OWASSO—A group of 120 people assembled in the Owasso Community Events Center March 1 for the official launch day of The Refuge, a new church plant supported in part by Oklahoma Baptists.

Owasso church plant, a refuge for the broken - Baptist Messenger of Oklahoma

Church planter Scott Carlson baptizes one of seven new believers at the launch service of The Refuge Owasso.

The first public service included worship and preaching, as well as a video introduction for guests and seekers to the new church’s vision. The church, which seeks to be a “refuge for the broken” also baptized seven new believers in the inaugural service.

Planting Pastor Scott Carlson explained in the video, “I love what Paul told the Corinthians. Isn’t it obvious that God chose men and women that the culture overlooked, and how He chose the nobodies to expose the empty motives of the ‘somebodies.’

“I love Owasso,” Carlson continued. “It’s a great place to raise a family. We’ve got great schools, great parks, great neighborhoods, great hospitals, great restaurants, great retail and just great people. But as great as Owasso is, it is still comprised of people who are hurting. I believe people need a shelter, a safe place, a refuge. The Bible says that God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”

Carlson stated he hopes The Refuge Owasso will minister to people who struggle with issues such as depression and anxiety, while advancing the Gospel.

Owasso church plant, a refuge for the broken - Baptist Messenger of Oklahoma 3

Members and guests snap photos of friends and loved ones as they are baptized.

“The church is supposed to be a refuge, a safe place,” he said. “A place of healing and restoration. This is why we are planting a new church called The Refuge Owasso. Our mission, our purpose is very simple: We want to bring hope to hurting people through a relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe everybody is messed up, we all have our issues. That’s why we need a Savior. Jesus said He came for those who are sick, not for those who think they have it all together. And if I, the pastor have struggles, you can be certain that you will be welcome here.”

For more information about The Refuge Owasso, visit the church’s website therefugeowasso.com