Ridge University Podcast

Over the last number of centuries the fields of science and religion appear to have shared a somewhat turbulent relationship. Many assert the basic incompatibility of the two, dismissing the validity of religious belief and arguing for the ultimate viability of the scientific method. Others see no conflict at all, claiming a complementary nature between the two fields. So what are we to think? Is...

It’s not exaggeration to say the practice of silence and solitude is a lost art. No doubt the rise in accessibility to entertainment, news and a global social network has contributed to this trend. We’ve never had more opportunity to be occupied or distracted. But is silence and solitude something we need to fight for in any case? Are we really loosing out by not regularly inhabiting these quiet s...

It’s no secret that prayer is one of the biggest challenges for many Christians. While there may be several reasons for that trend, most end up feeling a sense of discouragement, guilt or even frustration at their lack of ability or consistency in prayer. But what if some of that tension is caused by a misconception of what prayer actually is? How might prayer look different if it was less ritual...

For some, personal reflection comes easily (almost too easily!). Yet for others, spending time quietly processing can be a challenge or simply dismissed as self-indulgent. Yet as we look at Jesus’ life, retreating into spaces to pray, reflect and hear from the Father seems to have been a regular practice. So how can we look to incorporate these kinds of spaces into our lives? How can we create a h...

The concept of a “retreat” can bring to mind various images and ideas. For some it might be a walk in the woods, for others a quiet weekend escape to the beach. But in what ways might a “spiritual retreat” look different? What are some of the challenges we might face within that space, and how do we overcome them?  Join Ridge U host Will Herron and special guest Brandy Young as they discuss these...

Someone once said, “Your habits will determine your future.” While there’s surely more to it, there is no doubt the things we do repetitively impact our lives on a large scale.  In this first episode of Live Better: Spiritual Practices to Live By, host Will Herron and trained spiritual director Brandy Young explore the why behind spiritual practices. Join them as they discuss the essential role th...

Join Ridge U hosts Will Herron and Joni Pine as they embark on a festive extravaganza of comedy, competitive Christmas games, and even some carol renditions too! Featuring special guests, Mindy Schardt and Gavin Jerome. PS: if you missed out on last years Christmas episode, don't fret! You can listen in here .

For many families, the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia is overwhelming.  For some the diagnosis is swift and horrifying; for others the slow progression gives us time to prepare.  What are some things that would be helpful in caring for a parent with Alzheimers or another dementia? Join guest host and Leadership Director Julie Wiemann and Ridge friend Gavin Jerome as discuss som...

For many people, caring for their elderly parents is an honor, but also can be extremely difficult.  Sibling support is sometimes available, but there are times when even that is not an option.  So how can we navigate well the various challenges that come with caring for elderly parents? Join guest host and Leadership Director Julie Wiemann and Ridge members David & Tara Erredge as they explor...

While death is inevitable for us all, having discussions with our loved ones about medical interventions and end of life is difficult.  So what kinds of conversations should we have with our aging parents or elderly family?  How can medical professionals assist in those discussions? Join guest host and Leadership Director Julie Wiemann and Family Medicine Doctor Christina Goebel as they explore so...

As a part of our commemorating 25yrs of The Ridge we’ve taken some time to sit down and interview a few couples who were part of the original planting group of the church. In our final episode of the series we welcome to the studio Ridge Director of Family Ministries, Doug Applegate, and his wife, Michelle. 

As a part of our commemorating 25yrs of The Ridge we’ve taken some time to sit down and interview a few couples who were part of the original planting group of the church. Joining series host in this third episode is Ridge Leadership and Ministry Director, Julie Wiemann, and her husband, Chuck. 

As a part of our commemorating 25yrs of The Ridge we’ve taken some time to sit down and interview a few couples who were part of the original planting group of the church. Listen in as our second couple, Rod and Helene Bergren, reflect on 25yrs at The Ridge with series host, Will Herron. 

As a part of our commemorating 25yrs of The Ridge we’ve taken some time to sit down and interview a few couples who were part of the original planting group of the church. In our first episode we welcome to the studio Ridge Lead Pastor, Mike Van Rees, and his wife Sarah. Listen in as they reflect and recount some meaningful and (sometimes surprising!) stories of the last 25yrs at The Ridge.

What is the role of the church? How can we go about understanding past church hurt? And how do we go about sharing our faith as followers of Jesus?  Join Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron, and Ridge U teacher, Jay Braband, as they seek to answers these questions and more in the final episode of our Foundations series.  Resources: Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them (John Ortberg...

In Matthew 20:28 we read that “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” How can we go about following Jesus’ example in our every day lives?  Join Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron, and Ridge Outreach Director, Mary Kohlsdorf, as they explore what it looks like to live a life of service.  Resources: Placed for a Purpose (Chris + Elizabeth McKinney), The Art of Neighboring...

Even for people who have been following Jesus for a while, the person of the Holy Spirit can be a mystery. And yet Jesus said it was actually better for him to leave the earth so that we could have the Holy Spirit. So who is the Holy Spirit and what role does He play in our lives?  Join Ridge Director of Discipleship Will Herron and Ridge Leadership and Ministry Director, Julie Wiemann, as they sp...

The Bible was written centuries ago in cultures and continents different than our own. So how should we approach reading it, studying it, and applying it to our lives?   Join Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron, and Ridge U teacher, Jay Braband, as they discuss some practical ways to go about engaging with the Bible.  Resources: New Bible Commentary (Various Authors), The New Testament for...

Most would agree that good communication is key to the health of any relationship. The same is true for our relationship with God. But how do we go about talking and hearing from someone who is not physically present?  Join Ridge Director of Discipleship Will Herron and Ridge Leadership and Ministry Director, Julie Wiemann, as they discuss how we can go about talking with and hearing from God.  Re...

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?  Join Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron, and Ridge U teacher, Jay Braband, as they explore what we mean when we talk about being a “Christian”.  Resources: The Reason for God (Tim Keller), Mere Christianity (C.S Lewis), Confronting Christianity (Rebecca McLaughlin)  Got more questions about Christianity? Why not reach out to us? Click here and...

“An assuming character is called into an epic quest with their success or failure determining the future the world.” Sounds familiar right? While we might encounter different characters and worlds, this kind of fictional journey is a common one. But why has it proven to be so popular? And what is it about calling, purpose, and destiny that keeps us returning to this narrative? Join guest host, Set...

Ever wondered why most fictional romance stories are so predictable? We know what is going to happen (people find their “true love”) and yet we keep coming back to see it work out again and again. So why do we do this? And what has it got to do with God and the Bible? Join guest host, Seth Sparks, and Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron as they continue to explore popular plot lines like r...

Did you know that 48 of the top 50 highest grossing movies of all time have good vs evil as a primary plotline? It provokes us to ask, why are we so often drawn back to this ancient kind of story? Why do we so often seek the resolution of the good winning out, justice for villains, and a happily ever after?   Join guest host, Seth Sparks, and Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron as they loo...

Fictional stories create the foundation for a multi billion dollar industry. Whether its books, movies, plays, or tv shows, audiences around the world are drawn back again and again to similar plot lines and narrative themes. But why is this so? Is it just entertainment or is there something deeper going on? And what does it have to do with Christianity and the Bible?  Join guest host, Seth Sparks...

What do our conversations with God look like when we walk through difficult seasons? How could I ever pray publicly in front of others?  Join Ridge University host Will Herron and special guest Vivian Kinkade as they seek to answers these questions and more in this third and final episode of our prayer series.  Resources:  Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament (Mark Vroegop)