Welcome I Why The Ridge I The Ridge Experience
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Welcome to The Ridge
A one-year discipleship and leadership experience design to form Biblically grounded, spiritually mature, and ministry equipped young adults for lifelong Kingdom impact.
The Ridge exists to help young adults deepen their relationship with Jesus, grow in their understanding of Scripture, discover their calling, and be equipped to faithfully serve the church and the world.
Why The Ridge
This is more than just a year-long Bible study.
The Ridge is a one-year discipleship and leadership experience designed for young adults ages 18-21 years old during a pivotal season of spiritual, personal, and vocational formation.
Through a unique partnership between Centre Street Church (CSC) and Rocky Mountain College (RMC), students experience accredited Biblical education within the life of a local church community.
Unlike traditional classroom only programs, The Ridge places students inside real ministry environments where learning is immediately practiced through ministry experience, leadership development, mentoring, and Christian community.
Students will earn a Certificate in Christian Discipleship through RMC while participating in immersive discipleship, ministry training, and spiritual formation experiences at CSC – Central Campus.
Our desire is to help students establish deep spiritual roots, gain confidence in their understanding of Scripture, discover their God given calling, and be equipped to faithfully serve wherever God leads them.
Our Vision
To form a generation of spiritually mature, Biblically grounded, and missionally engaged young leaders who are formed by Scripture, know Christ deeply, connected in Christian community, serve the church faithfully, and influence the world for the Kingdom of God.
Students Will Graduate
Spiritually Mature
We believe spiritually mature Christ followers not only hear the Word but also put it into practice. Through spiritual mentorship, intentional community, prayer, worship, spiritual disciplines, ministry experience, and Biblical learning, students will be challenged to deepen their relationship with Christ and a life that looks more like His every day.
Biblically and Theologically Grounded
Through courses such as Introduction to Theology, Christian Mind, Biblical Hermeneutics, and Life of Christ, students will develop a strong Biblical foundation and learn how to faithfully understand, interpret, and apply Scripture to everyday life.
Ministry Equipped
We desire to equip students to live on mission wherever God calls them, whether that is in the church, marketplace, school, or community.
Immersive ministry opportunities are intentionally woven into the rhythm of the program to help students develop practical ministry skills, leadership competencies, and servant hearted character through hands on experience alongside experienced ministry leaders.
Is The Ridge Right For You? The ridge is designed for young adults who:
- Want to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus
- Desire a stronger foundation in Scripture and theology
- Are exploring God's calling on their life
- Want intentional Christian community and mentorship
- Are considering ministry, missions, leadership, or further education
- Want to invest a year in spiritual growth before future career or university pathways
The Ridge Experience
Admission requirements. The Ridge is designed for young adults who:
- Graduated high school in 2026.
- Are between the ages of 18 and 21.
- Desire to grow spiritually and deepen their understanding of Scripture.
- Are open to mentorship, Christian community, and serving within the local church.
- Are willing to actively engage in the life and rhythm of the program.
Note: No previous ministry experience is required
Weekly Rhythm
- Students participate in a consistent weekly rhythm intentionally designed around academic learning, spiritual formation, ministry experience, and community formation.
- Tuesday = Academic Instruction
- Wednesday = Spiritual Formation and Community Life
- Thursday = Ministry Placement and Leadership Coaching
- The program runs from September to April at Centre Street Church – Central Campus.
Course List
Introduction to the Bible
An introduction to the Christian Bible that explores the overarching storyline of the Old and New Testaments, including a basic timeline of key events. Students will examine biblical genres, historical context, central theological themes, the formation of the canon, and Christian understandings of inspiration.
Biblical Hermeneutics
An introduction to the theory and practice of biblical interpretation. Attention is given to the history of interpretation, to some basic principles of hermeneutics, and to appropriate interpretive strategies for various biblical genres.
Introduction to Theology
This course introduces students to the sources, methods, and major doctrines of the Christian faith, including: revelation, Theology Proper, the Trinity, Christ, the Holy Spirit, humanity, sin, salvation, the Church and the end times.
Life of Christ
An examination of Christ’s life including his birth, baptism, death, resurrection, and teachings as recorded in the Gospels. Key events and discourses will be applied to practical Christian living.
Introduction to Christian Spirituality
An examination of the process of Christian spirituality in the life of the believer, as the process relates to the integration of faith and action. Attention is given to personal spiritual disciplines and the inner work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
Christian Mind
Compares the Christian world view with others including Naturalism and Pantheism. Equips the student with a framework for thinking Christianly about the areas of psychology, sociology, the natural sciences, and philosophy. Especially relevant for those anticipating university studies.
