Refuge Church Category
Living The Dream
Posted on November 20, 2020 Leave a Comment
In 2007 I had a dream from God. In that dream God showed me people my ministry would impact if I stayed faithful to Him. Blindfolded, God took me to the edge of a cliff. Then, he removed the blindfold and it took my breath away. There were multitudes of people as far as the […]
Let’s Not Go Back To Normal
Posted on October 25, 2020 Leave a Comment
Our church has now gone over 8 months without meeting inside for worship. When we do officially move back inside it will have been 9 months. This is very hard for me to wrap my mind around. Especially since I’ve never known a church to miss regular worship more than one week in a whole […]
140 Days and Counting
Posted on July 31, 2020 Leave a Comment
Sunday will make 140 days since any group has gathered inside the church I pastor. For our growing church body it has clearly been the safest decision. I believe I speak for most pastors when I say every week has been unprecedented. Churches in the south rarely ever close their doors for any reason. This […]
Trust and Obey
Posted on July 22, 2020 Leave a Comment
My body is extremely exhausted. I’ve been seeking to do way too much over the past 48 hours. Especially with some of my health battles. Ministry has never been busier and people have never been so broken. For me it’s very hard to find the shut off valve. Especially when you really care about others […]
Easter Will Feel Different
Posted on April 11, 2020 Leave a Comment
For the first time in 45 years things will be quite different. I won’t worry about what I will wear. I won’t eat lunch at my parent’s house. In fact, I won’t even be gathering with others inside of a church. That certainly doesn’t sound like any Easter Sunday in my past. Yet, that’s the […]
The Pastor’s Wife
Posted on March 28, 2020 Leave a Comment
I’ve lived with one practically my entire life. I grew up the son of a pastor. So, I saw early on the value of a pastor’s wife. Enough to know that if I was going to live out my clear calling from God. I needed to marry a woman of great character and faith myself. […]
The Time Is Now
Posted on March 26, 2020 Leave a Comment
I’ve not been writing like I have in the past. Now, I feel the need to process the heaviness all around me. In fact, who am I kidding. There are plenty of alarms going off within me. We’re all somewhere we’ve never been before. Honestly, you would think the sky is falling down. As a […]
Sometimes God Closes Doors
Posted on March 17, 2020 Leave a Comment
Right now most of our culture is in total disbelief. We hear nonstop news of this Coronavirus threat. Cancellations are happening every hour. Sporting events, schools and even churches are being shut down. This is a historic season that Americans won’t soon forget. Yet, sometimes God needs to close certain doors. Maybe God needed us […]
God Is Working
Posted on January 10, 2020 Leave a Comment
Dear Refuge Family, 8 years ago this church was only a dream and need for this community. 6 years ago this church started Sunday worship with just a handful of people and a God-given vision. Now, we have over 30 key leaders and many other volunteers. 240 souls worshipped with us this past Sunday. Over […]
Why The Church Must Change
Posted on September 18, 2019 Leave a Comment
What I’m about to say is something I feel very passionate about. It may not be accepted by all who read it. It may not be perfectly explained. It may not sound very encouraging. All I know is the church must change. Here are 3 major reasons why. TIMES KEEP CHANGING No you don’t change […]
To Whom It May Concern
Posted on June 2, 2019 Leave a Comment
I’m sharing this now before my nerves change my mind. Many have seen my constant struggle firsthand. The fact that a major slip and fall turned my life completely upside down. Leaving me with permanent nerve damage throughout my lower body. This has totally exposed my humanity. It’s made me feel very low and less […]
Pastor’s Wives
Posted on December 3, 2018 1 Comment
I know two pastor’s wives really well. One gave birth to me and raised me. The other married me and continues to raise me. I’m pretty certain my mom and wife would confirm I’m not joking about the continual raising me part. So, I’ve had two unique view points of pastors wives. I’ve seen one […]
I’m Going On Strike
Posted on November 15, 2018 Leave a Comment
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough. We live in a society that puts too much undeserved pressure on people. Everybody wants things to happen overnight. There’s never enough hours in the day mentality. You’ve gotta do it all and have it all now. Now, I’m all about seizing the moment in front […]
Dear Special Friend
Posted on October 13, 2018 Leave a Comment
I’m not sure where to begin as I celebrate your birthday. I’ve seen so much firsthand that I might could write a book. First, I’m gonna give a shout out to your pops. Apart from him being one of my hospice patients we would likely never have met. Before he transitioned to Heaven he just […]
