Who are our Pastors?
Our pastors are a couple of ordinary guys who love Jesus Christ, and believe that He has called them to oversee (1 Peter 5:1-4) this fellowship at Refuge Calvary Chapel in Bradenton. Their supreme desire is to glorify Jesus in all they do and be used by Him to make His love and grace known to others!
Ray Dick, Lead Pastor
Prior to coming to Bradenton in 2005 to plant a Calvary Chapel church, Ray served as the Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel in Naples, Florida. As he & Elaine continue to walk in faith in response to God's call to serve in Bradenton, they are totally amazed with what God has already done in and through our church body. They trust that the Lord is just getting started and are filled with anticipation of what Jesus plans to do next (Ephesians 3:20). Their greatest desire is to see God's people passionately hunger and grow in His Word as they walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
It's been a crazy ride so far - one day he and Elaine plan to post their testimony on the web site. Like all followers of Jesus, the Lord has used a myriad of trials and life circumstances to orchestrate His perfect will in their life. Ultimately bringing Ray and Elaine to this exciting time in their walk. Ray & Elaine often say "they are living testimonies of God's Amazing Grace - how God uses the weak things of the world to confound the wise". Hallelujah for His Love and Grace!! View a WELCOME from Ray
Darin Shedelbower, Discipleship Pastor
Darin received Christ as a business man at a tent revival service at Sarasota Baptist Church approximately 17-20 years ago. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God has given Darin a hunger and a trust in God’s word, and a heart to Love others like Jesus. Before being called to serve at Refuge in 2008, Darin spent eight years serving the Lord in fulltime ministry as a Christian School Administrator, praying, counseling, teaching, serving and encouraging others in to seek the Lord & His word with all their hearts.
Together with his wife Liza and their four sons Elijah, Hezekiah, Nehemiah and Ezekial, Darin serves as our Discipleship Pastor. It is his hope that our church would indeed be a “Refuge” for hurting souls…a place of healing, safety & nourishment in Jesus Christ for both those who do not yet KNOW Christ and for those Christians who have been wounded or damaged in the battle. That they may be nourished in His Love and by His grace, be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and restored into champions for His Truth and Love…listening to His voice and obeying his word wholeheartedly!
