Bridge of Hope is a non-traditional, urban church that targets lost, hurting, rejected, and displaced people in the city of St. Louis. Our purpose is to share the love of Jesus Christ with all people, regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, upbringing, and church background. In the same way that a bridge can span a creek, river, ocean, or gorge, bringing two land masses together; our Bridge is a platform on which we can unite people with God, through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Therefore, our mission statement is:

“Bridging People with People

Bridging People to God.”

To “Bridge People with People,” we must have open minds and sensitive hearts.  We must become respecters of people, traditions, and culture. We must also be ready to accept new ways of building relationships, taking time to worship and fellowship together. Likewise, to “Bridge People to God,” we must use these relationships as opportunities to share the Gospel.

Each and every member of this church must consider themselves a Bridge Builder, realizing the importance of preaching with their life, and meeting the felt needs of those God has entrusted us with.  The discipleship process is intended to develop spiritually mature followers of Christ who can make the vision of Bridge of Hope their own. Bridge Builders are missionaries, evangelists, and ministers of truth. Therefore, each one should study, discover, and implement their spiritual giftedness for the sake of the ministry.

To put it succinctly, Bridge Builders are to be passionate about:

WORSHIP
WITNESS
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
SERVICE
GIVING
FRIENDSHIPS
FAMILY

We see that the early church, as described in the book of Acts, was characterized by these very same passions.
Here are a few selections of Scripture that depict them:

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.  (Acts 2:42-47; The Holy Bible, New Living Translation)

All the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God. After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. (Acts 4:24, 31-35; The Holy Bible, New Living Translation)

The high priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded.  “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 5:17-18, 27-29, 40-42; The Holy Bible, New Living Translation)