Mission
We are a neighborhood church of refuge that is Calling all people to Jesus, Connecting them to His people, and Commissioning them out as kingdom citizens into our neighborhood, our city, and our world.
Vision
We want to be lighthouses of light that spread the light of Christ throughout the Eau Claire neighborhood.
Our Story
Leadership
Jarrian “JayWill” Wilson
Jarrian “JayWill” Wilson is the founding pastor of City of Refuge Church, a vibrant new church in Eau Claire with a mission to “Call all to Jesus, Connect as a Family, and live Commissioned as Kingdom Citizens.” This community was born from a vision God placed on Jarrian’s heart for a church that reaches neighbors with the transformative power of Jesus. With each challenge and triumph, City of Refuge is a testament to God’s faithfulness in building a space where lives are changed.
Alongside his pastoral role, Jarrian serves as a Church Planting Catalyst with the Metro Baptist Association, where he helps churches in the Columbia Metro area develop bold strategies for reaching people and planting new churches. His heart is to see his city filled with healthy, disciple-making communities that make God’s love known across every neighborhood.
Jarrian is also working towards a Master of Divinity at Reformed Theological Seminary, and when he’s not leading or serving, he’s loving life as Krystal’s husband and Zion’s dad—his greatest gifts besides the grace of Jesus.
Justin Gates
Justin is the Executive Pastor of City of Refuge Church. A Georgia-native, Justin moved to Columbia to study at the University of South Carolina. It was during his time in college that Justin came to faith and experienced the love and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
After graduating from college, Justin pursued a pastoral internship as he began to sense a call to ministry. Then, as Justin’s heart for the Eau Claire Neighborhood began to grow, he was sent out to join City of Refuge in December of 2022.
Justin has studied at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, where he has begun his Master of Divinity Degree.