Ref•uge

(noun) A condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.

In the Old Testament, God tells his people to designate cities of refuge.

These were places people accused of unintentional murder could flee to escape an avenger and await redemption.

Later, King David writes as he is being pursued by men who want him dead, "Have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge."

At Christ Our Refuge, Jesus is our safety and strength.

We flee to him to escape danger. But unlike those Old Testament holding-pen-towns, he is an eternal refuge. One that lasts forever and comes with a sure verdict of righteousness and freedom.

No matter where you've been, no matter your hurts and pain, struggles or stains — we want you to know there's a place for you at Christ Our Refuge.

Meet Our Pastor

Pastor

Andy Westra

Pastor-Westra-Website
Contact Pastor Westra

Pastor Andy Westra didn’t grow up in Texas, but he got here as fast as he could!

He grew up in Columbia, Tennessee where his mom is a nurse at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and his dad is the pastor of the church he planted in 1990. Pastor Westra saw his dad in action sharing the love of Jesus with people, and he knew that was what he wanted to do, too.

He attended a boarding high school in Wisconsin called Luther Preparatory School designed to train future pastors. Pastor Westra continued his training for pastoral ministry at Martin Luther College where he received a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in biblical languages. He then attended seminary at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary where he received a Master of Divinity in 2019. During his time at seminary, he served a one-year internship at Victory of the Lamb in Katy, Texas, and his love for Texas was born.

After graduation, he served as a religion teacher and dorm supervisor at Luther Preparatory School, and also coached basketball. In 2021, he was called to plant Christ Our Refuge Lutheran Church here in Waco.

Pastor Westra enjoys playing basketball, hiking, and attending Baylor sporting events of all kinds! Most importantly, he loves digging into God’s word with people and being reminded over and over again that even in this dark and sin-filled world, Christ is our refuge!

What We Believe

What we believe and teach is rooted in God's perfect Word — The Bible. Because we know it never changes, we know we can find rest and peace in it.

God

We believe there is only one true God who is holy, eternal, and has all power and wisdom. In the Bible, God reveals himself as Triune - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:18-20

The Bible

We believe the Bible is God's Word. It's true and without error.

2 Timothy 3:15-16

Creation

We believe that in six days God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them thousands of years ago.

Genesis 1

Man & Woman

We believe that all people are special creations of God, created in God's own image.

Genesis 1:26-27

Sin

We believe that we lost the image of God when Adam + Eve gave into the temptation of Satan in the Garden of Eden. This separated us from God, unable to reconcile ourselves to him.

Genesis 3

The Gospel

We believe that the gospel is the good news that our loving God sent Jesus Christ to take away the sins of all people. Because of Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death, we are fully and freely forgiven.

Romans 1:16-17

Jesus

We believe Jesus is God the Son, born of the virgin Mary, and that he suffered and died on the cross to pay for all of our sins.

Luke 1:26-38

Salvation

We believe Jesus rose on Easter morning, conquering death. And because he rose, so will we. 

Ephesians 2:4-7

The Holy Spirit

We believe that the Holy Spirit creates faith in our hearts through the gospel.

1 Corinthians 12:3

The Church

We believe that there is one holy, Christian church, made up of all who believe in Jesus.

Ephesians 4:3-6

Baptism

We believe that Jesus washes away sin and people of all ages become God's children through baptism.

Galatians 3:26-27

Communion

We believe God's love and forgiveness is ours through Jesus' true body and blood in the Lord's supper.

Matthew 26:26-29

Life

We believe that because of Jesus, we have a full, free, forgiven life!

John 10:10

Questions? Contact Us!

We'd love to get to know you more. If you have a question about Christ Our Refuge, or would like to request a contact from our pastor, complete the form below.

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