ABOUT US
Welcome To Refuge
Here at Refuge you will find a community of faith where people from all walks of life can come together to worship, grow, and serve. You will find a caring and welcoming congregation, preaching and teaching centered on God's word, ministries to meet your spiritual needs, and truth filled, anointed praise and worship.
What We Believe
At Refuge Church, we stand firmly on the Word of God and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. As a United Pentecostal Church, our beliefs are rooted in the Apostolic message preached in the Book of Acts and lived out by the early church.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the final authority in all matters of faith and life.
📖 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The One True God
We believe in one God, who revealed Himself as Father in creation, Son in redemption, and Holy Spirit in regeneration—not three persons, but one God with different roles.
📖 Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 2:9
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He is both fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose again, and will return for His church.
📖 John 1:1,14; Titus 2:13
Salvation
We believe in the New Birth experience as taught in Acts 2:38:
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Repentance – Turning away from sin and toward God
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Water Baptism – In the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins
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Spirit Baptism – Receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues
📖 Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Romans 6:4
Holy Living
We believe salvation produces a transformed life. As believers, we are called to live holy, both inwardly and outwardly, and to reflect God’s character in all we do.
📖 Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:1-2
The Church
We believe the church is the body of Christ, called to gather in worship, grow through the Word, and go out with the gospel to reach a lost world.
📖 Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 28:19-20
The Second Coming
We believe Jesus Christ will return to catch away His church. This is our blessed hope and constant encouragement.
📖 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
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OUR MISSION
Our mission is to simply provide a refuge for the weary, to reach the lost, revive the hearts of God's people through the power of the Holy Spirit, restore the broken hearted by showing God's abundant grace and love, and to release believers into their God-given ministry.
WHAT WE DO
At Refuge we are committed to living out our faith in ways that make a difference in the lives of others through Godly worship, engaging Bible studies and many ministries. We serve our city by sharing God's love through outreach, and creating a place of refuge and encouragement for everyone. From children to young adults to our wonderful generation of middle aged families and senior population, everything is centered on equipping individuals to grow in their relationship with God.
There's a place for you here!
OUR MINISTRIES
At Refuge, our ministries are built to meet you where you are and help you grow in your walk with Christ.
Children's Ministry creates a fun, faith-filled space for kids to learn about God's love.
Young Adult Ministry empowers the next generation to grow spiritually and build meaningful relationships.
Rooted Ministry provides our elders with support, connection, and consistent fellowship.
Worship Ministry leads us in powerful praise, creating space for God’s presence to move.
Bible Study Ministry helps all ages go deeper in God’s Word and apply it to everyday life.
Recovery Ministry offers a safe place for healing and freedom through Celebrate Recovery.
Young Marrieds Ministry helps couples build a strong, Christ-centered foundation.
New Converts Ministry supports new believers as they grow in faith and confidence.
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Whatever season you’re in, there’s a place for you at Refuge to grow, serve, and belong.
Meet the Team
Senior Pastor and Music Director
Andrew & Hannah Williams
Pastor Andrew Williams started pastoring Refuge Church in December 2020. Formally, Refuge Church was known as New Life Church and this is where Andrew and his family first started coming to church in 2006. He was called to the ministry in 2008. Andrew and Hannah spent 8 years as Youth Pastors at New Life and in 2016 they went to Osage Beach Missouri to help start an Apostolic work in that city. They were there nearly 5 years before coming back home to pastor at Refuge. Andrew and Hannah have a passion for ministry, people and all things related to Refuge Church. They are dynamic leaders with vision and a call to the city of Bolivar. They have two beautiful children, Lilly Lewis, who is married to Konnor Lewis, and Madilyn Williams. They have 4 beautiful American Bully dogs, Romanov, Ryker, Remi and Ren. Andrew is a full time Master Electrician by trade and Hannah is a Computer Software Analyst. They both enjoy spending time at home with their family and their dogs in their spare time.
