Induction

The Induction Center will be the first place of residence for men making the commitment to the discipleship process as outlined by Refuge Ministries. The Refuge Ministries Induction Center is a tool the Lord uses to give drug/alcohol addicted men and/or men who just seem hopeless and lost that are of a broken heart and contrite spirit a safe environment free from drugs/alcohol and any other worldly distractions, that the individual may pursue a relationship with God. It is an intense 30-45 day period that instructs the man in becoming a disciplined student of Christ Jesus.

As Induction Center Pastor, myself and the overseers lay out a comprehensive plan for positive growth, and show the men how to follow it by following us following it, in love. The 30-45 day journey is designed to discern who is broken and searching for a new life in Christ Jesus, by using the “Seven Characteristics of a Disciple” as a growth and evaluation tool. This is the first step in the discipleship process, with the word, “disciple” meaning “disciplined student”. Only disciplined students of Christ Jesus who have begun to apply these principles and remain teachable with a desire for further discipling will be invited to the next step of discipleship.

Phase 2

The Second Phase of the ministry, referred to as “the Farm Phase” and “a place of intimacy”, consists of four months in Vinton County, Ohio. The actual birthplace of the Refuge, the farm is 108 acres of wooded land in rural southern Ohio. While no actual farming goes on there today, there are remnants of farming and barns and out buildings are scattered amongst the acreage. Here, men begin developing an intimate relationship with God. With a strong emphasis on the study of God’s Word, daily praise and worship, brotherly discipling, curriculum and daily chores, men begin to trust and rely on God as well as one another.

At this point in a man’s commitment, there are monthly family days where all the men’s families come for a day of visiting and fellowship. Also, men can begin corresponding with their loved ones and receive weekly phone calls. In addition, the men begin working in Columbus with Third Phase men, every other week. In this aspect, the men begin slowly integrating back into daily life with the ability to identify areas in which they need attention and come back to the farm for a week of refreshing and help from their leadership and brothers.

Phase 3

Phase Three, known as the “place of application”, is the final eight months of commitment and is located in Columbus, Ohio. Here, the ministry closely resembles what most would consider “regular life”. Men work 40-50 hours per week and have much more freedom to make choices, while still under the covering of authority and obeying the rules and regulations of the Refuge.

Men have certain weekly requirements they must meet including small group meetings, meeting with mentors and curriculum. Also during this time the men get to return home for weekend visits one to two times per month. In much the same way that men coming to Columbus from the Second Phase have a chance to identify areas of concern and return to the farm, men now can begin working on relationships with those at home while still being able to return to a place of safety and brotherly discipling.

Internship

After the 13 month commitment, men who display a calling on their lives for true discipleship are invited into the Refuge Internship Ministry. This is a multi-level internship with men having the ability to work and earn a decent wage, go to school or continue schooling that was interrupted or learn a new skill in one of several different trades. During this time, the interns stay with The Refuge, housed alongside men who are still working through their 13 month commitment. The interns have the opportunity to earn their own money, pay a small fee for rent but most importantly stay connected with like minded men of Christ. The chance to pour into brothers who are coming up from the place the interns were is a win-win for everyone involved.