Category Archives: Life

05.21.13
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Discipleship 101: Christian Disciplines | By Kevin Bradford

If you’re like me (Kevin), establishing discipline in myself can be excruciating at times. That whole “the flesh is weak” thing the Bible talks about rears its ugly head way too often in my life. The art of discipline has been abandoned in our society and the ramifications are going to be painful. It literally can be the difference between a full life and utter despair and ruin. With this in mind, Pastor Bobby and I will be tag teaming a six-week blog series on the Christian disciplines. It is our desire to see everyone at the Ridge come alive in Christ, and intertwining these disciplines can be a significant part of accomplishing that.

Before we dive in, let us properly define “discipline”. Discipline is training to ensure proper behavior, as well as the practice or methods of teaching and enforcing acceptable patterns of behavior. Think about Olympic athletes for a moment. They train for years in order to perform for just a moment on the world stage. That is highly impressive and shows tremendous dedication. But it does not  happen overnight. The constant training these athletes engage in builds muscle memory to ensure they execute their event to perfection. It is fascinating the amount of work it takes to train the body to perform when it matters the most.

This same concept applies to our spiritual lives. The disciplines train us to respond when times get tough. For example, practicing scripture reading, prayer, and fasting builds in us the resilience we need to press through difficult times because we understand that the presence of God is a safe haven, a shelter in the storm. Waiting to do these things when storms come, however, can make them ineffective and produce frustration because we expect an instant fix or solution to our problems. This is not how the Christ life works.

Over the next six weeks, we will introduce you to twelve Christian disciplines as described by Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline. Foster breaks the disciplines into three categories: inward, outward, and corporate. Each carries its own importance. Inward disciplines, as I mentioned earlier, build in us internal resilience as we regularly go into the presence of God and become increasingly comfortable there. The outward disciplines encourage humbleness and gratitude for what the Lord has given to us. And, finally, corporate disciplines teach us that gospel community is an important part of enduring the hardships of life, as well as celebrating and enjoying the blessings! Here is a breakdown of the twelve disciplines:

Inward disciplines: meditation, prayer, fasting, and study

Outward disciplines: simplicity, solitude, submission, and service

Corporate disciplines: confession, worship, guidance, and celebration

It is vital to point out that we must guard against turning the practice of these disciplines into religion. The Christ life is about a relationship with the Lord God Almighty. Nothing we do will ever take the place of what only He can do in us, which is to sanctify us and make us righteous. A danger to be aware of is that the practice of these disciplines can turn into pride and eventually become idols (aka religion). Instead, we must view these as tools provided to us by God to accomplish the great work He has begun in us.

Please join us the next six weeks as we talk about the Christian disciplines!

Follow Ridge worship leader Kevin Bradford on Twitter @kevinpbradford

05.14.13
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A Unique Opportunity To Be Hope For Oak Ridge | by Kevin Bradford

Ridge Church! It’s been a tremendous joy and blessing to become a part of the family the past few months. I am grateful that I’ve been able to be a part of leading you in worship every week, but am more blessed that my kids and I have been welcomed with open arms into this incredible family.
Let me tell you that I believe we are in a unique place to be a part of God’s work to transform Oak Ridge. Since I moved to the area over four years ago, I have felt this incredible desire for the city to be awakened to life in Christ, but it seemed to me that the bondage of sin and darkness was going to linger over Oak Ridge a while longer. But, as God introduced me to Pastor Bobby and his heart for the kingdom, I have been filled with such encouragement for the future. Let me tell you, Ridge Church…God has placed an incredible leader at the helm of this church body and he has a big vision and a deep passion to see Jesus transform our city. But he cannot do it alone! Enter the amazing leaders surrounding Bobby, like Rusty Sampson and Jonathan Haskell, and all the ministry leads and volunteers, not to leave out his fantastic and supportive family. (Denira, Isaiah, Emerysn….you rock!)
But I believe God has amazing things in store for our church, and that’s where you and I come in. The bible says that Christ in us is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). It also says Jesus is the hope of the world (Matthew 12:21). It stands to reason, then, that WE, the local church, are the hope of the world. In Matthew 16, Jesus tells Peter that it is upon him, the rock, that the church will be built, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven.” This should get us incredibly pumped up because we are a part of that! But yet, sometimes I think we get caught up in the motions of “doing church” that we forget or lose the passion.
So here’s the challenge. Ask the Lord to help you rediscover Him and the passion you once had for Him. Or, if you have never experienced that kind of passion, ask Him to give it to you. Or, if the passion is already there, ask Him to stir it even more! And then we can all work together as passionate followers of Christ to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the city of Oak Ridge and its surrounding areas and then watch the Lord as He does His thing!
Kevin Bradford is one of the talented worship leaders leading us each Sunday in worship
05.08.13
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Community and LifeGroups at Ridge Church | By Jonathan Haskell