PLEASE HELP ME
Posted on May 26, 2018 2 Comments
Last night I had a series of dreams. Not about imaginary things but of things I’ve observed in the past that still deeply move my heart in the present. In these dreams were people I had the joy of helping throughout Colleton County back when my health was much better. It was as if each […]
In Over My Head
Posted on May 8, 2018 1 Comment
Henry Blackaby once asked, “Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the […]
Way Beyond Me
Posted on April 1, 2018 Leave a Comment
I believe God calls us all to do things that apart from Him are doomed to fail. It just becomes more obvious when our limitations keep staring us in the face. For instance, I can hardly do anything now without sucking air, feeling like I’m falling apart, and just minutes in knowing I have to […]
We Really Did “Spring Forward”
Posted on March 11, 2018 Leave a Comment
Today was the biggest step forward in the life of this church other than the day this mission got started. Over the next 2 months at least 20 new Care Groups will kickoff. All of these groups rallied around common ground and led by God called leaders. These groups will be the roots of our […]
DON’T EVER FORGET: A GOD-MADE DAY
Posted on March 6, 2018 Leave a Comment
Today is a day I will never forget. In fact, to do so would be a total slap in God’s face. I’m laying here once again with my legs killing me and nerve pain running wild throughout my lower body. However, I can actually smile through the pain. Not a fake smile, but a real […]
Hoping For Change In 2018?
Posted on January 3, 2018 Leave a Comment
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the new year to begin. I realize it’s just another year and that nothing will dramatically change over night. However, I find we all need seasons of reflection, refocus, and renewal. We can’t just keep running on autopilot and expect things we never aimed for […]
The ELEPHANT In The Church
Posted on December 13, 2017 Leave a Comment
Before you even get started reading this article I need to make something very clear. I believe very strongly in the church and its mission to tell the world about Jesus. Therefore, nothing I’m about to write has anything to do with putting any church down or comparing churches. I only write articles after God […]
I Met A Little Angel
Posted on December 10, 2016 1 Comment
Recently, my 6 year old son and I ran into a lady who could barely walk to her car. The burden on her body and soul were so obvious on her face. The holy spirit within me said, “Stop what you’re doing and check on this lady.” Come to find out she and her […]
WALK WITH ME
Posted on August 1, 2016 Leave a Comment
Recently, God blessed me with a few days away from my normal outside distractions & demands. My main goal was simply to allow God to refresh, refocus, and detox my soul. I went into this time physically tired, emotionally overwhelmed, and quite honestly feeling spiritually stuck. I knew in my heart, God was calling me […]
What Is Your Secret?
Posted on July 25, 2016 Leave a Comment
The church I pastor has been growing rapidly over the past two months. In fact, all of June and July we’ve had way more in attendance than most churches will ever see on any Easter Sunday. I had a gentlemen recently ask, “What is your secret to success?” From the look on his face I’m […]
Why Go To Church This Easter?
Posted on March 21, 2016 Leave a Comment
I won’t tell you that not going to Easter service will send you to Hell. I won’t tell you that not going to Easter service will change God’s love for you. And, I won’t tell you that not going to Easter service means you don’t believe in God or His one and only Son, Jesus. […]
ATTENTION: Colleton County Unchurched
Posted on November 1, 2015 4 Comments
I’m sure this article will offend someone, but I can honestly say I have no selfish agenda as I write these words. If you already attend church this article isn’t for you. If you live in Colleton County and are one of the nearly 30,000 folks that don’t attend church, this message is for you. […]
My 5 Year Old Missionary
Posted on October 1, 2015 Leave a Comment
Recently, a dear friend and former next door neighbor become one of my hospice patients. We had not seen each other in a few years. The patient had not seen any of my growing boys in at least four years. I was grateful for the opportunity to see my friend even if it was […]
5 Things Your Pastor Needs You To Know
Posted on September 12, 2015 2 Comments
1. He Has A Boss. Yep, I have someone I report to daily. My boss sees everything I do and even knows my motives while doing it. Scripture tells me that I need to focus on pleasing God, not man. I have to let God lead me as I seek to lead others. A pastor […]
Are You Pastor At That New Church?
