ABOUT US

COME • GROW • SERVE

We are here to welcome everyone in our community to a vibrant church where they can find a true sense of belonging. From this foundation, we guide individuals to deepen their relationship with Jesus through discipleship, community engagement, and spiritual growth. Ultimately, we encourage our members to take action by serving both within the church and in the wider community, allowing the love of Christ to impact lives well beyond our doors.

Our Sunday morning services start at 10am.
We also have children's programs that provide our kids a place to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

THE TEAM

Reverend David Bliss

Senior Pastor
In 2015, Pastor Dave became the Senior Pastor of Refuge Church. Growing up in Manteca, he has a profound love for the community and is deeply passionate about investing in the next generation.

Lisa Bliss

Events Coordinator
Lisa volunteers her time here at Refuge, providing oversight for all events at Refuge Church.  Lisa also offers pastoral oversight to Refuge Preschool.  With a heart for our community, she is passionate about building relationships and nurturing connections with those in the surrounding area. 

Reverend Michael Chiolero

Youth Pastor
Michael grew up in Fremont, California. He earned a bachelor's degree in Christian Ministries from The King's University in Texas. Michael has a deep passion for mentoring the next generation and developing young leaders within the Church.

Reverend
Kay Maxwell 

Pastor of Prayer
Pastor Kay leads the prayer ministry at Refuge Church, fostering a culture of prayer and guiding the congregation in deepening their relationship with God.

Alexis Cavnar

Children's Director
Alexis grew up here at Refuge Church, giving her a special connection to both our congregation and community. As our Children’s Director, she brings a big heart and joyful energy to everything she does. Alexis is passionate about creating a safe and fun environment where children of all ages can grow in their faith. 

Caleb(CJ) Dingle

Worship Director
Caleb (“CJ”) grew up in Stockton, Lathrop, and Manteca, later earning his B.A. in Worship Arts and Ministry with a Minor in Christian Studies from California Baptist University. He is passionate about making God known by creating spaces for believers to worship freely in spirit and truth.

Terri Souza 

Business Administrator
Terri serves as the bookkeeper and business administrator at Refuge Church, managing the church's financial records and coordinating its administrative operations.

Molly Malear 

Receptionist
Molly is the receptionist at Refuge Church, supporting the church's daily operations and providing a warm, welcoming presence to all who visit.

Stephanie Gentry

Administrative Assistant
Stephanie first began attending in 2012 and joined us as an intern from 2013 to 2014. Since then, she has remained engaged with our church community, and brings a remarkable level of organization to the office.

Jaden Clark 

Media
Jaden is our creative force behind the scenes at Refuge Church. With a passion for media, he strives to reach people with the Gospel wherever they are, using innovative and creative ways to connect with both the church family and the broader community.

REFUGE CHURCH IS AN
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH

WE ADHERE TO THE 16 FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD.
THESE TENETS OF FAITH ARE BASED ON THE TRUTHS FOUND IN GOD'S WORD.