United, we can:

1) expand gospel reach across two counties,

2) pool volunteers and resources for next-gen discipleship, and

3) steward buildings and budgets more effectively for kingdom impact.

1. A Bigger Gospel Footprint
Ringgold serves Washington County; GC3 serves Frederick County. Merging would create a single church family that can reach two population centers—urban Frederick and suburban/rural Hagerstown—with one clear message and shared resources.

2. Complementary Strengths

Ringgold brings decades-deep community trust, a strong broadcast ministry, and seasoned volunteer teams.

GC3 adds a high-visibility Frederick campus, thriving young-adult connections, and creative worship talent. Together those strengths multiply kingdom impact far beyond what either church can sustain alone.

3. Next-Generation Momentum
Both churches list children and students as top priorities. Pooling volunteers, curriculum, and event budgets would give kids and teens a larger peer group and stronger discipleship pipeline—without increasing staff costs.

4. Better Stewardship of Resources
Two healthy facilities, shared staff specialties (tech, outreach) reduce duplicate spending and free dollars for mission. Separate campus budgets for the first five years keep transparency and local ownership intact.

5. Leadership Chemistry Already in Place
Elders and pastors from both congregations will be praying together, serving together, and discovering genuine alignment in doctrine, vision, and culture. That relational foundation lowers the risk of merger “culture shock.”

6. Stronger Witness to the Region
In a divided world, two churches choosing unity sends a compelling message: “Jesus still brings people together.” The combined congregation becomes a living demonstration of John 17:21—so “the world will believe” He was sent.

7. Built-In Safety Valve
The current Exploration Phase guarantees that if serious doctrinal or cultural misalignments surface, either church can exit amicably. We lose nothing by listening and praying; we gain clarity either way.

Bottom line: Merging with GC3 isn’t about survival; it’s about strategic, Spirit-led expansion of the gospel. If God affirms this path, the result will be one church, two campuses, and a louder, clearer witness for Christ in both counties.

Exploration is a time-boxed season of prayer, listening, and relationship-building—not a merger agreement. For a season our elders, staff, and key volunteers from Ringgold and GC3 will:

• Pray together for clarity and unity.

• Meet together to compare vision, doctrine, culture, and ministry styles.

• Serve and worship together to see how our people fit.

• Answer every congregational question in real time (FAQ, town-halls, “Merger Minute”).

• Discern together whether a merger would truly advance the gospel.

During Exploration no legal documents change, no assets merge, and either church can step away if the Spirit says “not now.” When every question is fully vetted, both congregations will vote on whether to move from exploration into a formal merger process.

We are only exploring. The Exploration Phase is a season of prayer, relationship-building, and fact-finding. No merger decision has been made.

No. We are still in the Exploration Phase—a prayer-filled season to test unity, vision, and mission fit. A formal merger can only happen after both congregations cast an affirmation vote. Until then, each church remains legally and organizationally independent.

Established Community Credibility
Ringgold has served Washington County for 127 years. GC3 gains instant relational capital and proven outreach models—no need to reinvent them for Frederick.

Broadcast & Tech Infrastructure
Ringgold’s livestream, studio space, and production volunteers are a few years ahead of where most mid-size churches start. A merger lets GC3 leverage that platform for regional teaching, online discipleship, and multi-site worship without large up-front costs.

Seasoned Volunteer Culture
This DNA helps GC3 strengthen its own serve teams, especially in kids, students, and care ministries.

Financial Stability & Facility Capacity
Sharing that asset means church-plant style growth in Washington County without new construction or borrowing.

Short answer: No—if done wisely.

Loss of Identity: Name, history, and heritage moments will be honored .  Both campuses help shape the new culture instead of erasing old stories.

Staff Reductions: No layoffs are planned; roles may realign so gifts are used where impact is highest. Some part-time roles could even grow as ministries expand.

Financial Risk: Each campus keeps a separate budget for the first five years with joint transparency. Healthy reserves stay earmarked for Ringgold’s ministry needs.

Unequal Attention: A shared elder board will include balanced representation; preaching rotates or simulcasts equally.

Net Effect on Ringgold:

• Broader Reach: Frederick and online doors open for Ringgold members’ gifts.

• Expanded Team: More worship leaders, tech volunteers, and creative thinkers share the load.

