Becoming Mrs White in your circle of influence

Last but not least...check out this video of Paige Burchard going public with her faith. In her story she references "Mrs White", her kindergarten teacher that walked with her as she placed her faith in Jesus as her Savior. I've never met Mrs White but I hope that every person in our church becomes like Mrs White within their circle of influence. I know this much...it doesn't happen on accident. People who have that kind of impact and influence are always doing it very purposefully and very prayerfully. Very proud of Paige. Awesome girl...very grounded in who she is in Christ. She's a great example to the younger generation of girls!

Paige Burchard from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Ridge Church: Recent sets & Activities

Very busy and exciting season at Ridge Church. We are in the home stretch of an amazing series called "Time of your Life". You can listen to previous sermons HERE. Along with our time theme we decided to introduce "Minute to Win it" as a part of our service activities. It's been really entertaining. Below are a few stage shots from the series, minute to win it, and our first ever "Uptown Night of Worship!!" Night of Worship was a great night worshiping a Big God with great people in the heart of a city we love deeply. It was the first night Uptown Charlotte for Ridge Church but it won't be the last!

Omnisolv Uptown Charlotte (final band sound check)

Night of Worship: A few moments of vision for OUR city!

"Time of Your Life" Stage set
Minute to Win It: Game Host-Ed Williams

Minute to Win it "Winner" Mark Dodson (useless skills:-)

My life, career, marriage was fine AND THEN...

I've heard countless stories from people through the years. Being in ministry I feel like I've heard every imaginable scenario. One of the undeniably common themes is that every story has "AND THEN" moments. Some are major others are minor but they are very real. My life was good AND THEN...MY career was launching AND THEN...My marriage was great AND THEN...My health was fine AND THEN...My relationship with my son was great AND THEN...Everything was going great at school AND THEN... What happens after "AND THEN" is absolutely pivotal. For men, women, and teenagers alike when you allow your "AND THEN" moment to lean you into God and his people (Christ Followers) rather than away, you have the potential to find meaning and hope in something that seemed meaningless and hopeless. I couldn't help but notice "AND THEN" in Hunter's story. I'm so proud of him for what he did next. Listen for yourself:

Hunter Henry from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

When pain pushes you where will you go?

Unfortunately none of us, even children and teenagers, are immune to significant hurt and pain in our lives. The real question is "When pain pushes you, where will you go?" Madison's story is full of pain and peace...all in the same story! I'm grateful for her courage to publicly share her pain, her journey, and the peace she found in Christ and his followers as they rallied around her. Pain pushes us all at some point in our life. I believe ultimate peace in the midst of that pain is only available in Jesus:

Madison Skala from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

What are the two most important days in life?

Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why." Discovering our purpose is essential to living a meaningful and satisfying life. I love Serena's words about placing her faith in Jesus. I was privileged to have a front row seat to this one. I'm proud of her for choosing to follow Jesus and going public in baptism. Listen to her story:

Serena Richardson from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Speaking candidly...

Here's another story from one of the recent baptisms at Ridge Church. Logan has a quick wit and it comes out in his story. I remember a couple of years ago hearing Jeff Foxworthy (who attends our partner church North Point Community Church) say that one of the defining moments for him was when he realized that his humor and natural ability to see the funny side of things wasn't a curse but instead was part of God's unique design on his life. He said it freed him to use that for a "bigger purpose." He now partners frequently with Andy Stanley and his church using that gift to raise money for charities. God created us uniquely and when we surrender "all of us" to him those gifts come alive and make a difference! Enjoy:

Logan Martin from Ridge Church on Vimeo.

Tell the World

We recently baptized 6 teenagers at Ridge Church and that's such a huge deal and reason to celebrate. It doesn't mean their lives will be perfect, sinless, or wrinkle free from now on. In fact the act of Baptism in of itself doesn't have any special saving power but what it represents is absolutely powerful. When a person is baptized they are "publicly" acknowledging that Jesus is their Savior and they want to follow him with their lives. It takes courage to "go public" with your faith. Baptism is an event that celebrates a person's personal faith in Jesus but being a follower of Jesus isn't simply an event it's a journey. It's a life long journey where we relentlessly pursue a relationship with our Heavenly Father who pursued us through his Son Jesus. Thanks for being courageous! I'll post each of their stories and baptisms in the days ahead, starting today with Robert Spurrier's story!

Robert Spurrier from Ridge Church on Vimeo.