This week on The Journey, we took some time to explore the remarkable journey of Ridgecrest Baptist Church through the eyes of someone who has witnessed decades of faithful ministry. From the old sanctuary with its eight-foot ceilings and supporting poles to our current worship center, from traditional committee structures to our current staff-led model, we traced how God has been faithful through every season. More importantly, we discussed how authentic Christian community happens in both large gatherings and smaller, intentional groups—and how the role of servant leadership continues to shape our church’s health and vitality.

Key Takeaways:

* Legacy matters, but it must evolve. The faithfulness of previous generations laid the foundation we stand on today, but healthy churches adapt their structures and methods while maintaining their core mission. What worked for a church of 200 doesn’t always work for a church of 2,000, and that’s okay.

* Servant leadership transforms community. The shift from deacons who made major decisions to deacons who serve, combined with staff who see themselves as shepherds rather than managers, has created an environment where ministry happens organically and people feel genuinely cared for.

* Smaller groups create deeper connections. Whether it’s Man Church, Connection Groups, or other intentional gatherings, there’s something powerful that happens when we move beyond Sunday morning rows to face-to-face circles where people can share authentically and grow together.

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