Meet Our Team
Pastors Tony and Bethany Winkler
Pastors Tony and Bethany Winkler came to Refuge Church (known as Vicksburg Church of God until August, 2008) in February 2001 and serve as Lead and Worship pastors respectively. A rich Christian heritage marks each of their lives; his in the Church of God and hers in the Assemblies of God until 1988 when she joined the Church of God. Although he has been in ministry since the age of 15, Tony became credentialed with the Church of God as an Exhorter in 1991 and attained the rank of Ordained Bishop in 2001. He has served in several positions including evangelist, youth pastor, associate pastor, and district youth and Christian education director before assuming the role of lead pastor in 1995.
Bethany has been in ministry since her early teens and began the credentialing process with the Church of God in 2004 and became a credentialed Minister of Music in November of that year.
Since coming to Refuge Church, they have cast vision, not only for the church, but for the city of Vicksburg as well.
Tony and Bethany have been married since 1988 and have three children: Jourdan, Destiny and Jarrod. They also share their home with three dogs: Midnite, Zacchaeus (aka Zack) and Chewy.
To contact them, you can write Pastor at pastor@myrefugechurch.com or Bethany at worshippastor@myrefugechurch.com.
Nathan Ross
Nathan Ross is a native of Vicksburg and came to the Refuge in 2004. He have served in various ministries including a teacher, Lifebuilders leader, Deacon of Transportation and youth leader as well as other ministry outreaches to our community. In late October 2011, he assumed the role of Interim Student Pastor over Catalyst and C4 youth ministries and has a passion for the youth of our city. Nathan enjoys motorcycling, gaming and spending time with his family.
You can contact Nathan thenewnathan@gmail.com.
Ted and GrayLyn Crotwell
Ted and GrayLyn Crotwell are lifelong residents of Vicksburg and came to Refuge Church in
1992. They have served in many different capacities of ministry since that time. Some of his roles have included Sectional Commander in Royal Rangers, Frontier's Camping Fellowship (Men's Ministry for Boys), Word Power teacher, Heirforce, Children's Ministry, Deacon of Maintenance, Lifebuilders, and visitation pastor. He received his Exhorter's License in November 2004. GrayLyn has served as Secretary/Treasurer in Women's Ministry, Girls Clubs leader, Heirforce, Children's Ministry, greeter, and nursery. They assumed the role of Children's Pastors in January 2007 and are excited about being involved in the spiritual lives of some of our youngest attenders.
Ted and GrayLyn have been married since 1991 and have one daughter, Jennifer Smith.