Refuge Church Ojai Valley

In a world full of competing loyalties — religion, culture, comfort, success — Jesus doesn’t ask for part of us. He invites all of us. This Palm Sunday, we’re stepping into the tension of a crowd that shouted “Hosanna” one day and “Crucify Him” just days later. As we open Scripture, we’ll wrestle with an honest question: what are we really sold out to? Is it Jesus… or something we’ve built around...

In a culture full of mixed messages about identity, love, and sexuality, God offers something different — something better. This week, we’re talking about holiness — not as restriction, but as invitation. An invitation into a life marked by honor, freedom, and wholeness. As we open Scripture, we’ll explore how God’s design for our lives is rooted in His love, His wisdom, and His desire to protect...

Transformation isn’t just about changing habits — it’s about becoming more like Jesus in every part of our lives. This week in our “Christians Are…” series, we explore how God works in us to shape our hearts, minds, and communities with our associate pastor Zack Totten. From receiving the Word with joy, to turning away from the patterns of the world, God’s Spirit is at work making us new, reflecti...

Encouragement might sound simple — maybe even a little soft. But in the kingdom of God, encouragement is anything but small. Scripture calls believers to build one another up in ways that are bold, intentional, and deeply transformative. The kind of encouragement Christians are called to isn’t about surface-level positivity — it’s about strengthening faith, reminding each other of truth, and point...

What does godly leadership actually look like? In a world that often elevates platform over character, Scripture calls Christian leaders to something deeper — lives marked by integrity, devotion, holiness, and humility. Leadership in God’s kingdom starts at home, flows from a surrendered life, and is shaped by a commitment to guard the Gospel and care for people well. This message in our “Christia...

Following Jesus doesn’t mean we ignore the reality of the battle around us — it means we learn to see it clearly. This week we talk about spiritual warfare: the unseen struggle, the very real resistance to our faith, and the power God has given us to stand firm. Not with fear, not fighting the wrong enemies, and never on our own — but strengthened by His Spirit and anchored in His victory. Join us...

Every life is telling a story. The question is—what story is yours pointing to? This week, as we continue our journey through Thessalonians, we’re talking about what it means to live as people shaped by God’s mission, formed by His truth, and marked by a hope that’s bigger than our circumstances. Not perfect people. Not people with all the answers. But people whose lives and words point to what Go...

What if the Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength? This week, we’re talking about the Holy Spirit — not as a distant idea, but as God’s active presence teaching us, guiding us, filling us with joy, and leading us into real freedom. As we learn to listen in prayer and surrender daily, we discover a life shaped not by pressure, but by power. Join us as we open God’s Word and...

What does it really mean to live as a Christian in today’s world? In this message we launch our series into the book of Thessalonians and explore what it looks like to stand firm in our identity without losing humility, to submit our lives to God’s living Word, and to be people who don’t just read Scripture—but listen, obey, and proclaim it. God’s Word isn’t static or outdated; it’s alive, active,...

As we step into this year with a renewed mission to share our story with those around us, we’re reminded that God is still moving — and every story matters. This week, Felicia shares a powerful testimony of how God met her in moments of heartbreak and vulnerability, walked with her through years of searching, and faithfully revealed His again and again. When the world’s answers leave us performing...

We all say we want rest… but do we really know what we’re asking for? This week, we slow down and listen to Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 — not to escape life, but to find a different way to live within it. In a world shaped by hurry and pressure, we’re exploring what true rest actually is, why it feels so hard to receive, and what it reveals about our hearts. If you’re tired, worn down, o...

What does it really mean to repent? Repentance is often misunderstood as feeling bad, making promises, or trying harder—but the Bible paints a much deeper and more hopeful picture. In this sermon, we explore what repentance truly is, what it is not, and why taking sin seriously is not about shame, fear, or earning God’s favor. Instead, we’ll see how repentance flows from God’s mercy, leads to real...