I spent last evening with a group of people that are just starting to get to know each other. As we shared about our plans, our struggles, our victories and our fears, it became evident that the group had much in common. But the greatest thing they have in common is this – they’ve committed to doing life together. That’s what LifeGroups are about at the Ridge.

A LifeGroup is a group of 8-12 people who are simply committed to one another. They agree to meet together on a regular basis, to encourage one another, to look into God’s Word together, to pray for each other, and to support one another throughout the week. As I told the group last night, you probably shouldn’t count on a pastor to help with a flat tire, to bring you a meal when you’re sick or to watch your kids when you get in a bind.
But you should be able to count on your LifeGroup.

Some people believe…
Church is a place for people who have their lives together…
Church is something that you should go to…
Church is a place where you have to pretend to be something that you’re not…
Church is something you do for a couple of hours on Sunday morning and My faith is between me and God…

At the Ridge, we believe…
We’re all messed up, so there’s plenty of room for you, too…
Church is a group of people following Jesus together and serving him together…
Church is a place where you can be honest and people love you anyway…
Church is a group of people that provide support and resources for the mission you’ve been called to every day…
Life is better when lived in community with other believers…

Our network of LifeGroups is something relatively new to the Ridge, but they are very important. And as the Ridge continues to grow, they’ll become even more important. They will be the place where you find friends, support, encouragement and ministry opportunities, and they’ll be the place where the next generation of leaders is discovered, trained and engaged. Two groups have already started this year and we have another
getting ready to launch in June.

I forgot to mention there was one more thing that this particular group of people had in common – they’ve all been at the Ridge for less than 6 months. That’s pretty cool.

Jonathan Haskell is the Connections Pastor at Ridge Church and member of the Lead Team

03.28.13
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A Note From Pastor Bobby For Easter

Hey Church!  I (pastor Bobby) wanted to take a minute and remind you of a few things as we get closer to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.  I’m so stinkin’ excited about what God will do on our campus this weekend and I hope you are too.  Here’s a few things I want you to know about this weekend…

  • For the very first time, we are doing a Good Friday night of worship and communion to prepare our hearts for Sunday.  I hope come, worship and remember the sacrifice of Christ’s death for us tomorrow night, Good Friday at 7pm
  • Also for the very first time, we are doing a special Easter offering.  This is above and beyond our normal giving.  My family is excited about giving to the Easter offering and I hope you are too.  If you’re ready to give, you can do that here.  God’s going to use all that is given, to reflect the Gospel in our city!
  • Now is the time to invite someone!  If you’ve been putting it off, be bold, be courageous and make that call, send that text, send that email, post on their FB…do whatever it takes to carry the mat for someone this weekend!
  • There will a LOT of people you’ve never seen on our campus this weekend.  That’s a good thing!  Go first and say hello, show them around, and remove all barriers for people to hear the Gospel
  • Will you do me a favor and pray for all our staff, pastors, kids volunteers, and other volunteers the next few days as they also prepare for this weekend?

I’m EXPECTING such amazing things for this weekend, Good Friday and Easter on campus.  I hope you’ll come with an expectant heart and attitude as well.  We have a saying with our staff that says every Sunday, let’s EAT…Expect Amazing Things!

