Ridglea Christian Church is a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation in Fort Worth, Texas, that was founded in 1955. Members interviewed for this article described it as a “warm, family feeling” to be involved in this church. This congregation has had strong connections with Scouting America (formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America) and Brite Divinity School since its founding as a church. Currently, the church’s major ministries include youth, ladies, classes for new members on an irregular basis, gardening, Green Chalice status, working with Room at the Inn, Open and Affirming status, and partnerships with Be the Neighbor, local food aid organizations, The Glass House (Alcoholics Anonymous groups) and two local public schools. The church has faced certain challenges with membership and finances following the events of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite these circumstances, Ridglea Christian Church has continued to minister in numerous ways to both congregants and the wider community around.

The initial meeting of the founding members of Ridglea Christian Church (RCC) was held on December 23, 1954, although the first service was held in January of 1955 in a funeral home. People joined as charter members for a few months after the first meeting and service. The first building purchased for the church was an old WWII barracks that Texas Christian University (TCU) had been using for their dance program. TCU sold the building because of new land they had purchased, and the founding members of Ridglea Christian Church purchased that building and most of the block at the same time. There was a house on the block that was originally owned by a person not associated with the church, but when that person died, their family was willing to sell it to RCC in November 2004. After acquiring that house, it was initially used for various purposes until it was eventually torn down and converted into a gardening plot in approximately 2013-14.

Ridglea Christian Church’s first new building project was completed in 1961 and is the current sanctuary, although continued renovations have occurred since then. The fellowship hall, foyer, and kitchen areas were initially completed in 1972. Construction of the educational wing started in 1995 and was finished before the end of the next year.

Over the course of the church’s history, lay leadership has been of critical importance, especially in the form of various committees. Committees meet regularly to update the church board about various events, both past and upcoming, as well as meeting internally for planning purposes. Every December, there is a congregation-wide meeting to discuss and vote on the budget and leadership positions, including deacons, elders, and the other key board members-moderator, vice moderator, secretary, treasurers, and trustees. As of the budget approved for 2026, only the lead minister is paid as a full-time minister, but there are several part-time positions including: minister of outreach, minister of creative spirituality, ministry intern, children’s worship coordinator, office administrator, organist, and choir director.

The first minister of RCC was Dr. D. Ray Lindley, although he only served in 1955. The next minister was Dr. Harrell Rea, who served from 1955 until 1958. The current minister is Rev. Russ Boyd, who started serving on May 1, 2017.