Jerry Witham, Lead-Pastor     

Jerry joined The Ridge staff as Lead Pastor in 2005.  Prior to joining The Ridge, he served nine years as a student pastor at First Baptist Carrollton and Irving Bible Church.  Jerry has a passion to teach God’s Word and to see others live for the glory of God in all things.  He and his wife of twenty years, Annette have two daughters and two sons.

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Ysavel Medina, Executive Pastor

Ysavel joined The Ridge staff as executive pastor in 2006. Prior to answering God’s call to ministry, he worked thirty years in the business world in various management positions. Ysavel loves to empower others and bring out the best in them. He and his wife of thirty-seven years, Marla have two grown boys and nine grandchildren.

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James O'Rear, Worship Pastor

James joined The Ridge staff as Worship Community Pastor in 2021. James began serving vocationally at his home church in Southern California. James has been married to his wife, Penny, for 12 years, and they are patiently waiting on the Lord to bless them with children. James is a graduate of California Baptist University and has aspirations to attend seminary very soon. He is the co-creator/host of the Christian podcast "Refill."

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Vince Portillo, Student Pastor

Vince joined The Ridge staff as Student pastor in 2020.  He was born and raised in Farmers Branch. Vince has been doing ministry work for 6 years. He has a heart for kids and introducing the gospel to them in a way they can relate to it. Currently, He also volunteers with Carrollton Young Life. He and his fiancé, Iriana Menoscal, will be getting married in October of this year.

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Erica Wilson, Children Director

Erica joined The Ridge staff as Children’s Director in 2020.  For the last 8 years she worked in NYC with Pastor Bill’s Ministry “Metro World Child.” She has a risk taking faith, passion about raising up the next generation and is growth oriented. Erica currently resides in Frisco with her roommate. She is the oldest of seven kids, enjoys running, writes spoken word poetry.

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