Mike Ridgway serves as the director of missions for Banner Association in Ada. His role primarily is to serve churches within the association by providing resources, encouragement and a listening ear as they work to impact their communities and disciple their congregations. He finds it a great blessing to join them in prayer, as they seek the Lord’s direction both as a church and as individuals.
“The best part of this ministry is meeting new people in their home churches,” Mike said. “Each congregation is unique in their history and goals for the future. Our churches have a great resolve to make an impact on the lives of their members and their communities. I am blessed to pray with them and to join them in seeking the Lord’s will.”
As is true with all Christians and especially those who serve in ministry, Mike encounters challenges as he discusses spiritual matters with people.
“We live in a world of massive information and myriad ideas,” he said. “Sometimes that can be advantageous, but in spiritual matters these clutter the simplicity of the Gospel. I have found that many people pick and choose from a variety of beliefs and then mold those things into a personal belief system that is not consistent with the Word of God. My challenge is to have conversations that will neither turn nor offend people while helping them to see the true Gospel, which is faith alone in Christ.”
Despite the challenges, Mike remains optimistic about the future of churches in Oklahoma and around the world.
“I have the pleasure of encountering our college students every day and have been incredibly blessed as I see them develop their faith and disciple others,” he said. “I am thankful for them and the impact they will have on our churches in the future.”
Prayer requests Mike includes praying that “God would bring a revival to our land and a hunger for the lost.” Pray also for churches still struggling with low attendance due to the lingering effects of COVID-19.
Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. This unified giving encourages fellowship with other believers all over the world. Collectively, Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel together.
Mike Ridgway is featured in the 2023 Missionary Prayer Guide for Oklahoma Baptists. For more information about the Cooperative Program, visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp.