03.27.13
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Why Getting The Invite Out Is Important

Monday we gave you 8 ways to invite someone to Ridge Church.  Today I want to tell you why it’s important to get the invite out and bring someone WITH you to Easter services at Ridge Church.

Our connections pastor Jonathan Haskell did a great job Sunday of talking about what it means to carry the mat for someone from Mark 2.  These 4 men did whatever it took to get their friend to Jesus because they knew what Jesus could do.

Do you know what Jesus could do Sunday in the life of your friends, your co-workers, your family?  Do you believe what He can do?  Here are few reasons it’s important for you to BRING someone with you Sunday to Easter at Ridge Church…

  • Sunday could be this person’s ONE DAY |  How cool would it be for the person you invite to have a story that says, “then one day ________ invited me to Easter at Ridge Church and Jesus changed my life that day”?  
  • They are waiting on you to invite them |  Most people, regardless of what day it is, are waiting on you to invite them to church and they’ll actually come.  Most people hate showing up to places they’ve never been before.  Strength is in numbers.
  • You’ll be reflecting the Gospel |  Being a BRINGER is reflecting the Gospel.  Jesus came TO us- He DREW us- Entered into our world to save us.  Bringing someone to church makes you a person who “goes”.
  • They’ll hear the Gospel Sunday |  Just like every Sunday at Ridge Church, the Gospel is going to be preached on Easter.  There will not be a message on how to have a better life but a message on how the Gospel changes hearts and lives because of the resurrection.  It’s not about morality but about how we were dead and made alive in Christ.

We could go on all day with this.  You get the point.  Do whatever it takes this week, short of sin, to bring someone with you this Sunday to Easter at Ridge Church.  It’s not about filling seats and everything about reaching our community with the Gospel to hearts are changed!

03.19.13
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Meet This Week’s Ridge Church VOWs (Volunteers of the Week)

We’re starting a new post here at the Ridge Church blog called the Ridge Church VOWs.  The volunteers of the week.  It’s just a great way to recognize volunteers who give it all they’ve got every week at Ridge Church.

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This is Stacey Brickey and Brandy Fox and they help with our coffee bar at the Ridge.  Each Sunday, they get there early and stay late to help serve people a warm cup of Land of a Thousand Hills coffee, tea or other beverage.  Nobody goes thirsty at Ridge Church it’s all because of these two VOWs!

03.12.13
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Why We Have Multiple Communicators at Ridge Church

When Ridge Church first started, I think that I (Bobby) preached about 50 times a year the first year or two.  And one of those we took off between Christmas and New Years.  Since then, we have intentionally developed a model of multiple communicators at the Ridge by pouring into other men who are called to present the Gospel through preaching of the Word.  Here is why we do that….

  • It gives me a break |  Preaching 50 times a year is just plain dumb. Honestly, after preaching 8 or more weeks in a row, some things during my prep time begins to run together.  That’s my brain telling me I need to switch gears.  I’d like to be pastoring and preaching for the rest of my life, so taking a little time away from preaching to regenerate is a good thing.  My goal is now to preach about 40-45 times a year.
  • It allows you to hear a different voice |  Not just in sound, although that is good too, but also allows you to hear a different presentation on scripture.  The scripture may have the same meaning, but God will show something different in it to everyone.  Having other communicators preach at Ridge Church gives people a different view and different voice to present the same message
  • It helps develop other pastors |  One day, God will remove me from the stage at Ridge Church.  That’s just a fact.  When that day comes, I would love for Ridge Church to not have to go on a search for it’s next pastor, but for that pastor to already be within us.  Pastoring is so much more than just preaching, but it can be part of it.  If the next pastor of Ridge Church is in our midst right now, then let’s give him some reps
  • It helps develop church planters |  Just like pastoring, there is more to church planting that just preaching, but if you plant a church and you can’t preach, no one is coming.  At Ridge Church, we have a heart to plant churches where ever God sends us to plant.  The best way we can do that is to raise up capable and called church planters.  So we’ll give church planters stage time to perfect the craft of being a hearld for the Gospel
  • It helps develop other communicators |  The only way to get better at preaching, is to preach.  So we intentionally give other people the opportunity to get better, by preaching from time to time at the Ridge.
  • It’s a biblical model |  God never spoke to just ONE person or through just ONE person.
  • It defeats the personality driven church model |  I don’t want Ridge Church to be known as Bobby Williams’ church.  I want it to be known as God’s Church. Every church is led by the voice one lead pastor to a degree, but I think some live and die on the very existence of their senior leader because they did not intentionally develop other pastors.  I don’t want that to be Ridge Church.  I want Ridge Church to be known for what God is doing there, not what Bobby Williams said from the stage every week.

