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
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
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!
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.
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.
