Leadership Structure

We believe that the church exists as an independent, autonomous body under the headship of Jesus Christ alone. Within His church, He has ordained Pastors, also referred to in the New Testament as Elders and Overseers (Bishops, in older translations). The Bridge Church is a Pastor-led, Pastor-shepherded church.

The following is an explanation of how decisions are made.

PASTORS

The Lead Pastor casts the vision, nurtures spiritual vitality, sets the direction, and oversees the Pastors and staff. He makes the final call on hiring new staff, unless that responsibility is delegated by him to others. He invites and convenes the Pastor’s Leadership Team and all-staff meetings.

All Pastors at The Bridge help with baptism, communion, counseling, and other pastoral roles. They will be chosen and licensed as deemed appropriate by the Pastor’s Leadership Team, and whether they are paid or unpaid, must agree to and live by the Staff Covenant.

Directors serve under the Lead Pastor or other Pastors over various areas of ministry such as Worship, Kids, Students, Missions, etc. They lead their respective staff teams and manage their portion of the overall budget. Some Directors may be Pastors while others are not.

The Pastor’s Leadership Team is a team made up of a portion of the Pastors who are invited by the Lead Pastor to help oversee the various teams as a whole and handle various leadership responsibilities. They determine who will be recognized as a Pastor at The Bridge.

Ministry Team Staff serve under their Directors to help lead and carry out the vision and ministry of their respective leaders.

ADVISORY TEAMS

After the first five years of The Bridge, there will be two standing advisory teams.

The Finance Team will be made up of the Trustees and financial secretary of the church. They do not make financial decisions for the church, but offer counsel and advice to the Lead Pastor and the Leadership Team. Their official responsibilities include affirming the annual budget and approving Pastors’ salaries. They are invited by the Lead Pastor to serve for oneyear terms.

The Advisory Team is a group of people, selected by the Lead Pastor, who offer wisdom and insight to him and the Leadership Team. They have no official decision-making power, but are trusted for their spiritual maturity. They have permission to ask the tough questions of the Pastors about personal balance, family life, and leadership integrity. The emphasis is never on “business” but rather on “life” and “leadership.”