This means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words and if we disobey them, we are disobeying God.  Ask these questions…  Is the Bible the main resource for preaching and teaching in the church?  Does the church believe that the Bible is the inspired and without error word of God and is the final authority on every church matter? At The Ridge, Pastor Anchul preaches and teaches directly from the bible. Every sermon is scripture based and clearly explained. 

Every church should encourage you to worship God.  That is what we exist for.   Jesus says (Matthew 22:37 & 39), “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Worship isn’t just about sitting through a worship service or singing songs.  At the core of worship is an intimate communication with God. Pastor Anchul encourages each of us to pick up our bibles daily or weekly and do our own research.  Look up scripture and dig deeper. The church must help you in this connection with God not only with the weekly Sunday Service but throughout your life. 

A disciple is one who is learning to live like Christ.  At The Ridge, Pastor Anchul will help direct you so you will grow in your faith. He’s always available to talk or meet to answer questions that may be confusing to you. He wants your relationship with God to grow stronger every day.  A healthy church is just as concerned with growing members as it is with growing numbers.  The growth of members is the kind of growing usually evidenced in serving, getting involved in missions, giving financially (maybe for the first time), and sharing the gospel with others. Growth is a sign of life in a church.  Not just numbers growth but also growth through people. 

True Christian Fellowship is not just pot-luck meals and times of social gatherings although these events are fun and will lead to fellowship. But don’t underestimate the importance of fellowship. While Jesus was walking on this planet, he showed the importance of fellowship when He invested his life into the twelve disciples. When He sent them out, He sent them in twos.  At The Ridge we have many opportunities for fellowship and encourage everyone to find a ‘place’ where they feel comfortable and work with others, also a sharing time for those needed hugs. We always have gathering time before and after service, taking time to visit and stay connected and updated with each other. We need encouragement, support, correction, and guidance from other believers for us to grow the way God wants us to grow.

Some churches are small with only a few dozen members while others are large and have a hundred or more.  Decide what kind of environment you want to worship in. The larger churches will have finances for new infrastructure and amenities, where smaller churches provide a more personalized experience. Try to find a church that reflects your preferences.  You may become closer to your pastor at a smaller church because they will have more time to speak with you individually. The Ridge is both small and large. We have small groups, and often a smaller attendance at a worship. But we also have large gatherings and often a larger attended service. Choices exist for reasons and at The Ridge – you’ll always have choices. 

Ask what you have to offer and find a church that needs you. You will be much more fulfilled by serving than you will by sitting in a pew with a bunch of other people sitting in a pew listening to a weekly service.  It’s important to fine a church where you can serve well.  At The Ridge we know some people are unable to participate in activities because of health or age restrictions.  But again, we have many opportunities that require very little effort or time. Those with more energy will have choices but they often start their own projects for others to join!  Your own personal preferences and opinions should be considered when looking for a fellowship where you can be effective with ministry.  

Amenities include things that you may need such as sufficient parking, wheelchair ramps, handicapped-accessible restrooms are all available at The Ridge including an elevator which gives those needing assistance easy access to our lower level. We also have a covered drive-up drop-off area which makes entering the building much easier when weather is bad. You must make sure that you can worship even if you or a loved one has a physical disability so choose a church that has access for you and your family members.

The Ridge has both traditional and contemporary worship services. With our traditional service, we stick to the denomination’s traditions like affirmations, Lord’s Prayer, traditional worship styles and sing traditional hymns. In our contemporary service which is a more casual experience, the pastor will use more technology and non-traditional instruments like guitars and drums during praise choruses to take on a more contemporary music style.  

As you visit churches keep a physical checklist and take notes of things you like and dislike so you can evaluate fairly. You’ll be able to choose one that matches most of your needs – it’s unlikely you’ll find a church that will meet all your needs. Things on your checklist could include traditional or contemporary worship, a powerful sermon, traditional hymns, or more casual praise songs and even what you’re comfortable wearing. Call The Ridge if you have any questions about what we may or may not have to offer. Pastor Anchul will be glad to talk with you and answer all your questions. 

Discover the Pastors heart and his understanding of how we apply the bible to our lives creating a Christian understanding of our faith and sinning.  Find a church where the Pastor is happy and readily available and desirous to meet with you on a one-to-one basis.

Compare each of the churches that you were able to visit. Try to remember things that you liked and disliked about each service, the building use, and the people you encountered and consider it all. Think about the church’s worship style, what is expected of you, and the type of clothing that you’ll have to wear.  Ask the minister questions that you can’t answer by looking at their website. We hope you’ll keep The Ridge on your list of considerations.