Three Guys… and THE Guy. In this message, we look at three reasons Scripture gives us for fasting — and why it still matters today. Mordecai teaches us to fast in the middle of real, physical need. Daniel shows us how fasting sharpens us for spiritual battles. David reminds us that fasting can be an act of repentance when sin is real and present. This isn’t about earning God’s attention or proving...

What if I told you… He is here? In this message from our What If I Told You? Advent series, our Pastors, Kyle Costello and Derry Brooks, explore why the Christmas story is not just something we feel — it’s something we can trust. Together, we look at the testimony of the Father about the Son, the testimony of Scripture, and the testimony of the Holy Spirit, showing how God has revealed Himself in...

What if it’s true… that He is Eternal? Today we’re diving into John 1 and the Genesis story to see that Jesus—the One who came in a manger—has been there from the very beginning. The Word who spoke creation into existence is the same One who brings life and light to us today. The Light shines in the darkness… and the darkness has never overcome Him. Join us as we explore the Eternal Jesus and what...

All Hail the King!  What if I Told You… He is King? He reigns over peace… and there will be no end. What if I told you that you can experience this King today? Whether you already follow Him, are ready to start, or had no idea—this week we invite you to encounter the humble King who is: A Wonderful Counselor – offering His presence, not just words. A Mighty God – conquering evil and bringing stren...

What if I told you He was humble? In a world chasing status, image, and influence, Jesus chose a manger, a quiet life, and a posture of humility that redefined greatness itself. And this Christmas, that’s not just comforting — it’s the best news for our lives today. His humility opens the door to real hope… both now and forever. Join us as we launch this series and look at how the humble heart of...

This Sunday, we’re reminded of the power of remembering and giving thanks. Time and time again in Scripture, God calls His people to not forget what He has provided. Jesus continues this with the Eucharist — a practice of thanksgiving meant to shape our hearts. Join us as we explore how gratitude transforms our faith, our gatherings, and our lives. Let’s be a people who remember and give thanks!  ...

This Sunday, Derry Brooks helps us focus on the truth that real power comes from the love and Spirit of God, not from anything we build on our own. We contrast our temporary “kingdoms” with God’s lasting work and look at how the Spirit empowered Saul, Samson, David, and the believers at Pentecost. From David’s cry in Psalm 51 to Moses refusing to move without God’s presence, Scripture shows that d...

This morning, Derry Brooks continues in our “In Ojai as it is in Heaven” vision series with a message called "Love as our Motivation". In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul explains that spiritual gifts, knowledge, passion, and even sacrifice mean nothing without love. Human love on its own is inconsistent and self-focused — but God’s love is completely different. God loves first, God loves freely, and God’s...

Zack and Diane Totten share how God’s calling doesn’t always look the way we imagined — but when we stay faithful to Him through every season, He illuminates our purpose in ways we’d never expect. #InOjaiAsItIsInHeaven #FaithInAction #Calling #Testimony #LightInTheValley

How do people like you and me actually make a difference? How do we help bring Heaven to earth? If God has us here for a purpose then how do we live out that purpose? #community #RCOV #ojai #god #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch

We let a lot of things name who we are and what our purpose is in life. Why do we give them that power? From the beginning of time God has been super clear about who we are and what our purpose is. Today is no different. When you follow Jesus you get a brand new vocation that trumps anything and everything the world offers. #vocation #mission #minssionallife #refugechurch #sermons #sermon #onlinec...

Every one of the followers of Jesus is called to open our mouth and speak about God. It’s convenient, or maybe comfortable to pretend that it’s a pastor’s job or someone on social media’s job, but it's all of ours. We can pray for the shalom of our valley, but we also must speak and preach shalom to our valley. #community #RCOV #ojai #god #faith #truth #Jesus #faith #onlinechurch

How do we follow Jesus if we love the place we live in? How do we follow Jesus if we hate it? He is pretty clear that no matter our feelings, the followers of God have a path and a plan to follow in how to seek the Blessing and Peace of the place they find themselves in.