Elder Ricky Allen was receptive to God's call to preach the gospel at the age of 15. Although growing up in a public school system that was against the preaching of the Gospel on any of its campuses, Pastor Allen would yet boldly and emphatically bear witness of God's power to save, deliver, heal, and set free the captives bound by the enemy. Elder Allen was even suspended from school and scolded by the school officials for the carrying the gospel to the classrooms, student center, cafeteria, and bench tops. He moved and acted as the Holy Spirit led him and through much adversity, he did not throw his hands up in defeat, but rather he continued to strive forward, for the the Lord. After graduating from University High School in 1975, he went on to attend McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas.
In pursuit of higher education, Pastor Allen went on to attend Huston Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he went on to obtain a Master of Science in Special Education and Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. God is truly educating and preparing Elder Ricky Allen for an even greater work in the ministry, and his education as he has received his Doctorate in Ministry, and Pursuing his Ph.D in Biblical Studies.
Pastor Ricky Allen is gifted in wisdom beyond his age. He is a multi-talented young man that is both anointed to sing and play the trumpet. Presently, in true Ricky Allen fashion, he is on the move for the Lord. In 1992, he birthed the City of Refuge Church of God in Christ Outreach and Family Worship Ministries. The ministry started with only four members; his wife, Sister Amanda Allen who is a gifted Woman of God in the prophetic and an anointed teacher, and their two children Shundrayl and Timothy Allen. Since then the ministry has grown and God has added ever since.The Lord has blessed Pastor Allen with radio shows, television airings, and has sent him across the nation to preach the "Good News."
Pastor Ricky Allen serves as Chairman of the Ordination/Seminary studies in the Texas Southeast III Jurisdiction under the auspices of Bishop C. L. Bryant. Pastor Allen is a bold, dynamic, powerful, and prolific preacher for our times. He has a meek and humble spirit and does not mind being candid and direct when dealing with issues that many shy away. He is a man of integrity with a tenacious swagger and explosiveness that makes him second to none. Once you have heard him, you will definately want to hear him again.
In his own words "The City of Refuge is a powerful ministry that offers an unchanging Christ to an ever dying world and it is a place where every sinner is a potential saint."
Pastor/Evangelist Dr. Ricky E. Allen
Pastor Allen and First Lady Sister A. Allen