Should the church celebrate or not?

The answer is ABSOLUTELY yes the church should celebrate. In fact we should be the best people in our city at celebrating. Here is the hang up--as "the church--meaning local gatherings of believers" our achilles heel hasn't been that we don't celebrate it's been what we choose to celebrate.

At Ridge Church we don't have this figured out by any stretch of the imagination but we do talk a lot and work hard to keep this awesome church focused on celebrating the right things. This past Sunday was a perfect example and I'm so proud of the team of staff and volunteers that make it all happen. I believe we publicly celebrated the two most important things we can do as a church. I'll be posting examples of this through out the week but I'll start with a little video reflection of our recent "NOW Project". Be sure to check back in the upcoming days to see more specific examples of what and how we are learning to celebrate at Ridge!

Why are Christians so judgmental?

We will finish up this four part series on judging others this week and it's been phenomenal. I can't count how many times in the last few weeks as I have talked with people from Ridge where the conversation has quickly turned back to the powerful impact this series is having on them. It is true for me too! My wife and I have been affirmed in some areas and significantly challenged in others. Andy Stanley has handled this difficult subject of when, if ever, should we judge others and he has done it with more clarity, authority, and biblical accuracy than I've ever experienced. It is a MUST hear!

Every talk has been extremely powerful but I absolutely love the way he closed part two. He talked about the importance of "self examination" before pointing out the flaws of others then he said, "If you are feeling energy or excitement around this idea of confronting someone then you aren't ready to confront. The sign that we are ready to confront someone is when we are truly heart broken over their situation or activity." WOW! If we as the church could take steps toward this--how different would the response of people outside the church be toward the church? I'd love to find out. I want us to be that kind of church.

Here they are. Go listen to them, then do whatever it takes to come with a friend in tow as we conclude this series on Sunday! Don't forget that those of you who love Ridge Church are still the best advertisement for us. If this church is impacting your life--tell people--bring people!

Listen Judgment Call 1 HERE

Listen Judgment Call 2 HERE

Listen Judgment Call 3 HERE

just a glimpse of God (Video)

Today Ridge Church invested themselves in something that we know to be close to the heart of God...something much bigger than us. I'll share the specifics later but I was amazed at the extreme generosity demonstrated by this community of people for brothers and sisters in need. We helped feed and give winter clothes to over 250 homeless men, women, and children and made HUGE donations to the Men's Shelter in Uptown Charlotte. Our single message to them was "You are not forgotten". Children colored and decorated lunch bags that said this...the winter survival kits had this printed on them and one of our community groups even printed shirts with this message--just for the day. It was an amazing demonstration of what the church is capable of when they come together. Again, I'll share more specifics and highlights later, but until then here is a little video from the day:

Generosity in motion

I'm super excited about Nov 7th--the NOW project. I'm overwhelmed with the way(s) people have responded to the vision we have shared about blessing the people in our community in practical ways. In a time when most people are closing their hands more tightly than ever the "Ridge Church Community" has displayed overwhelming generosity and amazing creativity. People have given huge amounts of time, planning, organization, and resources to this opportunity. I am proud to be associated with YOU!

• 8:30-10:30 Ridge Office--Decorating bags, Packing lunches, loading the trucks

• 11:30-1:30 Woodies Auto Service Parking lot (Uptown)--Delivering winter survival kits, coats, blankets, lunches, etc

NOW project Sign-up

Now Project:

Sunday was a great day at Ridge. The foyer was slammed with winter survival kits, coats, and canned goods. Easily over $1o,ooo worth of stuff has already been donated and much more has been promised. It seemed like almost every person came in carrying multiple bags of stuff. You can totally sense the excitement and anticipation. You can still give money, collect goods, or bring winter survival kits until Friday morning!

Saturday, November 7th is the big day. For more information on the event or to sign up to serve click the image below and submit the attached form. We want this to be a great volunteer experience so be sure to let us know if you are planning to attend. We will send out directions to the up town project on Thursday. Thanks for making a difference!