Leadership Principles
An exploration of the biblical principles of leadership, and their application to our North American lifestyle. Significant time is spent discussing the character of Christian leadership and its affect on leadership style and roles.
Global Christian Citizenship
The Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof (Ps 24:1). We live in a world that is burgeoning with change and challenge. This course provides a sweeping overview of the changes and challenges shaping our world that God so loves. This overview provides the context for students to establish a clear commitment to living as both responsible Christians and global citizens, committed both to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Field Education
A practical ministry formation course requiring students to complete a minimum of 100 hours in a local church or ministry setting. Students engage in supervised ministry, mentoring, and reflection to integrate academic learning with real-world practice as they discern God’s leading.
Certificate and Accreditation
- Students who complete The Ridge will earn a Certificate in Christian Discipleship through RMC.
- Rocky Mountain College is authorized by the legislature of Alberta to offer diplomas or certificates and degrees in divinity. RMC is also a designated educational institution through the Federal and Provincial student loan system in Canada.
- Additionally, RMC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education to grant certificates, diplomas and degrees at the Baccalaureate level. For more information see the RMC website here.
- Students may apply their Certificate toward future studies at RMC or request a transcript for transfer to another institution at the RMC website here.
Spiritual Formation & Mentoring
Spiritual formation is at the heart of The Ridge
Through chapel gatherings, worship, prayer, mentorship, retreats, spiritual disciplines, and intentional community, students will be challenged to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and develop rhythms that sustain lifelong discipleship.
Chapel
Students regularly gather for worship, Biblical teaching, prayer, and reflection as they seek to hear God’s voice and grow together.
Weekly Church Life
Students actively participate in the life of the local church through weekend worship services, community involvement, and ministry engagement.
Retreat Experience
Students participate in intentional retreat experiences focused on spiritual renewal, community formation, prayer, reflection, and deeper intimacy with God.
Mentorship
Students are paired with a mentor who provides encouragement, accountability, discipleship, prayer support, and wisdom throughout the year.
Immersive Ministry Experience
Through ministry placements, coaching, and hands-on leadership opportunities, students will gain practical ministry exposure while serving alongside experienced ministry leaders in the local church.
Ministry Training*
Students will serve within ministry environments that align with their interests, gifts, and leadership development goals.
Missions Experience*
Students will participate in an outreach and missions experience in Vancouver’s Downtown/East Hastings, serving alongside local ministry partners while learning about compassion, justice, evangelism, and Gospel Centred outreach in a high-needs urban ministry context.
* Participation in the immersive Ministry Experience fulfils Field Instruction credits for the certificate.
Meet the Team
- CSC Staff Team
- Matt Schorr – Family Ministries Pastor, Leadership Development
- Becky Dryden – Family Ministries Coordinator
- Rocky Mountain College team
- Brad Tiegen – Academic Dean
APPLY NOW
Start Your Journey Today. Whether you are ready to deepen your faith, grow in your understanding of Scripture, or explore God’s calling on your life, or develop as a leader, The Ridge is designed to help you take the next step.
Apply now
FAQ
When does the program run?
Students participate in program activities and academic instruction every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday throughout the academic year.
How much does the program cost?
Total Program Cost is $12,000
Tuition Includes:
- RMC tuition
- Spiritual formation retreats
- Community life experiences
- Program meals
- Ministry coaching and mentorship
- Program supplies and materials
Note: Textbooks are not included.
CSC belongs to the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada denomination. Rocky Mountain College is also applying for the EMCC bursary for students who attend CSC. This will be deducted off the tuition course costs.
CSC is blessed to have generous, kingdom-minded individuals who are investing in the next generation of students that attend The Ridge. As a result, the total program cost is subsidized and not the true cost of the program.
What does my tuition cover?
Tuition costs cover the actual course cost per credit hour for the courses taught through Rocky Mountain Bible College.
Additional funds are being provided by generous kingdom-minded individuals who are covering the costs of spiritual formation, community life, program meals, supplies, and retreats.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Scholarships, bursaries, and financial assistance may be available for qualifying students. Government student loan options are also available through RMC. They have additional information on how to apply for these loans.
Can I receive post-secondary credit for this program?
Yes. Students earn a Certificate in Christian Discipleship through RMC, an accredited institution through the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).
Credits may be applied toward future studies at RMC or transferable institutions where applicable. Additional information can be found through RMC.
What church involvement is expected?
Students are expected to actively participate in weekend services at their local church as well as other program elements like community life, mentorship, and ministry placements throughout the program year.
How/when can I apply?
Applications are now open.
Each applicant will participate in an interview process where we will hear about their faith journey, discuss their goals, and explore whether The Ridge is the right fit for their next season of growth and discipleship.
Have questions about The Ridge? We would love to connect with you and help you explore whether this program is the right next step for you!