Posted on June 7, 2015 Leave a Comment
I’ve had this asked more than a few times. “So, you’re pastor of that new church?” My response, “No, we’re actually pretty old school. We just looked back at the Book of Acts and copied the early church. They worked together, operated unselfishly, and did everything they could to reach as many souls as possible.” […]
What Keeps Me Up At Night
Posted on October 2, 2014 Leave a Comment
We all have occasional nights we just can’t sleep. But, what I’m about to share with you has kept me up late night after night. That is until I know I’ve done everything in my heart to do something about it. Let me explain. I’ll never forget the words of an evangelist friend who prayed, […]
Something Worth Fighting For
Posted on September 29, 2014 1 Comment
Many fight over the meaningless, while failing to fight for the meaningful. Let me share with you something worth fighting for. Something you need to discover and then hold on to with everything you got. That something is God’s vision for your life. Most people, families, businesses, and even churches are living with no clear […]
My Son Almost Drowned
Posted on July 20, 2014 2 Comments
Recently, I was swimming with my two youngest boys at a local pool. Earlier, I told my 10 year old that under no circumstance was his 4 year old brother to take off his life jacket. Side tracked by conversation with someone outside the pool, I turned around to see my 4 year old gasping […]
Where Hope Rises
Posted on July 14, 2014 1 Comment
Everywhere you turn, someone is going through something. You don’t have to flip on the TV or your computer. Just walk across the street and talk to your neighbor. I can see that huge smile on Satan’s face as he’s convinced many that the best is behind them. Many Christians spend too much time talking […]
5 Ways God Speaks
Posted on June 29, 2014 Leave a Comment
There is no question that the same God who knit you together in your mother’s womb wants a close relationship with you. The question is never does God speak, but are you listening? Here are five ways God speaks to each of us daily and often. 1. GOD SPEAKS THROUGH CREATION. I can’t look up […]
How To Hear God’s Voice
Posted on June 23, 2014 Leave a Comment
Would you like to hear God’s voice? What if I told you God speaks to us all? That the only thing you need to learn is how to hear what God is saying? I sincerely believe that God speaks to us all, but we have to know how to position ourselves to hear His voice. […]
Uncharted Territory
Posted on April 24, 2014 Leave a Comment
I’m convinced that God is calling each of us to uncharted territory. To places we’ve never been, to do things we’ve never done and to trust him in ways we never have. Do you feel God tugging at your heart? Do you feel compelled to move out of your comfort zone, take up your cross […]
Don’t Miss This Party
Posted on April 13, 2014 1 Comment
Many throughout the world are looking for a party. That place where they can feel like somebody, celebrate with their friends and later say I was there. There is a party coming up that you don’t want to miss. It’s an annual party that many still don’t understand its’ significance, otherwise they would not […]
Tim McGraw Is Now A Preacher?
Posted on March 24, 2014 Leave a Comment
“I drank a lot from my point of view and I needed to stop,” McGraw said. “I felt quitting was something I needed to do. I didn’t feel I had any moral high ground with my kids in the long run.” I believe he has been sober since 2008. You know he is married […]
Why Most Don’t Go To Church
Posted on March 18, 2014 Leave a Comment
This is not what you think. It has nothing to do with the fact that churches are full of hypocrites. It has nothing to do with churches being stuck in their ways. It has nothing to do with churches being old fashioned or not caring about people. It has nothing to do with churches […]
My First Shot Of Vodka
Posted on March 15, 2014 1 Comment
Recently, I went to a local restaurant hoping to watch a ball game that wasn’t provided by my cable provider. I found myself a seat at the bar closest to the televisions on the wall. While doing something I rarely have time to do, I discovered God had greater plans. Part of this plan […]
I Almost Killed Myself
Posted on March 11, 2014 Leave a Comment
What I’m about to share with you could literally change your life. At the very least, it could keep you from hitting a brick wall that is straight ahead for any leader who chooses to ignore this truth. As I sat down with pen and paper and starting writing down all the things I […]
Don’t Read This, Love Satan
