Bridgeway Church | Oklahoma City, OK

• Sam Storms
• Nov 29, 2010
• Series: Church Profiles
• Categories: Church Planting Articles, Latest News

What are the biggest challenges you are facing in leading your church?

Greatest challenge currently facing is continuing to turn Bridgeway from what was fast becoming an "emergent"-like church to one is that is biblically missional and theologically rigorous.

How did you become involved with Acts 29? What have been the biggest benefits of being in the network?

Initial contact was through my nephew, Kevin Cawley, and then by personal friendship with a number of A29 pastors such as Matt Chandler and Ray Ortlund. Greatest benefit is the way in which all these men and others have instructed and challenged me in being intentionally missional.

What advice do you have for men who are wrestling with the decision to plant? 

If you are financially strapped and your wife is working while others raise your kids, don't do it! Seek out an existing church: learn, watch, serve, love God, wait, and commit yourself to a mature mentor in the faith.

How do you pastor your family?

Our children are grown and married, so my wife and I are alone. We pray daily together, process all church life together; we hold each other accountable; I seek to encourage her, pray for her, model the life of Jesus to her, and humbly listen to everything she says!

Outside of the Bible, what is the most helpful book you have read for church planting?

Stetzer, Breaking the Missional Code; currently reading D Patrick

Church Profile: Bridgeway Church
Launch Date: September, 1994
Location: Oklahoma City, OK

Mission, Vision, Values of Church 

To spread a passion for the glory of God
By extending His Kingdom,
House to House, Life on Life,
In the Power of the Holy Spirit,
For the joy of all people

What is your philosophy of community in your church and what does that look like practically in your church? Of evangelism?

Our philosophy is that virtually no legitimate spiritual growth occurs outside of community: accountability, mutual encouragement, instruction, love, etc. only occur in community. We pursue this through our many (21) house churches or community groups, as well as the smaller D-groups (discipleship groups) of 3-6 individuals all of the same gender. Each meets either weekly or every other week.

What are some examples of God's grace that you have seen in your life and/or the life of your church?

God has been especially gracious in the time of transition since I arrived. I inherited a staff given to a post-modern, emerging church philosophy that de-valued biblical instruction. In the transition to a new staff we have lost virtually no one from the congregation and we are growing fast and deep.

How can we pray for you?

For continued wisdom in building a stronger infrastructure, membership, while maintaining our missional focus