Located on Thompson Drive in Bridgeport, Ridge View Church is holding its official launch on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Pastored by Nathaniel Lutyens, the church is affiliated with South Ridge Church in Fairmont, Chestnut Ridge in Morgantown and River Ridge Churches in Charleston and Hurricane.

The bible-believing, non-denominational church is not intended to replace or enhance any local offerings, but rather to join forces to reach more people.

“We’re not here because we think we can come in and do better, but the reality and what I’ve legitimately believed for years is that there are a lot more people in this area who need to be reached, so we need more churches,” Lutyens said.

The church purchased the property prior to 2020 and operated out of the building shortly before the COVID pandemic came along. It has been closed since.

“I came on their staff in 2021, and we started talking about what it could look like to restart that vision,” Lutyens said. “We’ve been working on that pretty deliberately for the past couple of years.”

A soft launch was initiated about a year ago, but the church hasn’t done any extensive outreach efforts regarding promotion until now. Ridge View Church is located at 164 Thompson Drive past Gabriel’s Plaza. Lutyens does most of the preaching/teaching at the weekly 10 a.m. Sunday services.

“Kids join us for worship, then we have a kids ministry that takes place while we have our teaching time,” Lutyens said.

Plans are in the works for an extension of youth services and activities.

There are a few small bible study groups that meet at people’s homes and there will likely be additional small groups added, Lutyens said.

The church also plans to show up for the community in the coming months and years.

“We’re looking for ways to tangibly impact the community, to engage in the spiritual needs and the physical needs around us,” Lutyens said.

Learn more about Ridge View Church at www.ridgeviewchurchwv.com.

Editor’s Note: Photos are by
Allison Horne,