about us
core values
We are ordinary people from a variety of backgrounds, ages and circumstances. We believe in doing life together. No matter where you are on your journey, we are here to help each other learn, grow, and live a life of purpose, hope and peace.
Everything we do at North Ridge Church comes from our core purpose to
LIVE FULL of LIFE
Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
We encourage a full life by following these core values:
Love abundantly
We believe that God loves us, that we should love God and love others.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27
live boldly
Because of Christ in us, we can live courageous and authentic lives.
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
2 Timothy 1:7
connect with god
God wants us to experience His love. He wants to be involved in our lives. Connecting with God is like having a spiritual GPS.
Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Ephesians 3:17
core beliefs
The following are the list of North Ridge Church's core beliefs. Click on each tab for more information.
There is one living and true God, who is the creator of the universe, and He exists in three personalities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is called the "Trinity." The personalities are separate, but always equal and unified. (Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; Matthew 28:19)
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He came to earth in human form, born of a virgin, and offered Himself to be sacrificed for the sins of all people by his death on the cross. After three days He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will result in eternity with God in Heaven. (John 14:10-14; Hebrews 4:14; I Corinthians 15:3-4)
The Holy Spirit empowers and enables Christians to understand spiritual truth by guiding us, comforting us and giving us courage and insight. (John 14:15-17, 26; Galatians 5:25; I Corinthians 2:12-15; Ephesians 1:13)
The Bible instructs us to gather for worship, prayer, fellowship and the teaching of the Word. We believe the church is not a building or location but, rather, the church is people. Working together, we can accomplish great things for God, impact our community for Christ, and grow spiritually. At North Ridge Church, this network of people serving each other and all those around them leads to the 167 principle of service. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 10:24-25)
The Bible is God’s Word to us. It is inspired by God while, at the same time, reflecting the backgrounds, styles and vocabularies of its human authors. We believe the scriptures are true and without error, and the Bible gives us the truth and guidance for Christian living. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12)
Salvation is God’s gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. We simply ask God’s forgiveness of our sins, through Jesus’ dying on the cross. Through salvation we turn from ruling our own life to allowing God to help and guide us. (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8; John 14:6; I John 2:2; I John 1:8-10; I Peter 2:24)
People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. (I Corinthians 2:7; John 14:2-4; Revelation 21:1-5; I Corinthians 15:50)
Baptism symbolizes the spiritual cleansing through God’s forgiveness. It is an outward display of our inward commitment to Christ and our decision to trust in Him. (Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:41) North Ridge Church will provide opportunities throughout the year for those who want to be baptized.
During Jesus’ last days, He gathered His disciples for a meal and asked them to eat bread and drink wine "in remembrance" of Him. We take communion to celebrate and remember Christ's death on the cross for our sins. We have an Open Communion at North Ridge Church, which means if you are a Christ-follower, regardless of any church membership, denomination or spiritual tradition, you are welcome to join in communion. We do not want anyone to feel obligated to take communion if they are not ready. (I Corinthians 11:23-26)
North Ridge Church is part of The Wesleyan Church—a growing, multiethnic denomination in the United States and around the world. The name Wesleyan comes from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who emphasized a life of faith, self-discipline and involvement in social relief work. In 1843, a group of pastors and local churches, who had strong anti-slavery convictions and felt the church needed to take a stand against slavery, started The Wesleyan denomination.
Our vision & Story
Pastor Brent Bickel, and his wife, Laura, were serving on staff at a large church in North Dakota when God began working on their hearts to plant a church in Wisconsin. After much praying, planning, and fundraising the couple made the move from out west to Wisconsin. It was a homecoming of sorts as Brent grew up as a teenager in the state. Pastor and friend, Craig Rayment, also made the move with Brent and Laura to plant this new church.
In spring 2011, after research, prayer and connecting with others, Brent, Laura and Craig determined that Waunakee was the right community to start a new church. The ministry began with North Ridge Kids, an energetic and educational midweek program for children that launched in September 2011. North Ridge Church began monthly services in the fall and by spring 2012, there was a group of 20 dedicated individuals, serving and connecting with others to help North Ridge Church launch weekly services on September 9, 2012.
Secondary Title
staff & leadership
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Pastor Brent and his wife, Laura, and their three children have lived in Waunakee since 2011. He does not enjoy long walks on the beach, preferring hiking and backpacking in the mountains whenever possible. He is passionate about serving people, teaching about God and His Word, and seeing people find new and deeper faith in Jesus.
Pastor Chris has been involved in church ministry for more than 24 years and was ordained in 2019. She and her husband, Paul, have three children and two dogs. She is passionate about sharing the hope of Jesus and loves to lead kids classes, preach, and do life with others inside and outside of church.
Pastor Nick has been in vocational ministry since 2017 following a career in real estate and finance. Nick and his wife, Leiah, are parents and coparents to three girls. Nick finds great joy in helping others find deeper connection with God and with one another, and is a strong believer that we are called to go out into the community and to the "ends of the earth" to serve and love others in Jesus' name.
Marie has a degree in Religious Studies and was a commissioned Lay Pastor for many years. She has been in ministry for decades. Marie and her husband, Alan, are both native Wisconsinites. They have three children and two grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them in Colorado. Marie is passionate about helping individuals through life experiences in both good and difficult times.
Reenie Bickel has two children and six grandchildren, whom she loves doing life with! She oversees all aspects of the worship services and assists in systems/procedures and special projects. Reenie loves music, the outdoors, and organizing.
Laura is a true Wisconsinite having lived here longer than anywhere else. More importantly she loves the people and community which have become home for her and her family. Laura prefers warm, tropical destinations, which has to balance out with her husband, Pastor Brent, who is always trying to drag them into the mountains. She thrives in connecting people together and is passionate about them growing deeper in their faith.