I’m sure there are lots more reasons.  If you’re a pastor or church leader, or attend Ridge Church, what other good reasons do you see to this model?

03.08.13
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Ridge Church – What I Need From You & What You’ll Get From Me Part 2

Yesterday I outlined a few things that I (Bobby) need from you the Church.  Today I want to give you a few things you’ll get from me.

  • Prayer.  I’m going to pray for you.  Not just for you, but with you. I will be praying for courage and boldness to step out and do the things I asked of you.  I will pray for you to be encouraged in your walk with the Lord.  I will pray for the needs that you send my way, when you say, “can you pray for me.”  
  • I’m going to go first.  I will NEVER ask you to go or do something, that I’m not doing myself or have not gone first.  Good leaders always go first and go with.  I have never sent you out alone and I won’t do it now.  So if you’re inviting, I’m inviting. If you’re giving, I’m giving. If you’re praying, I’m praying.  I’m going with you.
  • We’re going to bring it.  I will post on this next week, but at Ridge Church, I’m not the only one that preaches.  We have several gifted communicators that preach at our church and Lord willing, that will always be the case and there will even be more.  Between now and Memorial Day is a HUGE time in the life of our church as people from all over will give church a try.  So when your friends, your co-workers, your family, those you’ve invited show up, we’re going to bring the best message from scripture we have in us.  We’ll put in the wrench time to prepare and ask the Holy Spirit to use it mightily.  Every week.  Promise.
  • I will make it easy to understand.  Sometimes we are hesitant to invite friends to church because we’re afraid that what is being preached will be hard to understand. It has long been my goal to make scripture understandable in the way we present it at Ridge Church without it being watered down.  We won’t water it down but we will explain it, so you have no fears.
  • I’m giving it everything I’ve got plus what I don’t have.  I can honestly say I have never worked at any other job harder than I have worked at pastoring Ridge Church.  So I want you to know that I will continue to give it everything I have in the tank that is meant for the church and what I don’t have in the tank, I will ask the Lord to push through me.  To me, Ridge Church is not just what we do on Sunday; it’s the tool God is using to reach the city of Oak Ridge, transform hearts and spiritually renew people from all over.

Can’t wait to see you Sunday Ridge Church! 9:30am and 11:15- BRANG somebody!

03.07.13
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Ridge Church- What I Need From You & What You’ll Get From Me

How are we Ridge Church!?  This is pastor Bobby, and I wanted to take today and tomorrow and outline simply, what I need from you over the next few weeks, and tomorrow, what you’ll get from me.

This is a HUGE month for our church.  We add a second service starting this Sunday (9:30am & 11:15am) and Easter is coming up on the 31st.  So there are just a few things I need from you all this month….

