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

Click on a tab for information about our core beliefs. 

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)

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 to Wisconsin. It was a homecoming of sorts as Brent grew up as a teenager in the state. Craig Rayment, a pastor and friend, 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 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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  • brent bickel

    Lead pastor

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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.

  • Chris bickett

    student ministries PASTOR

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    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. 

  • nick ertz

    planting orchard church

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    In September of 2024, Pastor Nick made the transition from being a part of North Ridge's staff to planting Orchard Church on the east side of Madison, with our blessing.  Find out more about Orchard Church.

  • marie langeteig

    care PASTOR

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    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

    worship arts/projects coordinator

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    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 bickel

    administrator

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    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.