Commit
What does it look like to be committed to the life of our church?
Many churches have lists of programs to help you connect with others in the congregation. You won’t find much of that here. Instead, we are a relationship-driven church. In other words, we won’t point you to programs but to people.
Membership
But God has so composed the body…that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:24-26)
This is the first step. Membership makes our commitment to Christ and his people visible through the local church. Our prayer is that membership among FBC Ridgeway would display to those around us what God’s love looks like.
Consider attending our upcoming Membership Matters classes. You’ll learn about what we believe, the type of church community we desire to be, why joining a church is essential to your growth as a Christian, and what life at FBC Ridgeway is like. Attending the classes will not obligate you to join, and lunch will be provided.
Attending the classes will not obligate you to join, and lunch will be provided. If you’re interested, fill out this form.
1-on-1 Discipling Relationships
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Almost certainly, the best way to grow spiritually is to initiate or accept an offer to establish an intentional discipling relationship. It is wonderfully glorifying to God to have friendships based most fundamentally on a desire to encourage one another in the hope of the gospel. This may involve agreeing to study Scripture together, or to read a good Christian book, or to talk about this week’s sermon. As a member of the church, you don’t need to sign up for anything or get anyone’s permission to approach another member (of your gender, please) to establish a discipling relationship– simply commit to helping others follow Jesus.
Hospitality
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13).
We’ve tried to build a culture where hospitality is normal. Our members are encouraged to invite people over for a meal or out for an activity from the very early days of their time with the church. Living these kinds of open lives together is a big part of how we create and sustain the hospitable culture of a gospel community.
Sunday Gatherings
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
We gather as a local church weekly to worship God and to encourage one another through Scripture reading, preaching, singing, praying, and participating in gospel ordinances.
After the gathering, we hope you will stick around and give us a chance to get to know you. Our members enjoy staying to catch up with friends and talk to visitors, so feel free to introduce yourself to someone around you. If you want to learn more about the church, feel free to talk to a member or to the pastor at the door.
Prayer
“...praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:18)
A key piece of our community is that we pray for each other regularly. Members are encouraged to use the membership directory as a guide, praying for one another by name. Additionally, we gather together every Wednesday evening at 6:30PM for our prayer meeting, which emphasizes the spiritual needs of the entire church body.