Meet Tracey Ruffin | Assistant Pastor & Sister Circle Medina, Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracey Ruffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want my legacy to be investing in and inspiring people, and encouraging those who knew me to pass on everything they learned from me to others who will do the same. From my family (children, grandchildren) to friends, co-workers, and anyone else. People are what matter in this world—not money or fame or buildings or organizations or institutions. Only people.

Years from now all that will matter is the people that I connected with in such a way that hopefully I added value and meaning to their lives. My hope is that they remember that I was a kind human and tried my best to contribute to people’s well-being.

I hope people remember that I was passionate about empowering the Body of Christ to find their true identity in Jesus Christ so that they can see their self-worth through His eyes. And that I am IN LOVE WITH Jesus Christ and not ashamed to preach the gospel to a dying world so that the captives may be healed, delivered, and set free!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I currently work a Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm job, but what brings me the most joy is serving as assistant pastor at the Second Baptist Church in Medina, OH where my husband, Arthur A. Ruffin, Sr. is the senior pastor. I love God and I love His people.

I love empowering the Body of Christ to find their true identity in Jesus Christ so that they can see their self-worth through His eyes. Like many women, I have battled with insecurity, but through God’s love, I’ve silenced those lies that had stolen my confidence, and I want to help others do the same.

I am IN LOVE WITH Jesus Christ and I am not ashamed to preach the gospel to a dying world so that the captives may be healed, delivered, and set free!

What I am most proud of, is the 10-day mission trip that I took in July of 2023 to Accra, Ghana. I served on the speaker team spreading the “good news” and spent time in schools tackling period poverty. Going to “the motherland” was a humbling experience. I left with a heavy heart, wanting to continue to help. My life is forever changed.

I also am the founder and president of a nonprofit women’s organization, Sister Circle Medina, Inc. where our mission is to ENCOURAGE, EMPOWER and EQUIP women within and around our community with tools to serve Christ. We build intentional relationships, strengthen women holistically and provide opportunities to serve and giveback to our community. We do this through conferences, workshops, community events such as Juneteenth and awarding scholarships to local high school students annually.

Some lessons that I have learned along the way: Be Patient and Trust God; Despite the Resistance; Be Consistent; Be Honest; Receive Correction; Not Everyone Will Understand; Release the Offense; and Be Comfortable in My Own Skin.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, our first stop would be Medina’s Historic Public Square! We were recently named one of the best small towns to celebrate Christmas by HGTV! It is a beautiful place to see during Christmas and hang out during warmer weather. We would go to Cool Beans Café where they serve coffee and other specialty drinks. It’s a good vibe, with great people. There is also an array of restaurants and independent shops to choose from on the square! One of my favorite spots is Swine BBQ. The owners are Brian and Mary Hilberg. Great food and great people!
And of course we would head over to the Foundry Social! It is a great place to hang out, eat, drink and play games. There is so much to do. From High voltage karting, duck-pin bowling, billiards, corn-hole, bocce, and more! The owners and staff are like family and we definitely would hang out here!!
I would take them to the Habitat ReStore as well. You never know what you would find to purchase all while supporting an amazing cause – building affordable homes in our county!!
I am blessed be a native of Medina and a part of this amazing community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To be honest, this made me a little emotional as I read the last question. Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story? There are so many people that I want to dedicate this shoutout to. God, because there would be no story to tell if He had not saved me!
My mom Carol Robinson, who has dementia and I care give for. She sacrificed so much and I am who I am because of HER! My husband, Pastor Arthur Ruffin who is my biggest support and cheerleader in all things life.
My children, Keith and Ashley who inspire me and make me proud daily and who have given me beautiful, intelligent grandchildren. They are my why!
My Second Baptist Medina church family who love and encourage me.
Any and every one who has ever walked through the doors or supported my nonprofit organization, Sister Circle Medina, Inc. in any way.
My mentor Marsha Davidson and special friend Annette Finley who support, encourage and love me unconditionally!
There are so many others. I have been blessed with GREAT family, friends and community! And all of them are an intricate part of my story.

Website: www.sistercirclemedina.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-ruffin-35002a13/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.robinsonruffin

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Samantha Ponomarenko, Positively Portraits