Because we’re a collection of diverse individuals with distinctively different influences in our lives, we all have slightly different values with regard to how we go about serving Christ. In fact, that’s one of the
beauties of the Bridge: the diversity.
While diversity is prized, our love for God and for our fellow man unify our efforts. We wanna be a living paraphrase of Colossians 3:11—“Here there is no Anglo-American, African-American, Hispanic- American, Asian-American—no hyphenated people of any kind—no white-collar or blue-collar, but only those who know the grace of Christ and who see to share it with everyone.”
Jesus is our source of unity, and there are certain common values that unify our efforts and define our distinctives. Not all churches have the same values, but these are the core values upon which the Bridge is founded. We make no apologies for these values. They’re the heart and soul of who we are and how we minister.
We Believe
We believe that God-led teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individual's lives and in the church.
This means everything we teach should be focused and helpful for changing lives - Romans 12:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:23-25.
We believe people matter to God, and therefore, ought to matter to the church.
This means friends lead friends to the Lord, and evangelism is a process, not a one time event - Luke 5:3-32; Matthew 18:14.
We believe the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure.
This means we want to sensitively relate to our culture through our facilities, printed materials, worship style, and use of the arts - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
We Believe Christ-Followers Can Serve Together in Harmony By Focusing On Christ And Not On Their Differences
This means understanding and accepting the weaker brother, realizing we all grow at different speeds, avoiding meaningless controversy and arguments about the law, and focusing on Christ instead - Titus 3:8-9; Hebrews 12:1-2.
We believe the church should operate as a unified community of servants with men and woment stewarding their spiritual gifts.
This means encouraging unity, servanthood, spiritual gifts, and ministry callings - 1 Corinthians 12 and 14; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; Psalm 133:1.
We believe loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life.
This means that love-driven ministry is a team effort enhanced by building godly relationships - 1 Corinthians 13; Nehemiah 3; Luke 10:1; John 13:34-35.
We believe life-change happens best in small groups where people are close enough to care for each others, listen to each other, be accountable to each other, and be encouraged by each other.
This means we're open, honest, thoughtful, and compassionate to each other - Luke 6:12-13; Acts 2:44-47.
We believe excellence honors God and inspires people.
This means we do our best to be the best for evaluation, critical review, intensity, and excellence - Colossians 3:17; Malachi 1:6-14; Proverbs 27:17.
We believe the church should be led by those with leadership gifts.
This means the best person for a job is the person who can do the job best and includes freedom to work, servant leadership, strategic focus, and intentionality - Nehemiah 1-2; Romans 12:8; Acts 6:2-5.
We believe the pursuit of full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer.
This means we hunger and thirst after God's truth and includes the concepts of stewardship, servant-hood, downward mobility, and the pursuit of Kingdom goals - 1 Kings 11:14; Philippians 2:1-11.
