Staff & Leadership

Jason Meyer

Lead Pastor
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“I have a deep and abiding passion to make much of Christ in all that I do. I feel overjoyed in my calling to love and lead the flock at Urban Refuge in the strength that God supplies.”
Jonathan Sutton

Associate Pastor
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“I'm excited to be part of a community of individuals doing life together, and growing in faith and their relationship with Jesus Christ. I love to see people exploring their faith, being discipled, and being encouraged in their giftings so that they can confidently step into the areas God has called them to be and serve.”
Tommy Wesley

Pastor for Worship and Outreach
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“I have been leading worship since the early age of 16 and have had several different ministerial duties since then. Through worship and outreach I desire to help contribute to people having an experience with the Holy Spirit!”
Scott Anderson

Executive Ministry Director
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“It is my joy to serve and facilitate ministry efforts at the Urban Refuge and beyond. I love to ‘equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ’ Ephesians 4:12.”
Katie Brown

Family Life Director
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“I want every child and youth that comes through our doors to know that they are loved, valued, and have been uniquely created by God to make an impact on their world. We strive to inspire future generations to claim their faith and establish their own authentic relationships with Jesus Christ.”
Jahill Richards

Church Planting Resident
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“‘Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which Jesus walked’ (1 John 2:6). As I look at His life, He walked as someone who loved people deeply and was a friend of sinners, the outcast, and the marginalized. I want to be just like Him.”
Angie Helland

Finance Administrator
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“I believe that when a church’s operational systems are organized, foundationally strong, and run smoothly the entire church benefits. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lean into my gifts and passions, and I’m blessed to be able to support the sharing of the gospel and God’s love and mercy to the Urban Refuge Family and the community beyond.”
Vicki Stone

Office Administrator
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“Having been at this church for a long time, Urban Refuge has become like family to me. Assisting ministries to become more effective and efficient is a joy! It is my honor to use my God-given gifts to serve others at Urban Refuge so they can excel in their gifts. ‘…Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.’ (1 Cor. 14:12)”
Hannah Brassfield

Youth Female Discipleship Leader
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“Having relationships with these teens & pointing them to Christ is one of my greatest joys. When I was a teen in youth group, I needed a youth leader who would listen to me without shame and judgment, honestly answer my questions, and authentically relate to me. It is my prayer that God would help me to be this kind of leader for the young women in our church.”
Jason Brown

Service Producer
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“No matter what else happens throughout our weeks, on Sunday mornings, the whole church family gets to take a couple of hours to fix our eyes on Jesus at the same time. It is my heart that all the background and technology pieces be in place so that this entire Sunday morning experience is as seamless and refreshing as possible.”
Chantel Marx

UR Kids Ministry Assistant
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“Kids are a huge part of the Urban Refuge church body, and we want to serve them faithfully. Thorough, safe, & consistent processes, volunteers who feel equipped, and smooth communication are vital for this significant ministry to thrive. I am passionate about helping provide this structure for UR Kids as we work to reach the next generation for Jesus. ”
Laura Glorvigen

Choir Director
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“It is my passion to help others connect with God through music, and sometimes that looks different for every individual. It is my aim to provide different musical styles and opportunities within our church that represent the multigenerational, multicultural, and multilingual body of Christ, because every heart needs to worship.”

Board of Trustees

Lead Pastor Jason Meyer

“I came to the Urban Refuge in November of 2021. It is an unspeakable honor to shepherd the flock here and partner with the Board to cultivate a gospel culture of love for Christ and love for one another. I still cannot get over how the Lord saved a sinner like me, and I spend my days on this earth absolutely drenched in mercy. I am still head over heels in love with my wife, Cara, and I am delighted to be a father of four children.”
Ken Sheehan - Chair

“Our family started attending the Urban Refuge In 2007. We were searching for a new church home where we could feel connected and serve alongside our neighbors and make an impact for the Kingdom. It didn’t take long to get connected and start serving. We were drawn to the authenticity, humility, and the love of Christ that was shown for one another, and to us.”
Elisia Kraemer - Vice Chair

“I began attending Urban Refuge in 2014. Soon after, I met my husband, Tom, and we now have 3 children. My desire is to live a surrendered life to Christ that allows His Spirit to work in and through me. One of my passions is to affirm the dignity and value of each and every person - I believe that each person uniquely reflects God and His character and is worthy of respect and love. My continued prayer for our church is that we are a body of believers that reflects the Kingdom of God here on earth and that continually grows deeper in our love and devotion to Christ and to each other.”
Tasha Ness - Secretary

“My husband and I started attending the Urban Refuge in 2007. Since then, we have welcomed three children into our family, and have put down roots here at the Urban Refuge, which run deep within this community. I have a heart for multi-ethnic ministry, and desire harmony, unity, and oneness within the body of Christ.”
Matthew Fink - Treasurer

“I have been attending Urban Refuge for 15 years, and I have spent nearly my entire life attending church in this building here on the corner of 55th and Chicago Avenue. I have been serving in the nursery since high school and with the youth group since 2016. It has been a blessing to see Urban Refuge grow and transform into a place where everyone can come together and experience the love that God has for them.”
Kenneth Young

“After almost 50 years of ministry, it is a privilege to be involved in a church that holds both a high view of scripture while also valuing multicultural community. I hope to encourage the growth and maturity of as many partners as possible here and Urban for the glory of our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.”
La’ Tia Coleman

“When I was almost 7, my father explained the salvation story and I chose to repent and dedicate my life to Christ. In 2018, I moved to Minnesota and started a ministry internship at Bethany Global University while taking courses in the school’s online graduate studies program. I first started attending the Urban Refuge in November 2018.”
Lisa Hallberg

“The Lord has given me a deep desire to love and advocate for the broken-hearted. His abundant love and mercy for me overflow my heart with compassion, care, and Christ-like love for others, especially marginalized communities and the hurting. I am humbled by the opportunity to love and serve the Urban Refuge family.”
Temi Ogunrinde

“I started coming to Urban Refuge in 2022. So quickly this place became home. I love the fact that you can’t type this church. It’s truly a place for all to come and feel welcomed. This church and its people have been a true blessing to me. It’s an honor to serve on the board and continue to make Urban a place that folks can enter in to be seen, known and loved. This is a place to worship together, fellowship together, and spread God’s love to the masses.“