Lead Pastors
Chris & Heather Thomas
At 12-years-old, Chris Thomas accepted Jesus. It wasn't long after that God called Chris into the ministry; however, by the time he became an adult, he had fallen into Mobile’s club scene. After years deeply cemented in the world, Chris rediscovered his Savior’s love, rededicating his life to Christ. Shortly thereafter, he met his bride-to-be, Heather Clanton. The two wed and became pastors almost immediately.
After more than a decade in church ministry, Chris stepped away from his traditional roles to start Port City Refuge. In 2016 while on a mission trip in Nigeria, God woke Chris up and gave him a vision of the downtown Mobile area. This vision was to meet the needs of the most discarded and devalued members of our society by loving them well and introducing them to the God who loves them most of all.
In 2017, He and his wife Heather launched Port City Refuge as a non-profit. After 3 years of working with the homeless and rehab centers God spoke to Chris and Heather about planting a church for all people regardless of their past. This would be a place where people could encounter God and come alive to everything God has called them to. In 2023 Port City Refuge officially launched as a Church in Mid-town. Chris and Heather have two lovely daughters, Abby and Bella, a son Lincoln and a dog named Mac.