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“People are so encouraging here.” Gordon’s rich background includes working with a variety of nonprofits, higher education, mega-churches and international relief organizations. He first became involved with West Ridge when working as a consultant for the capital campaign, and was drawn to the authenticity of the people and community. The most influential person in Gordon’s life is his wife, and he is inspired by great dreams—especially those of others. One of his top reads is “Christ and Culture” by Richard Neibuhr, along with the Bible. For relaxation, Gordon likes to hit the local links with his golf clubs, with a stop at his favorite restaurant T’fano’s on the way home.
“I’m inspired by people who desire authenticity.” Darren has been a part of West Ridge since it was just a dream that he shared with some close friends. Despite being the son of a pastor, and ordained himself at a young age, Darren became disillusioned with the church, and walked away from his relationship with God for several years. After careers working as a political activist in South Africa, a housing advocate for low income people and real estate developer, Darren became inspired to start a church where people could feel safe to explore their faith in God at their own pace. The vision has become a reality as West Ridge is a place that serves people from all racial and economic backgrounds, where people find grace and acceptance no matter what baggage they bring with them. Darren continues to lead the mission and vision of West Ridge as a volunteer. When he is not pursuing his mission at West Ridge, he can be found working as a partner in the real estate development firm that he has helped to build. His lifelong goal is to “cross the finish line of life together with the people of West Ridge with our faith intact.”
Michael is also the Director of the West Ridge Center for the Arts. “I love the desire and willingness here to offer quality.” Music is Michael’s ministry at West Ridge, where he is involved in the services and helping other musicians at the church. He is especially moved by the variety of life experiences represented by the people of West Ridge, and the honesty they are willing to share. Michael gets his music inspiration from composer John Cage, and he is the proud owner of a wazoo—a kazoo with an add-on horn. His must-read book other than the Bible is the “Poetics of Music” by Igor Stravinksy, and “Danny Boy” counts among his favorite songs. You are mostly likely to find Michael enjoying his downtime with his dogs, fishing and sipping on a Cherry Coke.
“I love the balance of working hard and having fun.”
It’s the rare ability to work hard and laugh hard that Kerry finds especially appealing about West Ridge. Unlike other churches that maintain a “culture of image management,” Kerry likes that West Ridge is very open about the fact that people in the community have made mistakes in the past, and continue to do so. He credits his wife as helping to see where he needs to grow, offering both patience and grace as “I stumble in the direction that God is showing me.” His lifelong goal is to write a song that gets cut by a major country artist. While waiting for that to happen, Kerry spends his free time watching Cardinals baseball, eating Giordano’s pizza, and spending time with his three children. Be sure to ask him to do his impersonation of Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” And yes, Kerry’s hair is 100% real.
“I love the come-as-you-are culture of West Ridge.” Greg’s passion is building ministries that connect people to Christ and community. He has served nationally and internationally as a trainer and consultant assisting churches in starting and building community group ministries. Greg has been actively involved in community group ministry as a group member, leader, and coach and has been on staff as Group Life Pastor for four churches. He considers his wife the primary influence in his life: “she is the most godly, loving, selfless person I have ever known.” One of Greg’s favorite activities is pursuing great stories whether in movie, a book or personally over a cup of coffee. He is a lifelong student of World War II history. His favorite book is “D-Day” by Stephen Ambrose, and Greg’s dream is to travel to Europe and tour the historic WW II sites. For fun, Greg likes to cook, listen to country music and relax with his golf clubs or fishing pole—although he admits he sometimes has to resort to fishing his golf balls out of the water hazard!
“I love being able to listen to the needs of others, and do something about it.” Looking for a place where her kids could learn about Jesus, and she could grow spiritually with her husband, God led Jimena to West Ridge through the Yellow Pages. She is inspired by the community feeling, and seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Her goal is to have a place for a Women’s Group that can help the members come to know Jesus. Jimena’s many talents include playing the guitar, singing, and shooting hoops. She admits to having a bit of a sweet tooth, loving to munch on goodies from Baker’s Square, butter pecan ice cream, and Alfajores, cookies that only her mother knows how to make. After the Bible, you are most likely to find her reading Elizabeth George’s book “A Woman After God’s Own Heart.”
“Partnering together to serve God is very fulfilling.” Jana has been involved with West Ridge almost since its inception, and it has continued to be a consistent presence for over a decade. She is committed to making Kid’s Crossing an ongoing part of her life each Sunday. Her main spiritual influence is her Grandma, who Jana calls “rock solid” and has always been Christ-centered. She also credits her family for their daily support, encouragement and inspiration. Visiting the sunny state of Florida is Jana’s favorite vacation escape. To relieve stress on a daily basis, Jana bakes up goodies for friends and family with her “mad” baking skills. Her goal is to retire early enough to enjoy serving coffee at a diner, where she can continue the “many more conversations I need to have with people.” The song you are most likely to catch her listening to? Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”
 Being involved in a puppet ministry for over 18 years has given Melissa a good idea of what it takes give kids a strong, faith-based foundation. She and her family (husband and daughters) joined West Ridge in 2004 when they moved to the area, and Melissa has been involved with the Kid’s Crossing ever since. Outside of God, Melissa considers her husband to be the most influential person in her life: “He is my provider, my comforter, my confidant, but most of all my best-friend.” She loves the authenticity of the people at West Ridge, where she can be herself and know others will do the same in return. Through her children, Melissa is reminded of how God sees her as His child, and His feelings for her. Some of Melissa’s favorite things include country music, pizza, watching movies, and working on her lifelong goal of “raising a Christ-centered, grace-filled, loving family.”
“The minute we walked in, we knew we had found it.”
It took Nancy and her husband several years of searching to finally land at West Ridge. God is the main inspiration in her life, followed closely by her husband who she calls “the hardest working and kindest person I know.” She credits her oldest daughter for always having a smile on her face, and her youngest to being sensitive to the needs of others. Friends and family give Nancy kudos for her cooking skills, although she is just as happy munching on mint chocolate chip ice cream and chips and salsa (not necessarily together). Her idea of great afternoon is hanging with friends and family in her backyard. One day, she hopes to say “ciao” and pack up her family to head to Italy for an extended stay.
 When Kathie, and her husband Gary, arrived at West Ridge for the 1st time, they were in the search of the impossible dream – to replace the church they had known and loved for 15 years but which had recently closed its doors. Kathie and Gary were immediately taken in by West Ridge’s extraordinary music and continued to come back for that, plus the relevancy of the messages, the intimacy of the small groups, and authenticity and friendliness of the people here. Suffice it to say, “Mission Impossible” accomplished – they have a new home.
Kathie is blessed to be able to share her extensive admin background with West Ridge’s office team, booking room rentals, typing, and helping out where ever needed.
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