The Church: A Place of Refuge

Helpful Resources

Scriptual Foundation

Psalm 46:1-3: God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. 2 That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, 3 when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah 

Proverbs 18:10: The Lord’s name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge. 

Isaiah 25:4: You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in distress, a hiding place from the storm, a shade from the heat. When the breath of tyrants is like a winter storm

Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Put on my yoke and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. 30 My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light. 

Hebrews 6:18: So, these are two things that don’t change, because it’s impossible for God to lie. He did this so that we, who have taken refuge in him, can be encouraged to grasp the hope that is lying in front of us.

Psalm 91:1-4: Living in the Most High’s shelter, camping in the Almighty’s shade, 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God—the one I trust!” 3 God will save you from the hunter’s trap and from deadly sickness. God will protect you with his pinions; you’ll find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness is a protective shield.

 Isaiah 58:6-8: Isn’t this the fast I choose: releasing wicked restraints, untying the ropes of a yoke, setting free the mistreated, and breaking every yoke? 7 Isn’t it sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house, covering the naked when you see them,
 and not hiding from your own family? 8 Then your light will break out like the dawn, and you will be healed quickly. Your own righteousness will walk before you, and the Lord’s glory will be your rear guard.

 Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! He is the compassionate Father and God of all comfort. 4 He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God.

Micah 4:1-2: But in the days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house will be the highest of the mountains; it will be lifted above the hills; peoples will stream to it. Many nations will go and say: “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of Jacob’s God, so that he may teach us his ways and we may walk in God’s paths!” Instruction will come from Zion and the Lord’s word from Jerusalem.

A Wesleyan Theological Response 

In times of civil unrest, riots, or the threat of violence, Wesleyan theology provides a powerful framework for the church to serve as a place of refuge and agent of peace. The United Methodist tradition calls believers to embody grace, practice social holiness, and offer hope and deliverance amid societal turmoil. Drawing from Wesley’s understanding of grace, the General Rules, and the church’s mission of social holiness, the church can actively engage with communities to foster reconciliation, peace, and transformation.

Grace in Action: The Foundation for Refuge

Wesley’s theology emphasizes grace as God’s gift, empowering individuals and communities to act with love and mercy even amid conflict. This three-fold understanding of graceprevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace—enables the church to embody Christ’s love during civil unrest:

  1. Prevenient Grace: God’s grace is present before any human effort, preparing hearts to seek refuge and reconciliation. The church, therefore, offers a welcoming space to all, creating opportunities for conversation and connection amidst division.
  2. Justifying Grace: In a time of unrest, justifying grace allows individuals and groups to experience forgiveness and reconciliation , breaking cycles of retaliation and conflict. This grace calls churches to mediate peace between divided communities, reflecting Christ’s ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Sanctifying Grace: Through sanctification, believers are empowered to grow in love and holiness. The church becomes an instrument of transformation , helping communities move beyond conflict to peace and justice by modeling grace-filled living.

The General Rules: A Path to Peace and Refuge

  • Wesley’s General Rules—“Do no harm,” “Do good,” and “Stay in love with God”—guide the church’s response to crises:Do No Harm: Churches can reduce harm by offering safe spaces for those threatened by unrest and by encouraging non-violent responses to conflict.
  • Do Good: Faith communities should actively engage in serving those affected by violence, providing relief and resources to individuals in need.
  • Attend Upon the Ordinances of God: Worship and prayer offer spiritual sustenance, helping believers stay rooted in their faith during uncertain times. The church creates hope-filled worship experiences that remind the community of God’s presence and grace.

The General Rules: A Path to Peace and Refuge

Wesley’s General Rules—“Do no harm,” “Do good,” and “Stay in love with God”—guide the church’s response to crises:

Do No Harm: Churches can reduce harm by offering safe spaces for those threatened by unrest and by encouraging non-violent responses to conflict.

Do Good: Faith communities should actively engage in serving those affected by violence, providing relief and resources to individuals in need.

Attend Upon the Ordinances of God: Worship and prayer offer spiritual sustenance, helping believers stay rooted in their faith during uncertain times. The church creates hope-filled worship experiences that remind the community of God’s presence and grace.

Social Holiness: Holiness in Community and Public Engagement

Wesley’s concept of social holiness teaches that faith is not only personal but must be lived out in community. In the face of civil unrest, the church has a responsibility to address injustice and foster peace. This aligns with the call in Micah 6:8 to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” Churches must:

Advocate for justice while promoting non-violence.

Offer spiritual and emotional support for those experiencing trauma.

Partner with other faith-based organizations to create a network of refuge across the community.

Wesley’s Foundry Model provides a historical precedent for this engagement. The Foundry offered worship, education, and social services, becoming a beacon of hope in times of societal need. Similarly, today’s churches can serve as sanctuaries by offering emergency relief, safe spaces, and reconciliation efforts.

Subject Matter


https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism

PrevenientGracehttps://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/practicing-faith/being-vehicles-of-gods-love-and-grace-in-a-divided-world/

https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/christian-nationalism-in-the-u-s-1933

https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/peace-with-justice/peacebuilding

https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/vote-for-common-good-3145?emci=ea94b644-bc90-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&emdi=d73109a8-2f91-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&ceid=12347818

https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism

PrevenientGrace: https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-is-christian-nationalism

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/practicing-faith/being-vehicles-of-gods-love-and-grace-in-a-divided-world/

https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/christian-nationalism-in-the-u-s-1933

https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/peace-with-justice/peacebuilding

https://www.umcjustice.org/latest/vote-for-common-good-3145?emci=ea94b644-bc90-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&emdi=d73109a8-2f91-ef11-8474-000d3a98fa6b&ceid=12347818


The goal of our conversation is to encourage individuals and churches, collectively in their particular communities, to stand as beacons of hope and refuge in times of civil disobedience that may escalate into violence.

Grounded in the assurance that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), we aim to foster unity within and beyond our congregations, preparing to meet the needs of our communities with love, wisdom, and grace.

Our purpose is to explore practical ways to offer shelter for the vulnerable, care for the broken, and encouragement for the weary—serving as places where peace, safety, and compassion prevail, even in the midst of turmoil.

Guided by Christ’s command to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and by the example of God’s unshakable love, we will develop strategies that reflect the light of God’s presence, offering healing and hope.

Together, we seek to ensure that churches can not only respond effectively but thrive as sources of refuge, trusting that God’s peace will guard our hearts and guide our efforts in every challenge we face (Philippians 4:7).