Mark serves as Senior Pastor at The Ridge. He has served in pastoral ministry for 41 years with his wife and family. He has served in youth ministry, music and worship ministry, and the past 29 years as a church planter and coach.
Mark loves communicating life-changing principles by teaching and preaching, and is known for his genuine love of people and his visionary leadership. He was a professional singer, actor and TV performer for several years, touring all around the world. He also has a broad business background which has helped him understand team work and leadership development.
Mark cannot wait to be used by God to help others know Jesus and His love. He loves to see the “lights come on” as people learn God’s Word and meet their Savior in a personal relationship. He invites everyone to simply open themselves to God and His love. To quote Pastor Mark: “God loves you and has great plans for you… relax and trust him! Seek him… and discover a deep peace that only He can give!”
Lori Welch serves The Ridge Church as Executive Pastor. She is responsible for church business, operations and staffing needs at The Ridge.
Lori has been in ministry with her husband Mark for 41 years. Together Lori and Mark have served in kids, youth ministry, music and worship ministry, and as church planters and lead pastor team for the past 29 years. She also began and pastored one of the largest Singles ministries in Canada, and has a reputation of successfully building ministries into productive growth from the ground up, focusing on infrastructure and team building.
Lori received her Pastor’s License and Confirmation in 2019, while serving as Executive Pastor of The Pointe Church in Antelope, CA. Her extensive background in the Business and Corporate world has given her great resources and experience in building ministries. She is known for her gentle coaching style, and for getting things done! She loves engaging others in serving the Lord and seeing them flourish in their own gift mix. She leads with passion, joy and dedication in all she does. And she is flat out fun to get to know. Just you wait and see!
Michelle Mills is our Ridge Church Campus Director. She has been in church ministry for over 35 years. Michelle and her late husband Tim served in youth ministry together, and the then in church planting and as lead pastor team in two church plants over the past 32 years.
Michelle has an extensive background in church event coordination, working with leaders, staff and volunteers, overseeing kids and youth ministry and so gifted in hospitality ministries. It is safe to say that without Michelle and her leadership, The Ridge Church would not even be here. She led with boldness in the start-up of this ministry while still grieving her late husband’s loss. Michelle had the vision and determination to do whatever it took to see The Ridge firmly planted. We are all grateful to her for her incredible leadership, grace, and vision in this ministry. Once you get to know her, she will quickly become one of your favorite people in the world!