  • Prayer.  Will you, every time you think of it, pray, even if it’s just a short, quick prayer….1) Pray for the leaders and volunteers of Ridge Church  2)  Pray for how God uses these extra service times starting this Sunday 3) Pray for a supernatural movement of God on Easter Sunday through what happens here AND at other area churches. 4) Pray for each other
  • Excitement.  Bring the excitement Ridge Church!  Not just on Easter, but every Sunday leading up to and after Easter.  We worship a God who is ALIVE and not dead…that’s stinking exciting!  Nothing fires me up more than to see you get excited
  • Be a bringer.  In a few weeks in our Gospel series, we’ll talk about what it means to be a bringer, but you don’t have to wait for a message on inviting people to church to invite someone to church!  Did you know that most people, when invited to church, will come?  Don’t assume they go to church or know the Jesus you know- invite them to a Ridge service this week and for Easter.
  • Get involved.  There are LOTS of areas you can get involved at Ridge Church. You’re missing out when you’re not serving in some capacity. There’s a reason God paints a picture in scripture about believers serving.  Not only do you get joy from serving others, but God does something IN you!  Don’t know where you can serve? Simple- email hello@ridgechurchonline.com and say I WANT TO SERVE.  We’ll help you find your place.

This last one is a little selfish, but I’m always trying to be as transparent and up front with you as I can be.  Can you pray for me and my family?  This time of year for me is SUPER stressful with everything going on and there are some days, honestly, the stress wins.  I wouldn’t trade what God has called me to do for anything in this world, but I’d like to do it for the rest of the time God has me here too.  A little extra wind under my wings with some prayer would be great and I know my wife and two kids would REALLY appreciate that too!

Come back tomorrow, because I’m going to outline what I’m going to do and am doing for you!

Love you Ridge Church! 

02.06.13
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Get Involved in a LifeGroup at Ridge Church

by Jonathan Haskell 

The four gospels tell the story of God displaying his love for man by sending his son, Jesus, into the world. They describe how he lived, ministered and interacted with others.  We see a detailed picture of how he poured himself into the lives of his disciples and, at the end of his life, how he commissioned them to carry on his ministry.

The rest of the New Testament describes how they went about that – they did it in community.  The New Testament gives us detailed instructions on how to live in community with each other.  In addition to the verses Bobby shared from Acts 2, there are over 35 different verses that tell us how to treat one another – including loving, encouraging, forgiving and building up one another.  Here’s the thing – that does not happen during a Sunday morning worship experience, even in a church our size.

That’s why our LifeGroups are so vital.  A LifeGroup is a group of 10-12 people who commit to doing life together.  You don’t have to have a lot in common, as Bobby explained on Sunday.  (That’s conformity, not community.)  The gospel is what we have in common.  In fact, sometimes weird groups are the best – just look at the disciples.

LifeGroups meet regularly in homes to have fun, share some food, discuss a topic – like Sunday’s message, for example, and pray for one another.  They also get involved in ministry together.  In time, we’d like to see the majority of our church’s ministry in the community flowing through our LifeGroups.

LifeGoups are the friends you call when you can’t call anyone else – the kind of friends who will help you move, help you fix a flat tire at midnight, bring over a meal when your wife is out of town, or watch the kids so you can finally have a night out.  They’re also the kind of friends who encourage you to keep going when you feel like giving up.

I know, it sounds risky to open your life up to someone else like that.  But anything of value comes with risk.  Rabbi Harold Kushner once said, “Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness.”

We have lots of stories of how groups have ministered to us in our times of need, but this is one of my favorites.  We were going out of town one weekend and felt like our kids were old enough to take care of themselves.  They were doing fine until word got out that the Haskell’s parents were out of town. Soon kids they’d never even met were showing up and – just like a dozen movie scenes – things quickly got out of control. Our kids called us out of desperation – at midnight.  Not knowing what we could do from an hour away, we called friends from our group.   They were at the house in five minutes, restored order, cleaned up the mess and even took our kids back to their house for the night.  Those kinds of friends are worth the risk.

Like Bobby said on Sunday, it’s ok to not be ok. But community loves you enough to not let you stay that way.  Take the risk – get involved in a LifeGroup.  Do you have questions about joining a LifeGroup?  Let us know at hello@ridgechurchonline.com.

Jonathan Haskell serves as the connections pastor and on the lead team at Ridge Church jonathan@ridgechurchonline.com