Our Story

Ardent began in 1991, in a living room, with a desire that still defines us today: to become a family whose lives belong wholeheartedly to Jesus Christ. Not just our Sundays, but our everyday decisions. Not just our words, but our obedience. We don’t want God to bless our plans—we want Him to shape our desires, direct our steps, and make us more like Jesus.

From the beginning, our heart has been to “Build People, not an Empire.” We are not here to grow an organization at the expense of forming disciples, fill a room without sharing life, or build a name that draws attention away from Christ. We desire to become the Church God desires—a people shaped by His Word, led by His Spirit, and recognized by the love we have for one another.

As the vision of Ardent expands, our desire remains the same: to build people, not an empire. Through Ardent Academy’s childcare and preparatory school, we seek to come alongside families in raising children who grow in knowledge, character, and wholehearted devotion to Jesus. The coming Prayer Rooms in Ovilla and Ferris, Texas, will provide spaces to step away from distraction, seek the Lord, and learn to surrender to the leading of His Spirit. Our vision for a thrift store in Ferris carries that same heart into meeting practical needs—turning generosity into tangible care for people in our community. Together, these ministries are expressions of one calling: to form and support people, strengthen households, and surround foster children and their families with faithful love and meaningful support. We don’t want simply to open more doors to buildings; we want to open our lives to the people God places before us. Expanding the vision means making more room to serve, disciple, and walk alongside others as we become the Church God desires.

As we look ahead, our vision includes a children’s home for older students—not simply a place to stay, but a place to belong. We desire to provide a stable, loving, Christ-centered environment where young people are known by name, cared for consistently, and surrounded by people committed to their future. Through Ardent Academy’s classical preparatory school, we want to give them the very best education we can offer—cultivating wisdom, strengthening character, and teaching them to think deeply, communicate clearly, and live purposefully. We envision a home where learning is supported, meals are shared, milestones are celebrated, and challenges are faced together. More than preparing students for college or a career, we want to help them build a foundation for life, discover their gifts, and encounter the love of Jesus through the faithful care of His people. This is what building people, not an empire, looks like: opening our lives, investing in their future, and making room for them in the family.