Day 2: We Are God’s Holy People
In September of 2004, a small team of people from Chestnut Ridge Church in Morgantown, WV were sent out in faith, and with the full cooperation, support, and blessing of our local church, to begin a new work in Fairmont, WV under the servant leadership of Seth Broadhurst, a Commissioned Minister with Great Commission Churches. During the Fall of 2004, the plant team worshiped together on Sundays at the Fairfield Inn Marriot in White Hall, as well as in two Community Groups during the week. We used this time to pray, plan, and prepare for a public launch of South Ridge Church in February of 2005.
On February 6, 2005, we held our first service to the public at the YWCA in Pleasant Valley. In May of the same year, God provided us with the opportunity to rent the Marion Country Senior Citizens Center, formerly known as Trinity Assemblies of God. We met at the Senior Center for eight years, eventually needing two services on Sunday mornings.
On June 15, 2006, Seth Broadhurst was recognized as an elder/ pastor in Great Commission Churches. As the church grew, it became necessary to bring on additional staff to equip the church for the work that God was doing through us. Marcia Hockenberry became our first full-time Office Manager in the fall of 2006. Justin Wright was brought on as a Commissioned Minister in April of 2007, and the church hired Danelle Conaway soon after to be the Family Ministry Director. Justin Wright was recognized as an elder/ pastor in Great Commission Churches in June of 2011.
During the spring of 2008, the church embarked on a faith journey and capital stewardship campaign titled Making Ripples in order to purchase land and build our own church building. On April 29, 2008, we purchased eight acres of property down the road from the Senior Center. It was paid off on June 23, 2010. Site excavation began on the new church building November 23, 2011. Our first weekend services at the new building were held on May 26, 2013.
In November of 2013, Dean Brannen became the 3rd member of the pastoral staff, and in September 2016 it was announced that South Ridge Church would move forward in faith to become a multisite church, starting a second location in Bridgeport, WV with Dean as the pastor of the new location. Following this decision, the church embarked on another faith journey and two-year generosity campaign called Second City. We purchased a building in Bridgeport and launched our new location in February 2018.
South Ridge Church has enjoyed steady growth since February 6, 2005 and our vision continues today. This vision is to provide people with the opportunity to experience real life, real relationships, and real purpose through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. It is also our prayer that God would use us in the future to begin new local churches in other communities throughout the great state of West Virginia and beyond.
READING:
What do you think it means to be “perfectly united in mind and thought?” (v.10)
Why would Paul be concerned that some considered themselves followers of one teacher, and others followed other leaders?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: 2 Samuel 24, Psalm 24
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER: On your own, take the opportunity to pray for your spouse, or another loved one. The following outline may be helpful.
Four Prayers for Your Spouse or Another Loved One:
- Thank God for the miracle of your spouse and marriage or the loved one in your life.
- Thank God for any way in which your spouse or loved one has changed your life.
- Commit your spouse’s or loved one’s future to the Lord.
- Ask God for help in figuring out what your part in that future may be.
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