How It All Began

Sep 7, 2025    Josh Rhodes

In the first message of our "Welcome to The Ridge" series, Pastor Josh takes us back to 1985, when Chestnut Ridge Church began with a small group of people who simply wanted to love God and love their neighbors. As we look at Jesus’ Great Commandment and Great Commission, we’re reminded that the foundation of our church has always been Christ—and that His mission is still what leads us forward today.


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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Today’s message focused on celebrating and honoring our past as a church family. When and how did you first connect with The Ridge?

2. Read Matthew 22:34–40. In the time you’ve been part of The Ridge, how have you seen our church live out Jesus’ call to love God and love others in practical, tangible ways?

3. Read Matthew 28:16–20. How have you seen The Ridge carry out Jesus’ mission of making disciples, through going, baptizing, and teaching?

4. What are some ways we, as a church family, and you personally, can guard against drifting from Christ, His Great Commandment, and His Great Commission as our foundation and “true north”?

5. Who is one person in our life right now that you are burdened for who doesn’t yet know Christ or have a church family? What steps can you take to invest in your relationship and over time share the gospel with them, invite them to church, etc.?

6. Close in prayer together, giving thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness to Chestnut Ridge Church over these forty years.