to exited pastoral families.

In some ways, a Refuge Church is like the "cities of refuge" established in Old Testament times (Numbers 35:6-34). Scattered throughout the land, these cities were places of safety and security where a person was protected until justice could be assured.

Sometimes called a safe-house, a Refuge Church is a grace-based church, giving terminated pastors the freedom to be vulnerable and honest.

A Refuge Church*

*receives a ministry family into its fellowship and provides spiritual covering for them. Ministers lose many friendships, much of their prayer support, some accountability relationships and often they become targets for spiritual oppression. A Refuge Church provides much needed protection.

*assists a ministry family in the transition from the loss of church ministry to the future God has for them. Expenses are high. Income is low. Finding a job is difficult. Children look for new friends. A place to live must be found. Professional counseling may be needed. Health is neglected. A Refuge Church generally provides financial assistance for moving and settling in again in a new community, getting intensive counseling, when needed, and often finding secular employment.

*monitors a ministry family in their multiple adjustments, daily needs and spiritual well-being. Whereas ministry had generally provided an abundance of attention, who is to care now? The "fishbowl" life of a ministry family may be happily abandoned, but how sad when no one seems to care. In addition, marital strength is sometimes lost, recreation needs overlooked and spiritual well-being neglected. Refuge Churches care enough to intentionally and in practical ways monitor a family and their needs to see that health in every area is renewed and maintained.

*integrates a ministry family into the life of a church and com unity. Becoming part of the local church and community is essential. Connecting with leaders in the church is intentional. An opportunity specific for ministry in the church is offered.

*encourages a ministry family in their involvement in local and area functions of the church. Having been hurt by the church, they sometimes tend to avoid it. They sometimes feel cut off from the life of the church and particularly collegial events of which they were so much apart of previously. Renewal means participation and involvement once again in the activities of Christ's Body.

*facilitates the return of a ministry family to vocational ministry, when recovery is complete and a fresh call from God received. If not a return to ministry, at least the Refuge Church facilitates the resolution of dissonance and pain experienced by the pastoral family having left pastoral work as they did.

The Pastor-in-Residence Program spells out in detail how a church can shepherd a ministry family through their transition out of ministry and back again. It shows how a Refuge Church can impact a hurting pastor and family in restorative ways, providing not only vocational support but spiritual and emotional encouragement as well. Whether the cause of termination is burnout, illness, irresolvable conflict, moral failure or simply a bad match of pastor and church, a church can be the refuge needed until balance is recovered and spiritual strength is renewed.

Churches of every denomination are invited to consider becoming Refuge Churches. The staff of Pastor-in-Residence will provide the needed training at no cost to the church. Once trained, a Refuge Church will then actively seek an exited pastor and family to whom their church can minister. Contact us today >>

If Not the Church, Who? If Not Now, When?