Stephen became the pastor of Refuge in September 2024 after a career in youth ministry spanning nearly twenty years in three states. He grew up in Sherwood, Arkansas and went to Harris Temple Missionary Baptist Church, making his profession of faith and being baptized at nine years old and surrendering to the Gospel ministry at 17.

After graduating from Sylvan Hills High School in 2002, Stephen went on to earn degrees in music from Ouachita Baptist University in 2008 and Rice University in 2011. Stephen entered ministry full-time in 2009 while in Houston, Texas, followed by stints in North Little Rock and Denver, Colorado.

To Stephen, Refuge represents a unique opportunity to be a different kind of pastor to a different kind of church—one focused on unity, belonging, and the transformative love of Jesus Christ. Contact Stephen at sray@refugenlr.org