Throwback--Wow!

On Sunday, April 25th Ridge Church took a road trip to South Piedmont Community College where we had our very first Core Gathering not so many years ago. All week leading up to the event the weather showed 100% chance of rain yet we experience the perfect outdoor day complete with sunshine and a nice breeze. Coincidence? I think not!

Over five times more adults joined us for Throwback than we had when we left South Piedmont back in the fall of 2007. We looked back and dreamed forward. The challenge of the day was simple: When we follow an immeasurable God into a radical mission the phrase "We've never been this way before" --becomes part of the common language. [from Joshua 3:2-4]. I love leading a group of people that are willing to risk so much and give up so much for something that we all love even more! THANKS for not playing it safe Ridge Church!

The energy in the room was crazy...the worship was full of both celebration and reflection...we pulled out 50 or more extra chairs...the community was contagious...the vision was tangible...the BBQ was excellent...and the blow games were echoing with laughter. It was a milestone day in the life of Ridge Church.

I'm so grateful for the men and women that have invested their lives so deeply in this mission. I am humbled to have the privilege of leading this incredible, passionate, growing church. Our dreams are so much bigger than our memories. I can't wait see them unfold. Thanks for being part of the story God is writing through this church. Keep spreading the word!

Throwback! "Looking Back. Dreaming Forward"

It's almost time for "THROWBACK" at Ridge Church. We've been planning this and praying about it for months and I can't wait to experience what God will do on this day. Short story Ridge Church is taking a road trip April 25th. We are traveling back to South Piedmont Community College where Ridge Church held our first ever "Core Gathering." It was there that God built the adult team of 35 adults that became the foundation of Ridge Church.

I can't wait to Look Back--as we celebrate what God has done and who he has used to do it. Then we'll Dream Forward about the amazing story that is yet to be written through this amazing group of people that we call "Ridge Church." Trust me--you don't want to miss this day!!

• One Worship Service 11am (SPCC--NOT at normal location!)
  
• Blow up Games for Kids (Older Waumba and Upstreet)
• Child Care for younger waumba (infants and toddlers)
  
• Joust for middle school and high school students
• FREE BBQ lunch for everyone--hotdogs for kids!
• Directions and address for GPS HERE.

*We do have contingency plans for all ages in case of rain. So rain or shine Throwback is on!!

"Say" series wrap up (video)

We kicked off this awesome series called "Say" on Easter and we will be wrapping it up this weekend. I did part one (Listen HERE), Andy Stanley did part two (Listen HERE) and this week's communicator is a surprise--but I'm really excited about it! I have been meaning to post this video clip of the closer from part one for awhile. Major props to Rusty (Service Program Director at Ridge Church) for his amazing ability to put an exclamation point at the end of my talks. Whatever you do--don't underestimate the power of words...and don't waste time. Say what you need to say, and say it SOON! Hope to see you Sunday at either 9am or 11am. Finally--here it is:

Say what?

"Say What?"
Originally I was taking a day or two blog break. It turned into a lengthy ordeal. BUT...I decided to break the silence to talk about our upcoming Easter service(s). I'm super stoked about that day and all that we have in store--not to mention what we believe God has in store for all of us.

We are kicking off a brand new series called "Say" about the power of words and we are starting on Easter by talking about the most powerful words in human history. Here is what I'll say leading into Easter day at Ridge:

1. Don't be late! The opener is AWESOME...(and last week the parking lot was full at 11am)
   
2. The service closer will make it impossible not to personalize the day
3. I've seen the adult worship tech sheet--incredible worship songs coming!
4. Waumba and Upstreet have amazing Easter activities prepared
   
5. LASTLY-Don't come alone! INVITE someone to come with you.

NOW AVAILABLE--TWO WAUMBA OPTIONS (9am and 11am)
We have been running out of space for several weeks in our 11am service so on Easter we will be opening up a full Waumba environment (birth-pre-K) at 9am. If you don't have children, or if you have Waumba age children, or middle school and highschool students you can help us create open seats for new guests by making 9am your worship service of choice. *Waumba at 11am is still available too!