The Bridge (church)
The Fellowship Bridge International (or simply The Bridge) is a non-denominational, Christian church located in Matsqui Village in Abbotsford, British Columbia. It was founded in May of 2006 by a team of four couples, Dean and Janine Richmond, Dave and Dee Hensman, Brian and Joyce Doerksen, and Erv and Karin Esau. The church currently holds three Sunday morning services. The first two meet at the Matsqui Community Hall and the third is held at the churches property nearby.
History
The church was started by four couples who saw the need for a Spirit Filled Bible Teaching Church with a focus on Worship, Biblical teaching, discipleship, evangelism and world missions. The church had its first service on Mothers Day May 14, 2006, the Bridge met for the first time, renting the Ramada Inn in Abbotsford.
In 2007 the church purchased a 14 acre Hazlenut farm in Matsqui Village. The main building on the property is called "The Barn". The church holds their third Sunday morning service there as well as youth ministries and special events.
Services
- 'Church in the Round' - Instead of following a traditional seating arrangement where chairs or pews are all facing towards a center stage, chairs are set up in a circle (or diamond shape) facing each other. The speaking is done in the middle. This idea was largely influenced by Dave Hensman who wanted a cell group style of gathering where people are less likely to be spectators, and more likely to participate in the service.
- 'Worship' - The Bridge is known for its emphasis on worship and its association with Brian Doerksen who pastors that aspect of the ministry. The church states that "Worship is first; always has been, always will be. It’s the way we were made. It’s the highest privilege and pleasure in the kingdom of God and the response of our lives to the greatest commandment in scripture." There is a large number of musicians involved in the worship ministry as the church tends to attract musicians. There is also an emphasis on new songs written within the church. Many of these songs are recorded and sung around the world. As the church attracts a large volume of musicians the church has a sincere desire to serve and equip artists and musicians as they serve the body.
- 'Bible Teaching' - The Bridge has adopted a preaching routine where a book of the Bible is preached through in its entirety before moving on to another. The idea behind preaching "chapter by chapter, verse by verse" is that the church will hear all of scripture instead of only a few focused areas.
- 'The Plunge' - At the end of each service, the church holds an extended ministry time called "the Plunge" where people can come forward and be prayed for by trained members of "The Plunge Team". At this time, the service is officially over although people may choose to stay as worship music is being played by the band and people are receiving ministry for an extended period of time.
Leadership Structure
The Bridge is led by a pastoral team of couples working together. They consider themselves an ‘Episcopal Presbytery’ meaning that the leadership team is not democratically elected by the congregation, but rather the leadership team is accountable to other ministry couples who serve in other denominations and organizations based on long term relationships and are also held accountable to the people who serve in the extended ministries of the church.
Current Staff
- Dean Richmond - Pastor
- Dave Hensman - Teaching Pastor/Missions
- Brian Doerksen - Worship Arts/ Teaching Pastor
- Mike Fornwald - Youth Ministries
- Sarah Pickering - Bridge Kids
- Irv and Karin Esau
- Sylvia Neudorf - Church administrator
Notable Members
- Brian Doerksen
- Dave Hensman
- Tim and Jon Neufeld from the Christian rock band Starfield