About Gerry and Kim

​Gerry and Kim have been married for over 30 years and have raised five beautiful children. Gerry was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and attended bible college in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  After college, they packed up their family and traveled around the United States helping pastors start churches. In 1998, the Alston’s started a church in Owasso, Oklahoma and pastored there for eight years. After a couple more stops, the Alston family moved back to Oregon in 2008 with a dream to someday start a church in Benton County. The Refuge is that dream.

Senior Pastors Gerry and Kim Alston

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The Refuge is a church in Philomath, Oregon. Our heart's desire is that we teach and lead by example how to live an abundant victorious life and succeed in every area. If you don't have a church home, or maybe you've never been to church before we hope you come check this out. We'd love to visit with you and create new friendships. We are currently meeting at the Mary's River Grange Hall in Philomath. Hope to see you soon!

OUR MISSION

​Our mission at The Refuge is to be a community that passionately pursues God's heart and continually reflects God's love.

OUR VISION

​A church that helps those who are far from God draw near to Him, and those who are near to God fully live for Him.

OUR VALUES

GATHER: 
Attend Sunday morning church. This is where we find God's love and acceptance in community.
GROW: 
Make church attendance and daily devotion a habit. Join a class or bible study. This is where we begin to put God first in our lives and become a life long learner. 
PARTNER: 
Support The Refuge financially. This is where we begin to learn to put the needs of others first and trust God to meet our needs.
SERVE: 
Join a team. This is where we begin to learn how to use our gifts, talents and passions to serve others.

Leadership

Gerry & Kim Alston
​SENIOR PASTORS

Gerry and Kim have been married for over 30 years and have raised five beautiful children. Gerry was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and attended bible college in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  After college, they packed up their family and traveled around the United States helping pastors start churches. In 1998, the Alston’s started a church in Owasso, Oklahoma and pastored there for eight years. After a couple more stops, the Alston family moved back to Oregon in 2008 with a dream to someday start a church in Benton County. The Refuge is that dream.

Aaron Alston
YOUTH & WORSHIP PASTOR

Kiley and Aaron got married in 2014 and had their first daughter, Juniper Joy, last year.  Kiley works at Love INC, a local nonprofit ministry, and Aaron works full time for the Refuge as the Youth and Worship Pastor. When they're not working, you'd most likely find Aaron disc golfing or surfing and Kiley and Juniper nearby playing with their Chocolate Labrador named Maverick. They stepped in to ministry at the Refuge in June 2017 and are enjoying the ride. 
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Jill Williams
CHILDRENS DIRECTOR

Jill and Kevin Williams have been married since 2007 and have two beautiful kids, Hailey and Owen. Following a calling placed upon her heart at a young age, Jill obtained her Bachelor's in psychology and sociology, and her Master's of Art in School Counseling from George Fox University, while taking care of the kids as a stay-at-home mom. As a long time resident of the Philomath community, it is currently her joy to work full-time supporting children in the local school district and as Director of the Children's Program at The Refuge. In addition to leadership in the children's ministry, Jill enjoys her role serving as a vocalist on the worship team pursuing her passion for music and worship. Her family looks forward to spending many years serving and growing as part of The Refuge family.​