A little about us...

Sanctuary International Fellowship Tabernacle - SIFT is the vision of founder (Apostle) Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino. It was born during an emotional and spiritual crisis, one by which she sought a place to seek God. When no place was found, Lee Ann promised if she lived through the situation (melodramatic as we often are in trial), she would create a place where people could come find spiritual safety, without judgment or exclusion.

Now, over 12 years since that initial experience, Sanctuary has transformed, expanded, and changed to create this same "safe space" for others seeking connection, spiritual education, and found family. With locations in Gastonia, Charlotte, and Cary, North Carolina (soon to be expanding in South Carolina, as well), Sanctuary's unique "neo-Apostolic" (new-Apostolic) model exists to equip believers in communities all over the world, no matter how large or small their group may be.

Described as "a force to be reckoned with," Sanctuary provides refuge for believers questioning and deconstructing their faith; healing for those who are recovering from church hurt, purity culture, or abusive pasts; insights for those who want to understand Scripture, faith, and the things of God better; answers for those who have questions; and ultimately, the essence of Christian community as applicable in our modern times.

So, no matter who you are, what you've done, what you think, where you've been, or what you've been through, feel free to come, pull up a chair, and have a conversation with us about the heart of what it means to be people of faith in the here and now.

Our mission

Sanctuary International Fellowship Tabernacle - SIFT seeks to provide a place of spiritual refuge; a place where God can dwell, living and active in the hearts and presence of those who are His people. We believe this happens as we come with open hearts to cry, "Abba, Father!" (Romans 8:15), as we extend our hearts, our hands, and our service to both heaven and our neighbor, in love, grace, and truth.

We are all about creating connection: Love of God for those who seek it (John 3:16, Galatians 2:20, 1 John 4:9-11); family for those who need it (Psalm 68:6; Ephesians 2:19-22); support for those who desire it (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 peter 4:8-10); and purpose for all (Exodus 9:16, Romans 8:28, Philippians 2:12-13).

Our vision

We seek a day of spiritual liberation and transformation in the Kingdom of God. As God has reached out to us as we are, so we reach out to others as they are. We believe the Kingdom becomes real and transforming one soul, one life, and one loving action at a time. With God, all things are possible to those who believe (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23, Mark 10:27, Romans 8:31, Philippians 4:13).

Here in this place of spiritual safety and truth, we learn how to better exemplify our call as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are a chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, peculiar people, and holy Body of believers, one in faith, hope, and love (Ephesians 4:1-32, 1 Peter 2:9).