Posted on February 28, 2014 3 Comments
Over the past few weeks, I’ve never faced greater amounts of adversity in my life. Some will say its coincidence, but could it be related to my seeking to give God more than ever. While I’ve seen God do miracle after miracle around me and through me, I’ve been attacked every step of the way. […]
Confessions Of A Pastor
Posted on February 22, 2014 1 Comment
They say confession is healing, so here goes nothing. I was raised by two God fearing parents who did their best to raise us to have a healthy love for God, love for our neighbors, and live completely devoted to God’s word. Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect home. I […]
Why The Church Still Matters
Posted on February 13, 2014 Leave a Comment
The Southeast is known as the Bible belt. Churches are everywhere, but most are filled with empty seats. Seventy-five percent of all who live around us attend none of them. This is largely a reflection of churches not adjusting their approach to more effectively reaching out to this ever changing culture. Gone are the […]
Caught In A Storm
Posted on February 13, 2014 Leave a Comment
As I write this, I’m sitting in a house that is only lit by candle light. Like many of you, the recent ice storm has left our family without electricity. We all prepare the best we can, hope for the best, and yet feel in control of so little. Sudden storms often push us […]
Learning To Free Fall
Posted on February 11, 2014 Leave a Comment
I’ve never Bungee Jumped, Sky Dived, or Parachuted out of a flying object. I imagine it takes quite a bit of courage and a little bit of crazy to do any of them. In my right mind, I don’t plan on trying any of them. I am learning however to free fall. God […]
Pastor To Pastor
Posted on January 28, 2014 Leave a Comment
Dear Pastor, I pray this letter finds you well. If you’re like most, I know you stay very busy these days. Since pastors don’t usually have pastors I thought I would share some words we all need to be reminded. Things we must remember in order to stay healthy and effective as ministers. Here are […]
Before You Start Your Journey
Posted on January 26, 2014 Leave a Comment
Too many Believers want easy street. They just want to show up, wave a magic wand, and watch God work. I’ve often said that faith is doing all you can while trusting God to do what only He can. Amazing things happen when your faithfulness combines with God’s amazingness. Our job is to plant and […]
We’re Having Another Baby
Posted on January 18, 2014 Leave a Comment
I know we’ve already got four healthy boys, only four bedrooms in the house and not a lot of free time to spare. There is no doubt in my mind that God has led us to this point in time. Yes, it has been quite challenging with four boys 14, 12, 10, & almost 4. […]
Walking On Water Again
Posted on January 13, 2014 Leave a Comment
This is not the first time, nor will it be the last that God asked me to walk on water. It all started while working at a Summer Camp. I was only 18 years old when God called my number. He said, “Craig, I want you to follow me wherever I lead and […]
Why Did That Happen?
Posted on November 20, 2013 Leave a Comment
If you’re human and live in this world you are bound to deal with times that compels you to ask “Why Did This Happen?” If God is in control, why would He allow certain things to happen that appear so terrible to us at the moment. I would like to share with you some insight […]
Jesus With Skin
Posted on September 17, 2013 Leave a Comment
Everywhere I look there are people who are going crazy, not sure what to do next, and desperately praying that somebody gives a rip. I do my best to wrap my arms around all of them, let them know God cares, and I pray others are willing to do their part in being God’s answer to prayer. […]
What The Average American Needs To Hear
Posted on September 7, 2013 1 Comment
I consider myself a very blessed man. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a job that I love, a roof over my head, food on the table, and peace in my heart. So, what keeps me up at night? Simply put the Average American. You see the average American I know is struggling to […]
Are You Hired or Called?
Posted on September 4, 2013 Leave a Comment
Regardless of the job at hand, there is a drastic difference between those who are hired to do something versus those who feel called by God to do that same thing. I’ve often said, “Many are hired, but few are called.”Not everything is for everyone. Here are some things that separate the hired from the […]
Fear Grips Us Most When….
