Our History

City of Refuge Ministries was founded in 1976, under the leadership of Andrew Bennett Sr. & Colleen Bennett. With nothing but faith and obedience, they set out on their assignment to build a church rooted in God’s word, built on loving the least and empowering all who would come. God immediately began to send people to this place where they could receive “refuge” and “love”. Pastor Andrew & Colleen led the ministry for over 25 years and the work saw an increase in souls saved, membership, community outreach, and more.

In 2003, God in His perfect wisdom and plan took our “Teaching Priest” home and Pastor Colleen faithfully led our church through transition. In January 2007, the two sons of Andrew & Colleen began to lead the work their parents built, William Bennett (Senior Pastor) & Andrew Bennett Jr. Since 2007, the ministry has continued to grow under Pastor William and First Lady Bennett’s leadership as we transitioned into our 27,000 sq. ft. building in 2012. We have now moved into our new building at 404 Brock Drive in Bloomington, IL which allows us the opportunity to serve our church and serve our community at a greater scale. Our transitions weren't just for us but God allowed us to turn over three buildings for three other ministries to continue the work of the Lord. With God’s leading the ministry has overflowed in community outreach, global ministry in Uganda, Africa, salvation, membership, and love.

We rightly divide the Word of truth and believe that through Jesus Christ we have the victory. We love strong, praise hard, and walk by faith.