Expectant for What's Ahead
Our Expectant building project is nearing the finish line as the doors are open, spaces are being used, and life is happening within these walls. As we continue finishing touches—adding murals, hanging TVs, and intentionally praying over every space—we’re preparing for all that’s ahead, with completion anticipated this fall.
We believe God is calling us to invest deeply in the next generation without losing sight of the current one. We believe He is opening new doors at the Ridge for people to encounter Him, experience His goodness, and walk in faith.
We remain expectant—because God is already moving, and we’re excited for what’s still to come in this next chapter at the Ridge.
—Mike Van Rees, Lead Pastor
We believe God is calling us to invest deeply in the next generation without losing sight of the current one. We believe He is opening new doors at the Ridge for people to encounter Him, experience His goodness, and walk in faith.
We remain expectant—because God is already moving, and we’re excited for what’s still to come in this next chapter at the Ridge.
—Mike Van Rees, Lead Pastor
New Building FAQ
What’s the story behind the north side exterior?
The north side of the church (facing NW 36th) is the most prominent, public-facing part of our building. And this was certainly noted when we elected to build our new children’s wing. One of our foremost goals in this expansion project was to make it clear that The Ridge is a place that is tailor-made for kids. That’s why we chose to locate both RidgeKids and Preschool @ The Ridge on the north side of the building. It’s also why we made some bold and exciting design choices such as iridescent tiles, asymmetrical windows and large signage promoting our kids’ ministries.
Our hope is that when kids and their parents drive by the building, their curiosity is piqued and they feel a tug to give The Ridge a try on an upcoming Sunday. And given the epic interior of the building along with our innovative kids’ programming, we’re confident they’ll be delighted even more when they step inside.
Our hope is that when kids and their parents drive by the building, their curiosity is piqued and they feel a tug to give The Ridge a try on an upcoming Sunday. And given the epic interior of the building along with our innovative kids’ programming, we’re confident they’ll be delighted even more when they step inside.
What about the slide?
One of the most eye-catching features of the new RidgeKids Clubhouse is the slide connecting the mezzanine to the main level. When it comes to effective kids’ programming, research and experience indicate kids learn best when they’re having fun. The slide is a physical symbol of our commitment to meeting kids where they are and creating programming that suits their developmental needs.
And in case you’re wondering about the platform at the base of the slide, that’s a safety feature. The platform helps us keep kids (and adults) from bumping their heads on the slide and prevents sliders from running into their peers on the ground level.
And in case you’re wondering about the platform at the base of the slide, that’s a safety feature. The platform helps us keep kids (and adults) from bumping their heads on the slide and prevents sliders from running into their peers on the ground level.
Are the murals still happening in the Kids’ Wing?
Earlier this year, we invited you to play a role in making our kids’ wing amazing through the painting of several murals in the Clubhouse, RidgeKids Nursery and RidgeKids purpose rooms. Our Family Ministries Director and resident muralist Doug Applegate has plans for just about every square foot of wall space. Due to some weather-related construction delays, our mural painting schedule has been bumped back a bit, but rest assured the murals are still coming. In fact, Doug has started sketching them out on several walls.
We should be ready to let the paint fly in April and May. If you expressed interest in helping us paint, watch your email!
We should be ready to let the paint fly in April and May. If you expressed interest in helping us paint, watch your email!
Will the Clubhouse be used outside of Sundays?
In a word: Yes! The Clubhouse space will be used by the preschool Monday through Thursday this spring as a space for the kids to run around and get the wiggles out. This will continue when preschool resumes in the fall.
Other ministries will use the space as well. Moms in the Gym, family Community Groups, and Junkyard Youth Group will all likely use the space on occasion.
And in case you’re wondering about private rental, we are too. We’re actively discussing what this might look like and will be sure to let the church know if we decide to move forward with this.
Other ministries will use the space as well. Moms in the Gym, family Community Groups, and Junkyard Youth Group will all likely use the space on occasion.
And in case you’re wondering about private rental, we are too. We’re actively discussing what this might look like and will be sure to let the church know if we decide to move forward with this.
What’s the plan for the parking lot?
Between winter weather and heavy equipment onsite, we are aware that our parking lot is looking pretty rough in some places. Fortunately, we accounted for this in our construction plans. The parking lot will be repaved in either May or June and will be phased so as not to impact our ability to function on Sunday mornings.
When might the chapel open?
Alongside our kids’ wing, the new 200-seat chapel is among the most anticipated components of the expansion. We’re looking forward to having a more intimate space for weddings, funerals, prayer services, worship nights, Junkyard Youth Group and a whole lot more. And excitingly, we won’t have to look forward much longer. The chapel should open by the end of April. We look forward to welcoming you into this sacred space soon!
What about the mother’s room? Is that still happening?
Yes. The mother’s room should open alongside the chapel and a new large classroom space by the end of April. The room will feature a live service feed and two gliders for moms to use when nursing or comforting a restless child.
Weren’t staff offices part of the project?
Yep. Staff offices are coming soon. The new office suite will be located in the old nursery/preschool space, which is the main reason this work is starting later than the rest of the project (we couldn’t start work until the preschool moved into its new space).
Construction on the new office space is already underway and should conclude by the end of the summer. This renovation should have no impact on ministry programming or building access.
Construction on the new office space is already underway and should conclude by the end of the summer. This renovation should have no impact on ministry programming or building access.