LifeWay Christian Resources finalizes sale of Ridgecrest Conference Center

LifeWay Christian Resources has finalized the sale of Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps to the Ridgecrest Foundation, a group dedicated to using the property as a Christian camp and conference center.

A new nonprofit ministry, Ridgecrest Foundation was formed and funded by local Christians.

"We're so thankful God has provided this group of dedicated believers to carry on the ministry legacy of Ridgecrest," said LifeWay president Ben Mandrell. "We've been encouraged to learn of their heart to see lives impacted by the gospel. God has provided a steward for this incredible ministry that has been a place of spiritual awakening and renewal."

LifeWay will continue to hold its youth camps at the facility despite selling the property. Ridgecrest Foundation will continue to host conferences, events and summer camp programming, including Camp Ridgecrest for Boys and its girls counterpart.

LifeWay announced in April its intention to sell the property while citing changes in organizational strategy, rising costs and uncertainty because of COVID-19 as reasons for the transfer of the ministry and property. An October announcement noted an agreement between LifeWay and Ridgecrest Foundation for the 1,200-acre property.

The sale price has not been announced.

Mandrell said LifeWay's intention was to find a buyer who wanted to continue offering a Christian conference center environment while operating the boys and girls camps.

“We are excited to see the ministry of Ridgecrest Conference Center and Summer Camps continue, and look forward to seeing many more lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ," Mandrell said.