EXPECTANT

Planning for God to Move

Opening Doors to the World

Are you a “yes” person or a “no” person? No judgment either way. Me: My default over the years has tended to be “no” — or at least “not right now.”

And I don’t think I’m alone. In 2024, it seems like most people have a much better sense of what they’re against (that political party, that celebrity, that sports team) than what they’re for. We have an overwhelming tendency to focus on the negative. That’s a problem.

As lead pastor at The Ridge, I have tried to counteract my “no” tendency by surrounding myself with people more prone to saying “yes.” With their help, we’ve been able to say “yes” to impactful community events, innovative worship services, ambitious acts of service and a whole lot more.

Every church has its limitations — things like manpower, money and physical space — and these limitations have a significant impact on our ability to achieve our goals and to aim for ambitious new ones. A certain amount of “no” is inevitable, but in recent years, we’ve felt a persistent nudge from God to be more open to new ways that He wants to work in and through this church. More than that, we’ve felt a calling from God to cast a positive vision for the world that unites us around our identity as beloved children of God.

This campaign is step one in our response to that call. We believe God wants us to pour our love and energy into the next generation without writing off the current one. We believe He wants to open all kinds of new doors at The Ridge for people to encounter Him, to experience His goodness and to walk by faith. We are expectant that God is ready to move in and through us. I’m excited to for you to learn all about what He’s up to and how you can help!

—Mike Van Rees, Lead Pastor

Hear Our Team's Vision

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Investing in Our Future

A purpose-built wing for kids (birth–grade 5) is the centerpiece of the project. The space will have a distinctive look and feel from the rest of the church that speaks to kids through all of their senses. From the moment they spot it from the street to the moment they climb the stairs to their clubhouse classroom, kids will know that this is a place where they are loved and valued. Plus, with lots more room for RidgeKids and Preschool, we’ll be able to serve more kids than ever!

Deepening Our Bonds

Our world is in desperate need of deep connection, and this project will help The Ridge meet this need through a variety of purposeful spaces — from a 205-seat chapel ideal for weddings, funerals or prayer gatherings to living-room style spaces perfect for small groups, counseling and intimate prayer.

Impacting Our Community

The Ridge is positioned in a local community struggling with anxiety, depression, division and isolation as well as a global community rife with poverty, exploitation and abuse. This project will allow us to better serve these communities — meeting their basic needs while also pointing them to the ultimate source of healing, hope and peace, Jesus Christ.

Project Overview

The new construction will happen primarily on the north side of the building (near the pond) as well as the west side of the building (main entry and café).. Some renovation will also occur in the current nursery space as well as the staff office area. Gratefully, the project is not expected to significantly disrupt Sunday services or the day-to-day functioning of the building.
The kids’ wing, café and chapel have an anticipated completion date of December 2025. Core renovations will likely continue until mid-2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Trends.

NATIONAL TRENDS

Drifting Youth
The search or identity has never been more confusing or open-ended than it is today. But in an overflowing buffet of options, Christ is the only identity that consistently offers peace, purpose and stability in a turbulent world.

A World in Need
You don’t have to look very hard to see that the world is hurting in countless ways. While our global neighbors struggle with poverty and oppression, our local neighbors are facing abuse, exploitation and abandonment.

Isolation and Loneliness
Despite the connections our digital world makes possible, Americans have never been more anxious, depressed or just plain lonely. The church is called to offer these people
the hand of friendship.

CURRENT LIMITATIONS

Insufficient Kids Spaces
We currently have no dedicated classrooms for grades K–5 or play spaces for Sundays, Preschool days or midweek programs. Our kids ministries also lack visibility due to their location in the building.

Ministry Collisions
Multipurpose spaces serve multiple ministries but also limit the reach of every ministry during times when their shared spaces are occupied by others. This congestion also prevents us from lending our space to community partners.

Lack of Community Spaces
The lack of purpose-built rooms for small groups, larger gatherings, weddings and funerals limits our ability to accommodate these important events.

REASONS FOR HOPE

Youth Discipleship Works
Research shows that approximately 83% of Christians come to faith between the ages of 4 and 14. These are vital years for spiritual formation.

Exploding Outreach
No ministry is more impacted by space limitations than outreach. Nevertheless, the ministry is exploding through local, national and global partnerships. But we see opportunities to do so much more, especially for our local community.

Growing Groups
Community Groups for Single Parents, Young Adults, Women, Men and Couples are all stable or growing. Dedicated spaces for small and mid-sized groups will help us sustain and enrich these groups for years to come.

This is Where You Come In

Get to know more about what makes us different.

Our fundraising goal for this project is ambitious but attainable. We ask you to prayerfully consider the amount God is leading you to give above your normal tithes and offerings. Every person and every gift matters. As you pray and discern, consider sacrifices that could help. Pressing pause on a trip. Postponing a remodel. Cutting back on dining or entertainment. Remember: We won’t just be building a building; we will be building people.

Your Next Steps

Prepare your heart for God to move.
Pray for His wisdom and discernment.
Learn about the plan and your part in it.
Pray about your commitment level.
Commit to supporting the vision.