We are beyond capacity in all our environments, including RidgeKidz, RidgeStudents, and Discipleship (adult learning classes). We have outgrown our current physical structures. Each ministry is growing at such a positive rate that without more space, we risk compromising effectiveness for developing transformational relationships with Jesus Christ and ensuring the safety of all who participate here on our campus.

After much prayer, the leadership of The Ridge believes God is moving us to expand our facilities to provide adequate ministry space for both current and future growth. We truly believe God has a great future for The Ridge, and it begins now as we trust Him for His perfect timing and provisions.

First and foremost, we pray for 100% engagement. Our hope is that each person will take the next step in faith and grow in generosity.

Our financial goal is to raise $5,700,000 over the next three years. This is the total amount needed to expand our footprint here at The Ridge. This amount would allow our operating budget to remain intact so we can continue to do the work of ministry in both our local and global communities.

The expansion of our facilities will be conducted in phases as we have need and financial resources.

Phase 1: Expand space for RidgeKidz, RidgeStudents, and adult classroom space. Total footage at 12,602 sq. ft., i.e., children’s wing at 7,722 and adult/student classrooms at 4,880.

Phase 2: Build a new auditorium with a capacity of 750 seats. Total footage at 12,178 sq. ft.

Phase 3: Additional office space and/or classroom space.Total footage at 3,716 sq. ft.

Phase 4: Convert current auditorium for RidgeStudents and overflow seating for services.

Exact timing for the transition between phases is dependent on the extent of our space needs and the additional costs can be met.

Proverbs 4:25 says,“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” (ESV) In the early days of human history, Eve sinned when her eyes were diverted from what God had said. She saw that the tree God had placed off-limits was "good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes.” (Genesis 3:6). Looking with desire at the wrong things can distract us from the best things God has for us.

Let’s be faithful to remember what came before, but always reaching Forward with our eyes fixed on the good things that lie before us. God has always been faithful to The Ridge in the past, and we believe He will continue to be faithful in the future (Ephesians 3:20-21).

First and foremost, pray. We believe prayer precedes the process. If you call The Ridge your home, we ask you to engage in passionate prayer for the Forward Initiative. Ask God to expand your faith, grow your generosity and give you wisdom and clarity on how you and your family are called to be a part of Forward. From the youngest to the oldest, we believe that prayer is one way we all can engage in this journey as God moves us forward together.

Second, promote. We are inviting you to help us champion the Forward initiative by encouraging others at The Ridge to participate. We are believing God is going to move in unimaginable ways, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on His blessings! He is going to move through passion%ate prayer, open-handed generosity, and stories of His endless faithfulness. By remembering what came before and reaching forward to what lies ahead, we are sure to see God move in unimaginable ways.

Finally, participate. Every financial gift given to the Forward initiative will be used to expand our facilities and grow our Kingdom impact. There is no gift too small! All we are asking is that you make a sacrificial commitment to open-handed generosity. Each gift committed to Forward should be given above and beyond regular tithes and offerings. This will allow our operating budget to remain intact so we can continue to do the work of ministry in both our local and global communities.

During this three-year period, every financial gift given to the Forward initiative will be used to expand our facilities and grow our Kingdom impact. Each gift should be given above and beyond regular titles and offerings. This will allow our operating budget to remain intact so we can continue to do the work of ministry in both our local and global communities.

We still can support our community partners and global missions through the year-end Be Generous offering. The Be Generous offering helps ensure that our community partners are funded, while allowing the global reach of The Ridge to continue to expand through missions.

Mark your calendars for our Commitment Sunday, October 29, 2023, when our entire congregation will be asked to give their initial gifts and pledges, and when we will celebrate God’s faithfulness through worship and thanksgiving.

There are a couple of ways to pledge your commitment to the Forward initiative.

1. Complete a pledge card and drop it in one of the giving kiosks at the entrance of the lobby or the auditorium.

2. Visit theridge.cc/give.

We are asking everyone for a three year commitment, 36 months. The fulfillment period commences on October 29, 2023, and concludes on December 31, 2026.

As we kick off Forward, we are asking you to pledge a monetary gift over a three-year period. The pledges will help us financially plan for the expansion of our campus. Once you begin to fulfill your pledge, your pledge becomes a monetary gift. We have several ways you can give.

Of course, if you’re prepared to give at the start of the initiative, you can go to our website at theridge.cc/give, and choose “FORWARD Building Expansion” to submit your monetary offering. Or submit an envelope in one of the secure giving kiosks located in the front of the lobby and the auditorium.

Be creative as you explore ways you and your family can give towards the Forward initiative. Other ways to give might include donation of stocks, property, or even stored sources that God has blessed you with.

Please let us know if you need assistance with facilitating gifts other than cash, and we will be happy to assist you.

It’s important for generosity to be incorporated in our Christian walk. The Bible doesn’t ask us to withhold from God until debts are paid. Instead, we honor God first with our giving. And when we do just that, He promises to be involved in every other aspect of our finances. If you find yourself in this situation, we can help with a financial coach. We also encourage you to take Financial Peace University, where you will learn principles for personal finance and God’s perspective on our stewardship of His resources.

Between now and December 2026, we will face a lot of unknowns. Will the economy change? Will costs change significantly in the next three years? The biggest unknown is our ability to fully fund the target costs. If we fall short of the target, we will have to make a choice. Either we act as good stewards of God’s provisions and look at the potential of affordable financing or we scale back our plans. We put our trust in God to take us where He leads

Forward was designed with you in mind. If you’ve been impacted by the ministries here at The Ridge, and we’re sure you have, we ask you to participate. Forward is your opportunity to join us in growing your faith and in sacrificial generosity.

Forward is about our vision for The Ridge. If you are ready for it, we would love for you to make us your home, engage with life at The Ridge, and join us in making the Forward vision a reality.

A great way to get connected to life at The Ridge is by attending our Next Steps Class. This 3-week class, held on three consecutive Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., will give you an opportunity to learn all about the ministries of The Ridge, receive insights into your spiritual gifts, and find ways to get plugged into the vision and mission of The Ridge. Sign up at theridge.cc/groups-classes.

We have several options for giving to the Forward initiative. One is by using our envelopes in the giving kiosks located at the entrances of the lobby and auditorium. You can also give on our website at theridge.cc/give, where you can choose “FORWARD Expansion Project” to submit your offering.

You can also give through the Church Center app for your iOS or Android smartphone. The app can be downloaded wherever you get your apps.

If you have questions about giving, please contact the church offices at 706-258-2330.