Care Team Pastors
Robert and Rebecca Baker
Robert and Becky are our Care Team Pastors. They have a passion for people, new converts, Home Bible Studies and guest follow-up. They are responsible for our Greeters, Hospitality Teams, Ushers and Guest Follow-Up. Robert and Becky are a vital pair and a dynamic couple with a passion to serve the kingdom of God. They assist the Senior Pastor with anything and everything he may need and are always willing to lend a hand. You will nearly always find them in the trenches, serving our people, cleaning something, fixing something, or loving on someone. They are vital members of Refuge. Robert and Becky have a beautiful family with 4 children. Robert is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Becky works for the City of Bolivar. In their free time they love to travel, hike, spend time with their family, host events and play board games and card games with their friends and family.
Student Pastors
Konnor and Lilly Lewis
Konnor and Lilly Lewis are newly weds who just got married in July of 2025. They were appointed as Student Pastors at Refuge just a few months later. They were both raised as Pastor's Kids and Youth Pastor Kids and both have a call to our student ministry population that is undeniable. They are already leading an incredible group of young people that are striving and growing under their leadership. They have tremendous goals for our student ministry that we can't wait to see come to fruition. Konnor and Lilly are also both heavily involved in our music ministry. Konnor is a talented drummer and Lilly helps leads worship. They both work full time jobs as well. Konnor is a leader at Walmart and Lilly works in healthcare. They live in Bolivar and are excited to start a family and grow their roots here. In their spare time, they like to go on dates, spend time with their family and friends, play video games and Lilly loves to bake and decorate.
Prayer & Recovery Ministry Leaders
Kelly and Karla Babb
Kelly and Karla are our prayer and recovery ministry leaders. They are passionate about leading both ministries, faithful and loving leaders. Karla also helps in children's ministry and music ministry as a praise singer and piano player. Kelly and Karla are servant leaders with a passion for God's kingdom and a willingness to go above and beyond in everything they do. They both love God with all their hearts and love people. They live in Bolivar and love to spend time with each other and their families in their spare time. Karla is a full-time RN and Kelly works for SRC in Springfield, MO.
Assistants to the Pastor & Music Ministry Leaders
Solomon & Makenzie Richmond
Solomon and Makenzie serve as the assistant to the pastor and his wife in different areas of need. They both are talented musicians and singers and serve in the music ministry in many capacities. They are called to the ministry and Solomon helps teach Adult Sunday School and preaches when needed. They serve anywhere they are needed including helping organize our community events and outreaches. They are a dynamic couple for the kingdom and we are blessed at Refuge to have them available to serve in their many talents. They have two beautiful children and reside in Bolivar.
Assistant to the Pastor and Pastor's Wife and Media Team Leader
Allison Baker
Allison Baker is a licensed minister with the UPCI and currently serves Refuge in many capacities. She is our Media Team Leader who does all things technical involving our livestreaming and media ministry. She helps teach Adult Sunday School and preaches when needed. She is a passionate leader and leads with a servants heart. She loves the kingdom and helps the Pastor and Pastor's wife with whatever they may need. She is always willing to serve in any capacity. We are blessed at Refuge to have Allison's heart and work ethic on our leadership team. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends and travel.
Sunday School Director
Morgan Hardin
Ms. Morgan is our Sunday School Director for grades K-5th. She is an actual elementary school teacher by trade and is a very gifted teacher, loved by all of our Sunday school aged kiddos. She does a fantastic job engaging them in the word of God. She is especially gifted at organizing our VBS every year and does an excellent job making it a fun and exciting time for our grade school kids. Morgan also helps with our music ministry team by scheduling all of our singers and she is a praise singer herself. In her free time, Morgan loves to spend time with her family and friends!
Marrieds Ministry Leaders and Sound Team Leader
Sheldon and Cassie Taylor
Sheldon and Cassie serve Refuge as our Marrieds Ministry Leaders and Sheldon serves as our Sound Director - making sure each service has quality sound to make the worship experience the best it can be. They both have a passion for young marrieds and have a vision to grow this ministry. Cassie is a praise team singer and Sheldon helps with the various projects around the church. They have 6 beautiful children - some grown and some still at home. They own a business and Sheldon also works for the Coke plant in Springfield. In their spare time, they enjoy homesteading on their farm and hosting gatherings in their home.