Ridgecrest Volunteer Ministry

Ridgecrest Mission Statement
As God works through us we will help people and churches know Jesus Christ and seek His Kingdom by providing the best conference center environment for experiencing spiritual transformation and renewal.

Did You Know?

• Ridgecrest was founded in 1907, more than 100 years ago.
• Since 1999, over 8,000 people have accepted Christ or made other spiritual decisions while visiting Ridgecrest.

For much of Ridgecrest’s near one-hundred year history, men and women of God have brought an incredible heart and passion to Ridgecrest’s volunteer ministry. Bringing a cheerful smile and helping hands to the various hospitality needs on Ridgecrest’s campus, these volunteers have left a lasting impression on literally millions of guests.

Volunteers are key to Ridgecrest being able to effectively serve our guests. Ridgecrest invites you to prayerfully consider investing a small portion of your life to this highly-effective ministry.

Who Can Apply?
Persons with a servant heart who desire to make a significant difference in other lives. While many of Ridgecrest’s volunteers are retired persons, many young people serve each year as well. The minimum age is seventeen.

How Long Would I Serve?
Volunteers can make commitments based on the amount of time they have available. Because of the need for training, we ask that commitments be no less than two weeks. Many volunteers choose to commit two to three months or more.

Do You Provide Housing?
Ridgecrest offers both traditional conference housing and full hook-up campsites for travel trailers or RV’s. (Housing and campsite availability is limited.)

What About Meals?
Whenever conferences are on campus (which necessitates the opening of Ridgecrest’s dining hall), three meals are provided at no charge to volunteers. Lunch is provided throughout the year whenever ten or more volunteers are on campus.

What Exactly Would I Do?
Volunteers would assist in a number of ministries including:

Food Service and Food Outlets
Food Service plays a major part in the overall ministry. While guests are fed spiritually in classes and worship services, it is the fellowship provided at the Rhododendron Dining Room, Nibble Nook, Centennial Eatery and Clouds that round out the experience for guests. Volunteers assisting in these areas provide a special ministry.

Hospitality and Guest Relations
Tram drivers have lots of opportunities for guest interaction as they provide public transportation for the conference center guests. Front Gate volunteers serve as ambassadors, greeting guests, offering directions, and answering questions. General cleaning in public areas and guest rooms affords opportunities for frequent guest contact.

Facility Management
Facility Management's purpose is to provide a clean, safe, healthy, and well-maintained facility that aids in accomplishing our mission. In addition to special projects scheduled, opportunities include cleaning, gardening, handyman, electrical, mechanical, carpentry, painting and trail guide.

Volunteers Said:
"The thing that stands out in my mind as a volunteer is how we all work together to accomplish whatever needs to be done. You can feel a love and a bond there that is hard to put into words. I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him at Ridgecrest."

"I can't get Ridgecrest off my mind. The volunteer work that I did can only be measured in millimeters. The blessings that I received while I was there cannot be numbered. Thank you for the most enriching, spiritual two weeks that I have had in quite some time."

"The blessings I received as a volunteer way out exceeds my small contributions."

"We really enjoyed our month of volunteering, and thank God for the lasting friendships we have made."

"This stay has been a blessing in so many ways. The other precious volunteers here went out of their way to be a blessing to us. May God continue to bless and prosper Ridgecrest. We will keep Ridgecrest in our prayers and our hearts!"

"Wish our time could have been longer. Maybe next time. This was our first time to volunteer, and we have truly received a blessing. I hope we have been a blessing to all those we came in contact with. We have enjoyed our two weeks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks."

"Thanks for a great two weeks, we hated to leave. We had such a great time - met so many wonderful people, experienced the Lord in a different way and were just so pleased that we were led there. Thanks so much for making our first volunteer experience a great one! I do hope and pray that we will be able to return this year."

Click on the following link to view the Ridgecrest Volunteer DVD Ridgecrest Volunteer Video

Application and Selection Process
To request an application call 828-669-3589 or mail a request for an application to our Volunteer Coordinator, P.O. Box 128, Ridgecrest, NC 28770. Click below to download a PDF version. Print each page, then fold and place them together.
 Volunteer Questionaire Outside 
 Volunteer Questionaire Inside

You will need Adobe Acrobat to view this file. If you do not have Acrobat on your computer, click here to download: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

For More Information Contact:
Cathy McGruder
LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center
Volunteer Ministry Coordinator
P.O. Box 128 Ridgecrest, NC 28770
Phone: (828) 669-3589 Fax: (828) 669-3775
E-Mail: cathy.mcgruder@lifeway.com

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