Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Dean Ridings

Meet Dr. Dean Ridings

Degrees and Experience
  • Th.D. (Trinity Theological Seminary)
  • M.Div., Pastoral Ministry (Trinity Theological Seminary)
  • M.A., Communications - Journalism Option (Wheaton Graduate School)
  • B.A., Mass Communication - Advertising Option (California State University, East Bay)
  • A.A., Business Administration, Merchandising and Sales (Chabot College)
Biography and Professional Achievements

Dr. Dean Ridings was born and raised in the Bay Area of California and became a Christian in May 1974 at Redwood Chapel Community Church in Castro Valley, California. There in the youth group he met his future bride, Kim. They were married in August 1978 and have four adult children.

Ridings served in the California Air National Guard, 129th Air Rescue and Recovery Group, from June 1976 to December 1984, in the role of Chapel Management Specialist. He received the commendation as NCO of the Quarter, July-September 1984, not long before his honorable discharge with the rank of TSgt.

Since the mid-to-late 1980s, Ridings has held leadership roles in the communication and publication offices of five parachurch ministries, including Prison Fellowship Ministries, Focus on the Family, and The Navigators.

He has also served as affiliate faculty at Colorado Christian University since 2010. Today, Ridings is a pastor and director of biblical counseling at Calvary Worship Center as well as a field representative with the Navigators. 

Professional Associations and Affiliations
  • President of the Evangelical Press Association (May 2011-2013)
  • Member of the National Omicron-Psi Honor Society (Trinity Theological Seminary)
  • Member of Sigma Delta Chi (Chabot College)
Awards
  • Awarded Graduate Teacher Diploma, Evangelical Training Association (Trinity Theological Seminary)
  • Recipient of the McGlathery Award (Wheaton Graduate School)
Publications
  • Ridings, Dean, Walking and Talking with God, PrayerShop Publishing (2021)
  • Ridings, Dean, "Is God Calling Me into Full-Time Ministry? 7 Questions to Consider", YouVersion Bible Readings plans (2021)
  • Ridings, Dean, "Iron Sharpens Iron: Life-to-Life Mentoring in the New Testament", YouVersion Bible Readings plans (2021)
  • Ridings, Dean, "Iron Sharpens Iron: Life-to-Life Mentoring in the Old Testament", YouVersion Bible Readings plans (2021)
  • Jones, Bob and Ridings, Dean, The Kingdom Life Journey: How to Live with Kingdom-Minded Purpose, Make a Mark Ministries (2019)
  • Ballanger, Scott; Jones, Bob; and Ridings, Dean; "Strength", "Courage", "Passion", "Mighty Men of Valor Bible study series, Make a Mark Ministries (2013, 2021)
  • Study notes, PathLight Bible, Biblical (2009)
  • Ridings, Dean, Pray! The Prayer Journal, NavPress (2003)
  • Ridings, Dean, "Plan for Discipleship," Pastor's Bible, Group/Zondervan (1995)
  • 100-plus devotions since 2000, Stand Firm Magazine, Walk Thru the Bible/LifeWay