Ridge Family,
Let me begin by saying how proud I am of my church family. God has accomplished so much and has brought our community so far in the past few months. Now that the transition process has been finalized and we are connected to the Global Methodist Church, our next step is to prepare and pray for the appointment process the new Pastor of The Ridge.
When I began discerning God’s call to join the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), I immediately went to prayer. I prayed that God would send the right person to lead our wonderful congregation. I prayed for someone who would share Christ’s love with everyone. I prayed for someone who would be a dynamic leader and boldly proclaim the living Word of God. I prayed for someone who would take this church to a new level in spiritual and numerical growth. The more I prayed, the more God pressed Andy Ginn on my heart. I have witnessed his servant leader’s heart as he has served the local church. I have seen his love and grace on display to those seeking to know (and grow closer to) God. I’ve also admired his devotion to his wonderful family.
Under the direction of the Spirit, I presented Andy to The Ridge Personnel Team and those in the appointment process of the Global Methodist Church. After months of prayer, interviewing with other potential candidates, having discussions with the GMC and countless meetings (including the Ridge Board), the Spirit confirmed that The Ridge should seek the appointment of Andy Ginn through the Global Methodist Church.
Many of you know Andy because he was once a member of The Ridge Church. Andy and Leslie began worshiping with The Ridge at Brookstone School. It wasn’t long before God began working on his heart and he felt the call to move into full-time ministry. He was then hired as the Associate Pastor of St. Mark Church. While in ministry at St. Mark, he began attending Asbury Seminary. He will complete his courses this fall and graduate with a Master of Divinity. He has also been accredited through the Global Methodist Church.
I truly believe that God is going to use Andy and Leslie to help write the next great chapter of ministry at The Ridge. I can’t tell you how much his witness and example has meant to me and countless others. He continues to strive for excellence in ministry and I know that he will lead The Ridge with love, grace and integrity.
Please be in prayer for the appointment process of the GMC that will allow Andy to become the next pastor of The Ridge Church.
I truly believe the best is yet to come!
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Jimmy McIlrath
Pastor Emeritus - The Ridge