• Next-Gen Boost: A larger student peer group and shared curriculum energize kids and teens.

• United Witness: Community notices two churches crossing county lines to live out John 17 unity—raising respect for both campuses.

If, during Exploration, leaders or members sense Ringgold would be hindered rather than helped, either church can step away amicably. Until then we keep asking, “Can we do more for Jesus together than apart?”—and let that answer guide the future.

Yes. After exploration is fully vetted, both churches will cast an affirmation vote. A merger moves forward only if each congregation approves.

Thank you for your insightful question regarding the significance of praying John 17:21 in the context of merging two churches. Your inquiry demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of unity and collaboration within the church community. It reflects a commitment to fostering harmonious relationships and seeking divine guidance in crucial decisions, which is essential in creating a stronger, united body of believers.

John 17:21 (NLT) “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. When exploring the options of merging two churches, praying this scripture can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Seeking Divine Guidance: Praying this verse invites God into the decision-making process, asking for His wisdom and direction in achieving unity.

• Promoting Harmony: It serves as a reminder of the goal of oneness in Christ, encouraging both congregations to focus on their shared mission and purpose rather than differences.

• Building Relationships: Emphasizing unity can foster stronger relationships among church leaders and members, helping to ease any tensions or apprehensions about the merger.

• Witnessing to the Community: A united church can have a more significant impact on the community, showcasing the love and unity of Christ, which can draw others to faith.

• Prayerful Reflection: This prayer can encourage both congregations to reflect on their values, missions, and visions, ensuring that the merger aligns with their collective calling.

Overall, John 17:21 serves as a powerful prayer for unity, fostering an environment of cooperation and love as two churches consider coming together.

Both campuses would remain active. No layoffs are planned; some roles may realign. Ministries would blend over time to strengthen kids, students, and outreach at each site.

David is an intentional match for GC3’s congregation and the Frederick community for four key reasons:

Stage of Life & Relatability
At 32, David is young enough to connect naturally with the growing millennial and Gen-Z demographic around GC3, yet seasoned enough to shepherd older members with maturity. His age positions him to bridge generations and energize next-gen outreach—one of GC3’s top goals.

Unique Talent Mix
David is both a gifted communicator and a collaborative worship leader. We have a strong desire for engaging, Bible-anchored teaching paired with vibrant, modern worship—talents David has cultivated for more than a decade.

Proven Experience
He has seven years of campus-pastor experience at Ringgold.   The structural and missional needs GC3 will face in a merged model: adaptable leadership, volunteer development, and community presence.

Focused Academic Training
David holds a B.A. in.  Worship and Music Ministry and an M.A. in Christian Ministry and Worship,. His coursework directly supports GC3’s vision to deepen neighborhood engagement and steward resources wisely.

In short, David’s life stage, skill set, practical background, and academic preparation align closely with GC3’s culture, growth trajectory, and the needs of the Frederick community.

David isn’t disappearing—he’s expanding his role.

Oversight: David will continue to oversee and shepherd all worship ministries at both Ringgold and GC3, setting vision, coaching teams, and ensuring theological and artistic alignment.

New Leadership Structure: We’re opening three part-time, contracted Worship Lead positions for the Ringgold campus. Each leader will rotate Sundays, rehearse with the worship band and report directly to David.

Next Steps: Job descriptions are being finalized now; once posted, we’ll conduct auditions and interviews. In the meantime, our current contract worship lead is Donna Jo.  She will be helping more in the time being leading worship when David is at GC3.  

Bottom line: Sunday worship at Ringgold stays vibrant and Spirit-led, while David’s oversight ensures both campuses grow together in a unified worship culture.

Weekly “Merger Minute” videos, a live FAQ page, lobby Ask-It forms, and town-halls to keep facts > rumors. Every submitted question receives a public answer.

• Live Worship, every Sunday. Led by either David or one of our Contracted Worship Leaders as well as GC3’s worship team.

• Livestream Teaching from Ringgold, 1-2 times a month. 1-2 Sundays a month, GC3 will stream the main-campus sermon live; campus pastors will handle welcome and response moments.

• LIVE, In-Person Sermons. The other Sundays, either David Conley or another campus-approved pastor will teach on-site.

This rhythm gives GC3 both local energy and shared teaching alignment while we gauge how a multi-site model might serve both congregations.