Commitment
The purpose of Ridgewood Church is to be a body of believers who desire to daily walk in the freedom offered by the truths of God’s Word, while being captured by the love of Jesus Christ.
The mission of Ridgewood Church is to testify to all people the saving significance of Jesus Christ, to connect them with other believers, to strengthen them in their quest to imitate Christ in their lives, to encourage them to serve others with love, and to honor God in and by the things they say and the way they live.
The vision of Ridgewood Church declares that we are a vibrant, growing community of believers in Jesus Christ with a caring heart and a passion for meeting the physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social needs of individuals and families in Mid and South County and surrounding communities by reflecting the truth and love of Christ.
Confession
Recognizing the rich history and heritage of our Baptist forefathers and traditions, we recognize and affirm the following confessions: The 2000 Baptist Faith & Message, The 1858 Abstract of Principles, The 1833 New Hampshire Confession, The 1742 Philadelphia Baptist Confession, and The 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession.
These confessions can be viewed on site in the Ridgewood Church office. They can also be viewed at the following websites:
We do hereby adopt as the fullest expression of our faith: The 1689 2nd London Baptist Confession. This ancient document is a most excellent summary of things most surely believed among us. We accept the same, not as an authoritative rule or code of faith, whereby we are to be fettered, but as assistance to us in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. In this Confession the members of our church will have a body of Divinity in small compass and by means of Scriptural proofs will be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them (I Peter 3:15).
We, in no way, elevate this Confession of Faith, or any other, to the authority of the infallible Word of God. Rather, as stated above, we view it as assistance in controversy and a confirmation in faith.
"This little volume is not issued as an authoritative rule, or code of faith, whereby you are to be fettered, but as an assistance to you in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness. Here the younger members of our church will have a body of divinity in small compass, and by means of Scriptural proofs, will be ready to give an account for the hope that is in them. Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of martyrs, confessors, reformers and saints. Above all, it is “the truth of God”, against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail. Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example adorn your creed. Above all live in Christ Jesus, and walk in Him, giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God which is here mapped out for you." ~ Charles Spurgeon, in his preface to the 1689 London Baptist Confession.
Core Values
The Sufficiency of Scripture
When we speak of the sufficiency of scripture, we refer to the fact that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. Therefore, we continue to make every effort to structure our church according to the biblical mandate. We are not perfect, but we are always reforming (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 22:19).
A Biblical View of Conversion
Our mission is not to get as many people to ‘walk the aisle’ as possible. We desire to see true conversion. We constantly proclaim and explain the gospel, and take our time with people struggling to understand what it means to follow Christ (Romans 3:23; 5:8; 10:9-14; Ephesians 2:1-10; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; 2 Corinthians 13:5, etc). We are especially careful with children and would never manipulate or rush any child (Matt. 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2).
Christ Exalting Worship
The New Testament has surprisingly little to say about worship styles. However, one thing is sure, we are to engage in Christ exalting worship through praying, preaching, Scripture reading, singing, giving, honoring and obeying God (John 4:23-24; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-20; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:16).
Biblical Worldview
Christianity is not merely a religion, it is also a lifestyle, a philosophy; a worldview. We are to think biblically about every aspect of our lives (Romans 12:1-2; II Corinthians 10:5-6; Colossians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:14-16).
Biblical Community
The Church is not a building, but a community of believers. As such, we are to live in fellowship and community with one another. We must do more than just occupy pews near each other on a weekly basis to call ourselves a church.(Matthew 18:15-18; Romans 12:3-18; Acts 2:41-47; 4:32-35; 6:1-7; Hebrews 13:17).
Biblical Manhood/Womanhood
God has given clearly defined roles to men and women in the home and in the church (I Corinthians 16:13-14; I Kings 2:1-3; Proverbs 31, 12:4; Titus 2:3-5; I Tim 5:14). While these roles have come under attack in our culture, God has not changed. We embrace, teach, and celebrate these distinct roles at RC.
The Blessing of Children
We believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. God has called us to be fruitful and multiply. We reject our culture’s view of children as financial burdens that should be received sparingly. Instead, we rejoice with those who receive children in abundance, and mourn with those whose prayerful plea for the blessing of children has gone unanswered (Psalms 127:3-5; 128; Genesis 1:28; Proverbs 17:6; Job 42:12-16).
The Nobility of Motherhood
Motherhood is a high and honorable calling. While not every woman is called to be a wife and/or mother, those who are have an incredible responsibility; a noble calling (Psalm 113:9; Ps. 127:3; Psalm 128:3; Proverbs 31:27-31; Titus 2:3-5).
Family Discipleship
While the church is called to make disciples, it is clear that God has given the family as the primary discipling agent. Children are entrusted to parents for their spiritual nurture(Genesis 12:8; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:5-8; Psalm 113:3; Ephesians 6:1-4; II Tim. 3:14-15).
Christian Education
We believe every Christian family should strive to give their children a Christian education. The method of how to disciple children with Christian doctrine and a biblical worldview is not as important as the mandate to strive to accomplish this feat regardless of the primary educational path chosen. (Psalm 1; Proverbs 1:7-9; 2:1-7; 3:1-7;9:10; Luke 6:40; Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 1:18-21; II Corinthians 10:3-5; Colossians 2:8-10; Ephesians 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 6:20-21).
Convictions
We Practice Systematic Exposition
Because we believe in the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture, we practice systematic exposition in our preaching ministry. That means we preach verse-by-verse through sections of the Bible in order to faithfully proclaim ‘the whole council of God’ to his people.
We Seek Regenerate Church Membership
Our goal is not to grow as fast as we can. Our goal is to grow as healthy as we can. We are very deliberate in our membership process. Every member of Ridgewood Church is carefully examined to determine whether or not they truly understand and have experienced biblical conversion. Our goal here is not elitism. We simply wish to avoid giving false assurance to anyone who is not truly regenerate.
We are Committed to Baptism of Believers by Immersion
This is the essence of what it means to be a ‘Baptist’ church. While we respect Christians from other orthodox traditions, we will only receive members who have experienced ‘Believer’s Baptism’ by immersion. Moreover, we consider baptism necessary to all other privileges of membership.
We Practice Congregational Church Government with Elders Leading the Way
There are three basic forms of church government: Episcopal church government (a single bishop at the top of a hierarchy), Presbyterian church government (a synod or presbytery governing a group or denomination), and Congregational church government (no governing body above that of the local church). Ridgewood Church, like all Southern Baptist churches, is governed congregationally.
The SBC is a convention of confessing free churches (not a denomination!) with which Ridgewood Church (like all SBC churches) voluntarily cooperates. All of our decisions are made locally. Within that context, we have a plurality of elders that give leadership within our local body. These elders are responsible for leading and feeding the flock.
We Practice Age Integration
We do not divide households into component parts... we minister to the whole. Being a multi-generational community of believers from different religious, cultural, socioeconomic, and racial backgrounds, we worship, serve, fellowship, and grow together as the family of God.
Covenant
Having been led as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and angels, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to give it a sacred pre-eminence over all institutions of human origin; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from evil, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage, that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.
