How it all started...
Refuge 16 is a Global Methodist Church (GMC) plant in the Ross Barnett Reservoir area of Rankin County Mississippi. The seeds for this church plant were sown in early 2023 when a few friends gathered in their homes to reflect on events surrounding the disaffiliation process unfolding in the United Methodist Church. They began to pray and study the Bible together as a small home group. Over time God's call was clear to reach out and to plant a new church fully grounded in the authority of Scripture, the power of the Holy Spirit, and focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Expanding the vision...
This small group of friends and neighbors had realized they were indeed a home church, but the call they had heard was to expand their reach. Others in the community were asking to be informed. The first informational meeting for Refuge 16 was held in November of 2023; people who had inquired were invited to hear and to bring friends who might get involved. This call to plant a church was now confirmed as momentum built. More questions, more planning, more commitment came in rapid order! We searched for a place to worship; we searched for a pastor with a likeminded vision. More pieces came together. December of 2023, at Advent, was the time to go public -- the New Year of 2024 was the time to launch!
Where we are headed...
Beginning January 7, 2024, Refuge 16 began holding 11:00 a.m. worship services temporarily at Holly Bush Church, a sister church of the GMC located a short distance from the Reservoir area. Holly Bush Church had also formed a vision to reach out to their neighbors in Rankin County, and we joined in that effort. Our new pastor was announced on New Year's Eve 2023 at a special service of both new churches! Please meet............
