When Bishop Lonnie Harrison Jr. speaks, you hear more than a pastor — you hear a man shaped by faith, family, and unwavering commitment to the community. As the senior pastor of Refuge Church Chicago, Bishop Harrison leads with a heart wide open, serving not just from the pulpit but from a place of lived experience and enduring compassion.
Bishop Harrison and his wife of 27 years, Lady Heloise Harrison, have built a beautiful life together — one rooted in love, shared purpose, and deep connection. “We have four children — two biologicals, two-step — but all mine. My family is my strength, and my wife still makes me smile. She’s more than my life partner — my partner in ministry,” saidBishop Harrison.
His leadership journey was a testament to resilience. A second-generation pastor, Bishop Harrison spent 15 years serving at Greater Mount Carmel, later renamed Life-Changing Ministry, under his father, who was a pastor for 40 years. Yet, when God called him to step out alone, it came with painful sacrifices—family division, financial hardship, and the heavy burden of forging a new path. His unwavering determination in the face of these challenges is truly inspiring.
“I thought I would take over my father’s ministry,” he reflects. “God had a different plan. It hurt to walk away, but I had to obey the voice of God.”
That obedience birthed something extraordinary. 2013, Refuge Church Midwest was born in a humble barbershop in Posen, IL. Many connected to his older sister and brother-in-law, who would tell everyone to come and listen to their brother. The space quickly filled with people—not because of marketing or showmanship but because of something real.
“I didn’t have a strategy,” Bishop Harrison provided. “God added the people.”
This organic growth, devoid of any marketing gimmicks, was a testament to the authenticity of the church’s beginnings and its genuine connection with the community.
The church grew, first in Harvey and now, in its current home at 12900 S. Halsted as Refuge Church Chicago. From Bible studies in a barbershop to a powerful ministry with a heart for outreach, RCC has become more than a church — it’s a haven, a hub for creativity, healing, and restoration. It’s a place where the community can come together, share their stories, and find support.
For instance, we’ve seen individuals find jobs through our networking events, families receive meals during tough times, and youth discover their passion for the arts through our performing arts ministry.
That commitment was tested when RCC received an offer of $1.7 million to house migrants in their facility. Financially, it could have changed everything. But Bishop Harrison knew their mission was deeper.
“It wouldn’t have been fair to the community we’re called to serve,” he says. The decision to reject the offer was not easy but made considering the church’s primary mission to serve the local community. This selfless decision to prioritize the local community’s needs over financial gain underscores the depth of the church’s integrity and commitment to the community.
“Our purpose is to build here, to love here, to pour into the lives of those already around us.”
Refuge Church Chicago serves meals, gives out coats and boots in the winter, and hosts programs that nurture every part of a person — body, mind, and spirit. Seniors gather during the week to connect and find community and a thriving performing arts ministry teaching youth the art of storytelling, camera work, production, and more.
RCC is also building for the future — literally. The church is renovating its building to include a boxing gym in partnership with Golden Gloves, helping young people learn discipline and channel emotion healthily.
In addition, they’re launching a hair school, offering skill-building and future career paths. Lady Harrison is opening Ambrosia Coffee, where community members can come off the street, enjoy coffee, and find warmth, conversation, and connection.
“I love the idea of the church being open to anyone walking or driving by or wanting to come inside for a hot coffee. It’s something that can lift your spirits at any time of the day. I also appreciate the opportunity for seniors to come together in a comfortable, informal setting. It’s just about getting together in the afternoons and enjoying each other’s company. I’m excited about the upcoming activities we have planned”. Say, Lady Harrison
Bishop Harrison Jr.’s vision for Refuge Church Chicago is affordable housing, new church campuses, and continued growth — not just in numbers but in impact.
‘We’ve already housed 11 families and counting with no financial help — just faith,’ he says. ‘In five years, I see us owning more real estate, building more lives, and stretching the boundaries of the Kingdom.’
The church’s vision is not just about growth but about making a tangible difference in the lives of the community. The launch of the hair school and the opening of Ambrosia Coffee are just the beginning of our exciting plans, and we hope you’ll join us in making these initiatives a reality.
Today, RCC owns 98% of the block surrounding the church. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when faith meets action — when a church becomes more than four walls and instead becomes a safe place in the lives of those it touches.
Refuge Church Chicago isn’t just a place to worship. It’s a place to heal, grow, and belong. And Bishop Harrison? He’s not just building a church. He’s building a legacy.
