Staff & Leadership

At Refuge Church we have a team approach to ministry and service. Most of our team members are bi-vocational, meaning they lead specific areas of ministry in addition to holding jobs in the marketplace.  Our goal is to best utilize the resources we are given while providing the best opportunity to minister to our community effectively.  We are blessed with incredible leaders that serve our church and community with excellence! Feel free to contact them if you have questions about the departments in which they serve.

  • Gary Dornbach

    Lead PASTOR

    Pastor Gary has been serving as Lead Pastor since 2009. He is originally from the state of Wisconsin. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Journalism/Mass Communication and a minor in Communication Studies. After graduating from UWM, he went to Christian Life College in Stockton, CA and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies (where he met his wife). Pastor Dornbach was given the "Ministerial Excellence Award" from C.L.C. upon graduating. In 2018, Pastor Dornbach then graduated with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from Urshan Graduate School of Theology in St. Louis. He was again blessed with recognition from the scholastic institution as they honored him with the first ever "David K. Bernard Award of Excellence."

    Gary and Jaqueline Dornbach married in November of 2006. They have three beautiful children. Pastor Dornbach has done missionary work, traveled the country as an Evangelist preaching and doing Bible study seminars, and has also done work as a youth leader prior to his current position as Lead Pastor. He is an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church International, and currently serves as the Missouri District North American Missions Director for the organization.


    Pastor Gary is also a published author. Click here to purchase his book entitled, "I Think I'm Called - What Do I Do Now?"


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  • bill foster

    Associate PAstor

    Bill Foster is an ordained minister with the UPCI. He is married with 2 kids and works in Cyber Security. He’s filled multiple roles in his 30 years of ministry including pastoring. He enjoys spending time with his family, working out, and reading. He is a wise and seasoned pastor who knows how to pray and does a great job teaching others to do the same thing!


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  • Jaqueline dornbach

    Music & worship director

    Jaqueline is originally from Paradise, CA. She began leading worship there at her home church at the age of 14! She is not only gifted musically, but she aims to focus everything she does as worship unto God. In addition to her service in ministry, she is a homeschool mom to three young children and she also owns an online boutique called "The King's Daughter Boutique." Jaqueline also oversees Junior Bible Quizzing here at Refuge.


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  • Chad & Tiffany Condren

    Youth Pastors

    Chad is a native of Bakersfield, CA, but he moved to Liberty, Missouri for several reasons including his career. Chad is a professor of Respiratory Therapy at the University of Kansas. Growing up, he struggled with his calling during his teen years, so he has a love for youth and a passion to help them stay on the right path as they discover themselves and pursue everything God has for them. Chad is also a recent recipient of a prestigious Missouri state award know as "Youth Pastor of the Year."


    Tiffany is originally from California but she moved to Liberty to be closer to her family. Tiffany is a Labor and Delivery Nurse and she also teaches nursing at Liberty's very own William Jewell College. She loves investing in young people and helping them develop their life calling.



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  • GAVIN & tASHA cOLE

    aSSOCIATE pASTORs

    1f you c4n r34d 7h15, you are just as crazy and goofy as Gavin and Tasha. They teamed up to serve in ministry together eight years ago as youth pastors in a quaint and adorable town called Mt. Vernon, OH. They are currently training two young disciples: the “sassy-witty-adorable Layla” and the “energetic-ruddy-funny Ezra”.  The Cole Crew hates bugs, enjoys adventures, and loves food, especially Chinese, Mexican, Soul Food, and everything else with an extra dribble of hot sauce. Tasha is an avid reader, story-teller and is naturally a teacher both in the church and in the public school system. If you're around longer than five minutes you'll come to learn laughter on a new level. Gavin, is a chess connoisseur, basketball lover, and chaplain.  #ColeCrew


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  • Rich and jenn huey

    Children's Ministry Directors

    Rich and Jenn are originally from Liberty. Rich received a call from God as a young man, and Jenn came into Refuge Church as a result of the bus ministry of the church. Their journey took them to Ohio for several years, but they are back and we are so grateful! They are creative and gifted, but most importantly, they love children!


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  • James chester

    Small groups

    James is a United States Army veteran, having served in active duty in Iraq. He was born and raised in the Kansas City area, but he didn't come into Refuge Church until his adult years. Since coming to Refuge, James has become a licensed minister, a licensed Chaplain and, certified discussion leader for "Celebrate Recovery." James currently oversees our Refuge Small Groups, and he runs our own Celebrate Recovery small group. If you have any questions about joining a confidential Celebrate Recovery group, or about any of our small groups in general, please feel free to contact James. 


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  • sarah chester

    Guest relations / BookKeeper / Office Manager

    Sarah was raised in Blue Springs, MO and she's just one of the kindest people you will ever meet... guess that's why she's in charge of Guest Relations here at Refuge Church! Her team is the first people you will meet at our main entrances, and at our Welcome Grounds area when you come in as a first time guest and receive a gift and a refreshment. If you have any questions, special needs for you or your children, or any special requests, feel free to contact Sarah and she will make sure you are taken care of with love and compassion. Sarah is also our bookkeeper and office manager. She does an awesome job keeping everything in order and taking care of many aspects of the church.


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  • Noah James

    technology and livestream

    Noah faithfully serves the church in any area he can. If you have any questions about podcasts, livestream, or technological issues with accessing or streaming our services, he is the guy to contact.


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  • michell munoz

    special events and community involvement

    Michell grew up in Refuge so she has a special spot in her heart for the church and the community. She oversees many of the ministries of Refuge Church that people don't always see but are vital to the success of the church. Chances are if there is a special event being held in connection with our church or with the surrounding community itself, Michell has her imprint on the planning and implementation of that event. 


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  • abigail pottker

    church secretary

    Abigail was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and moved to Liberty, Missouri to be closer to family. She wears many hats around the church so if you have any questions at all about anything, contact her and she will get you the answers you need (or at least point you in the right direction). 


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