Posted on August 13, 2013 1 Comment
Looking to God’s word for help, I would like to share with you how we can each learn to live “Fearless”. How we can learn to FEAR NOT? First of all you must understand: A. Fear PARALYZES. B. Fear STEALS OUR JOY . C. Fear is NOT OF GOD. D. Over 365 TIMES, God’s […]
It Feels Good To Do Good
Posted on August 11, 2013 2 Comments
As I write this I’ve just gotten home from an annual event called Do Good Day. Today many came together from all over to accomplish something worthwhile. A group called Do Gooders has for the last six years chosen to help someone within their community who is battling for their life and is in great […]
WARNING: Don’t Visit Refuge Church
Posted on July 22, 2013 1 Comment
This past Sunday, Refuge Church celebrated its 1st year anniversary. Since kicking off morning worship @ the Colleton Recreation Center, Refuge has seen hundreds come through those doors. This church is designed for the multitude of unchurched living both in and around Colleton County. Now, before you or someone you love comes to visit, I […]
Seize The Moment
Posted on June 3, 2013 Leave a Comment
Refuge Church Message Notes: June 2, 2013 Series: God’s Will Is … Message: SEIZE THE MOMENT A. Yesterday is GONE. (One Author I was reading recently wrote) “The fact that we live to see a new day is an opportunity to praise God. When we arise, we can command our day to be all that God has created […]
Can I Hear God’s Voice?
Posted on May 7, 2013 Leave a Comment
Many people wonder “Does God Speak?” And, if so, “Can I hear His Voice?” I believe we can say a strong YES to both of those questions. I’m not sure who’s reading this a believer or non-believer. But, no matter who you are God has a message for you. Throughout scripture we find that […]
WHY I JUST CAN’T WAIT?
Posted on March 20, 2013 Leave a Comment
Its after midnight and I should be sleeping. However, my spirit is so stirred within as I prepare for the second pre-launch worship service for Refuge Church. Maybe God would have you visit, maybe God would have you pray, or maybe God would have you support this new work in some other way. I don’t […]
What Its Like Being A Pastor
Posted on March 3, 2013 1 Comment
I typically don’t write anything like this for people to read. But, for some reason I was compelled to tonight. I find that most people haven’t got a clue as to all their pastor puts up with from them and others. I hope this note is enlightening, not just the sounds of someone rambling. […]
WE MUST WAKE UP
Posted on February 22, 2013 1 Comment
What I’m about to share with you keeps me up at night, wakes me up in the morning, and burns in my heart like nothing I can describe. Thousands around us are crying out for someone to care and for someone to share a hope that can’t be taken away by this world. I can’t […]
TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR THE CHURCH
Posted on January 23, 2013 1 Comment
DEAR CHURCH, Those who have believed, received, and confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord of your lives. We are the “Called Out Ones” who have been entrusted with the mission of making Jesus known all throughout the world. This is a tall order, but Jesus promised we would never be alone on this journey. The following […]
I HAD A DREAM
Posted on January 18, 2013 Leave a Comment
I’ve never been one to put much stock in dreams. Yes, I believe in having goals and ambition, but dreams have always been sketchy to me. Maybe that’s because I’ve had so many meaningless dreams after eating some late night burgers. I had a dream a some years ago that has made me believe that […]
Vision/Interest Meeting 1
Posted on January 7, 2013 Leave a Comment
Great turnout for our cookout/vision interest meeting tonight. I’ve posted this for those of you who weren’t able to join us, but still planned to be involved! Here are the actual minutes from what I shared at the first meeting. God bless and please keep this all in your prayers! REFUGE CHURCH Vision/Interest Cookout January […]
CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU
Posted on January 2, 2013 Leave a Comment
Well, many of you have confirmed that you’ll be attending this Sunday’s Vision/Interest Cookout for Refuge Church. I can’t wait to see you, your family and friends. I have prayed and processed for some time leading up to this event. Just want you to know the following before you come this way…. #1: I appreciate your support. […]
10 REASONS I’M STARTING REFUGE CHURCH
Posted on December 18, 2012 Leave a Comment
Many know that I’m not that guy who is seeking to make a name for himself. In fact, I’m that guy that totally agrees with the experts who say, “If you can do anything other than start a church, go do it!” Why? Because I know personally it will take sweat, tears, patience, faith and […]
HOW WILL REFUGE CHURCH BE DIFFERENT?
Posted on November 29, 2012 Leave a Comment
This is actually too big of question to answer in just one article, but I will make this as clear and simple as I can through this brief note. The following has nothing to do with what strategies or programs we will have at Refuge Church. Instead, this is about clarifying the vision that will […]
I’m Starting A New Church
Posted on November 28, 2012 3 Comments
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 17 months ago that I stepped away from being a local church pastor. After being on church staff for nearly 18 years God led me to take a much needed break and reflection time. During my time away from the pulpit I was reminded of many things… a […]
Pastor Craig Crosby 