BRIDGE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH RALEIGH
WE’RE ABOUT GLORIFYING GOD BY BRIDGING PEOPLE TO HIM THROUGH THE GOSPEL AND GROWING HEALTHY DISCIPLES.
Our vision is to reach 1% of the unchurched population in South Raleigh with the Gospel. And disciple them into an ever-growing relationship with Jesus.
⏤ Matthew 9:36–37, CSB
At Bridge Fellowship Church, we believe that when someone places their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they become part of His Body—the one true, universal Church—with Jesus as the Head. The Bible encourages all believers to gather regularly in local church communities for worship, prayer, biblical teaching, fellowship, baptism and communion, serving one another with our gifts, and reaching the world with the gospel (Ephesians 1:22–23; Acts 2:42–46; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Matthew 28:18–20).
Whenever God’s people come together to do this, that’s a local expression of the Church. We believe the local church is led by a team of elders and that its members are called to walk together in love, unity, and a shared commitment to glorify Christ (Ephesians 4:16).
Jesus gave the Church two clear ordinances: baptism and communion.
Baptism is a step of obedience for every believer. We practice baptism by immersion as a symbol of our identification with Jesus—His death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism doesn’t save us, but it is a public declaration of the salvation we’ve already received by grace through faith (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38, 41; Romans 6:1–4).
Communion is a meaningful time where believers remember the sacrifice of Jesus through the bread and the cup—symbols of His broken body and shed blood. It’s a time for reflection, repentance, and gratitude, and it should be approached with reverence and self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:20–29).
We believe every believer and every local church has a vital role in God’s global mission. Jesus called us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20), and we take that seriously.
At Bridge, we’re committed to the multiplication of biblically-grounded churches—here and around the world. We believe healthy churches plant healthy churches, and we want to be part of that story for generations to come. We seek to be active participants in God’s mission, both locally and globally, through prayer, giving, going, and sending.
We believe Jesus is coming again—personally, visibly, and gloriously. His return is our hope and shapes how we live, serve, and share the gospel today (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).
We believe in the bodily resurrection of every person. Those who are in Christ will experience eternal joy with Him in a new heaven and new earth. Those who have rejected Him will face eternal separation and judgment (Acts 1:3, 9; Hebrews 7:25–26). This truth gives urgency and purpose to our lives.
We believe that healthy discipleship happens best in relationship. That’s why we’re committed to helping every person at Bridge find a clear, intentional path into meaningful connection, spiritual growth, and active service in the church.
Church membership isn’t just about belonging—it’s about becoming. As people grow in Christ, they naturally begin to use their gifts to serve others, build the body, and advance the mission. We value creating space for that journey to unfold and helping people step into the joy of living fully connected in the local church.
At Bridge Fellowship Church, we affirm the Bible’s teaching that the local church is to be led and served by qualified men in the offices of Elder and Deacon (1 Timothy 3:1–16; Titus 1:5–9). These two roles work together to provide spiritual oversight, doctrinal integrity, practical care, and servant leadership to the body of Christ. While Scripture uses the terms elder and overseer (bishop) interchangeably, the function of each role is distinct but complementary.
Elders are called by God to shepherd the church through biblical leadership, spiritual oversight, and faithful teaching. While each elder may serve in unique ways according to his gifting, all elders share equal authority and responsibility under Christ, the Chief Shepherd. At Bridge, the elders lead together as a team in prayerful unity.
Doctrine – Guarding the truth and ensuring all teaching aligns with Scripture.
Direction – Leading the church in a way that reflects our mission, vision, and values.
Discipline – Leading the process of church discipline when needed, in love and humility, for the purpose of restoration and holiness (Matthew 18:15–20; Galatians 6:1–4).
(Titus 1:6–9; 1 Timothy 3:1–7)
Above reproach
Faithful to one wife
Self-controlled, temperate, and prudent
Not addicted to wine or violent
Gentle and not quarrelsome
Hospitable and respectable
Able to teach sound doctrine
Not a lover of money
Manages his household well
Not a recent convert
Free from hypocrisy
Committed to godly character and integrity
We believe that New Testament churches were led by a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Philippians 1:1), and we follow that model. No single leader is above the rest; instead, leadership is shared, and wisdom is sought collectively. While some elders may be more visible or influential due to gifting or role—such as preaching or vision leadership—they remain part of a team that leads together with humility and unity (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).
At Bridge Fellowship Church, the Lead Pastor is a member of the Elder Team and is “first among equals” due to his public leadership and primary teaching role. He is responsible for preaching, vision casting, and leading the church forward in partnership with the other elders. Like all elders, he must meet the biblical qualifications and model servant leadership in both life and ministry.
Deacons serve the church by meeting practical needs, supporting the mission, and freeing up the elders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:1–7). While elders lead by teaching and oversight, deacons lead by serving. They are faithful, godly men who help strengthen the church through their humility and hands-on care for the body.
(1 Timothy 3:8–12)
Worthy of respect
Sincere and not double-tongued
Not addicted to much wine
Not greedy for dishonest gain
Holding firmly to the faith with a clear conscience
Tested and proven as faithful servants
Faithful in marriage (husband of one wife)
Leading their families well
Spouses likewise must be trustworthy and temperate
We believe that when elders and deacons fulfill their biblical roles with integrity and unity, the church flourishes in health, mission, and maturity. At Bridge, we are committed to raising up, equipping, and multiplying godly leaders who shepherd and serve well—for the glory of Christ and the good of His Church.
WE’RE ABOUT GLORIFYING GOD BY BRIDGING PEOPLE TO HIM THROUGH THE GOSPEL AND GROWING HEALTHY DISCIPLES.