Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I enter the building? (It's more complicated than it should be, sorry)
Our building entrance is currently in a strange spot: When the 72 Hwy extension came through town, the city moved our parking lot to the far side of the building (you used to park where the highway is now), the street entrance to our parking lot was moved, and then we outgrew our sanctuary and moved services to the gym. This means that our main entrance is in the completely wrong spot for where you will park! (We're working on this and hope to have an outdoor remodel in the future) Until we can add a new door, you will walk towards the highway-side of our building and down the sidewalk.
When you enter the building, there are three directions you can go: Straight forward is to our kitchen (where coffee is available), to the left is a landing with steps (going down the steps takes you to our children's classrooms; going up leads you to bathrooms, an adult classroom, the youth classroom, and bathrooms), to the right takes you into the gym, where we meet for worship services (the gym also has more bathrooms).
When you enter the building, there are three directions you can go: Straight forward is to our kitchen (where coffee is available), to the left is a landing with steps (going down the steps takes you to our children's classrooms; going up leads you to bathrooms, an adult classroom, the youth classroom, and bathrooms), to the right takes you into the gym, where we meet for worship services (the gym also has more bathrooms).
Does Ridgeview have a dress code?
No, Ridgeview does not have a dress code. On the average Sunday morning, you might see a few people in suits but most people will be dressed casually. While we ask that you do dress respectfully, there is nothing official.
What kind of church is Ridgeview?
Ridgeview Christian Church worship services are for Christians and any other interested guests to experience song-based worship led by a band, Bible-based teaching, and participation in the Lord's Supper (also called "Communion" and some church traditions call it "the Eucharist"). We practice Communion every week.
Ridgeview Christian Church is part of a nondenominational fellowship of churches known as the "Christian Churches." When you ask what type of church we are, the simplest answer is that Ridgeview is just a church of Christians. This group of autonomous churches that identify with each other just for community (as opposed to coming under the authority of each other, head office, or mother church) was created about 200 years ago by a group of ministers who had come to realize that church titles and politics had gotten out of hand (seriously: one of our founders originally preached as an "Old Light Anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian," but realized that this was simply too many titles). The Christian Churches attempt to be only Christians--no extra titles. One of our slogans is, "We are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only." We seek to follow biblical examples for church practice.
Ridgeview Christian Church is part of a nondenominational fellowship of churches known as the "Christian Churches." When you ask what type of church we are, the simplest answer is that Ridgeview is just a church of Christians. This group of autonomous churches that identify with each other just for community (as opposed to coming under the authority of each other, head office, or mother church) was created about 200 years ago by a group of ministers who had come to realize that church titles and politics had gotten out of hand (seriously: one of our founders originally preached as an "Old Light Anti-Burgher Seceder Presbyterian," but realized that this was simply too many titles). The Christian Churches attempt to be only Christians--no extra titles. One of our slogans is, "We are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only." We seek to follow biblical examples for church practice.
What makes Ridgeview different?
Depending on your church background/traditions, you might notice a few differences between Ridgeview and other churches:
One common difference is that Ridgeview practices Communion each time we all meet together as a church (every Sunday). Another common difference is our emphasis on baptism. We do not believe that the message of salvation can be separated from the practice of baptism by immersion. These two practices are due to our understanding of the Bible's description and examples of the New Testament church.
Other differences largely come from our church autonomy (we are independent): All of our financial support comes from within and we do not have to look to anyone else for permission on how we spend or act. Many decisions pass through our elders (who serve as the church board), and major decisions (hiring of ministers, yearly budget approval, large expenses, and selection of elders) are voted on by the entire church membership. Ridgeview Christian Church is also governed by its bylaws, but we ultimately fall under the authority of God and His Word as revealed through scripture.
One common difference is that Ridgeview practices Communion each time we all meet together as a church (every Sunday). Another common difference is our emphasis on baptism. We do not believe that the message of salvation can be separated from the practice of baptism by immersion. These two practices are due to our understanding of the Bible's description and examples of the New Testament church.
Other differences largely come from our church autonomy (we are independent): All of our financial support comes from within and we do not have to look to anyone else for permission on how we spend or act. Many decisions pass through our elders (who serve as the church board), and major decisions (hiring of ministers, yearly budget approval, large expenses, and selection of elders) are voted on by the entire church membership. Ridgeview Christian Church is also governed by its bylaws, but we ultimately fall under the authority of God and His Word as revealed through scripture.
Does Ridgeview offer Childcare?
Children have age-based classes and junior worship programs during all Sunday morning service times. We offer a nursery (birth through potty-training), a preschool junior church, and an elementary-aged junior church. These programs include age-specific worship and teaching. To participate, we will ask you to fill out contact information so that you can be reached in case of an emergency and so that your child can be added to our check-in system. All children's teachers and volunteers go through an approval process that includes a background check.
What is church membership at Ridgeview?
To be a member of Ridgeview Christian Church means that you have decided to come alongside of the other Christians who meet at Ridgeview as a team member. If you are a member, you are given an equal voice and vote with other church members for large decisions (hiring of ministers, yearly budget approval, large expenses, and approval of elders). As a member, you would also be privileged to serve in more of the ministries of Ridgeview. All leadership-type roles require church membership (but we do have several volunteer positions that do not require membership). Our membership requirements include baptism by immersion and an ongoing commitment to following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.