ACTS 2 : 46 The y b r o k e b r ead i n t he i r homes and a t e t oge t he r w i t h g l ad and s i n c e r e hea r t s , p r a i s i ng God and en j o y i ng t he f a v o r o f a l l t he peop l e . ANNUAL REPORT 2023 - 2024 MINISTRY YEAR
Dear Bridgeway Family, This year, we have witnessed the beauty of Come Home come alive in countless ways. We have seen new faces walk through the door, seeking a spiritual home. We have seen existing partners rediscover the joy of fellowship after a period of hibernation. We have seen families come together, strengthened by shared faith. We also celebrated a significant milestone: paying off our 30-year mortgage at our original campus in Columbia in just 15 years! That was an amazing accomplishment as being debt-free is our destiny. I am immensely grateful for each of you who have made our church a welcoming space for fellowship, learning, and serving together. As we move forward, let's remain a vibrant, multicultural community of believers where everyone feels welcome. Love, 1 MESSAGE FROM THE CAMPUS PASTOR One of the unique things about our Owings Mills/ Reisterstown campus is that we’re large and small at the same time. Our congregation is large enough that it “feels like Bridgeway” and we benefit from a central ministry with resources that allow us to have a beautiful facility, excellence in the worship arts, children and student ministries, and inspirational preaching and teaching. At the same time, although our attendance has been significantly on the rise this ministry year, we’re not so large that we’ve sacrificed intimacy. We keep hearing again and again that Bridgeway OMR just feels like home. - Pastor Dave Michener To keep the homefires burning, we’ve hosted many events. Entire families have tailgated together, shared food, and watched the Ravens’ game on the big screen in our auditorium. We hosted a Women’s Ministry breakfast, a Men’s Ministry breakfast, a Partners’ Fellowship, and a Pizza lunch for the entire OMR congregation. Our baptism service saw 34 people going public with their faith, and our annual Good Friday service delivered a powerful message through several diverse speakers. Each event was bathed in prayer, inviting God to reach people through our ministry. People from all ages are coming home to Bridgeway. While we have seen a recent influx of younger families with small children, I also have the chance to meet people like 96-year old Doris who took public transportation to come to church at the invitation of her friend who lives in the same assisted living facility. It warms this campus pastor’s heart knowing that no matter your age or interests, you can find a home at Bridgeway. 2
CLERGY TEAM Pastor Steve Hardnett Owings Mills/ Reisterstown Pastor Eli Hernandez Outreach & Facilities Pastor David Heiliger Multicultural Bridge Building Pastor William Jin Care Pastor Gary Coiro Inreach Minister Tracey Tiernan Coiro Pastor Will Eastham Spiritual Formation & Theology Minister Ronald Greene Worship Arts Campus Pastor Dave Michener Owings Mills/ Reisterstown Pastor Sandy Pope Discipleship Pastor Jared Sorber Global Missions Minister Lisa Bryson Dr. David Anderson Founding & Senior Pastor Minister Juan Delgado Student Ministries 3 ELDERS COUNCIL Luis Reyes Elder Maria Suwandi Elders Council of Women Marvin Beard Elder Nevin Branner Elders Council of Women Marcus Jackson Elder Don Rajala Elder Gina Johnson Elders Council of Women Robert Thomas Elder Karen Walls Elders Council of Women Dr. David Anderson Founding & Senior Pastor 4
"Crowns Over Frowns" reminded us that faithful endurance through trials and community support lead to heavenly rewards in our eternal home! We are to face life's challenges with perseverance, endurance, and humility, ultimately reflecting glory back to God. "Debt Free" empowered us to declare spiritual liberation from debt, declaring and passing down the expectancy of freedom to bless every household under Bridgeway's covering. "Bold" encouraged us to embrace courage, strength, hope, and faith, challenging us to seize God's calling with boldness like lions, trusting in His promises and constant presence. “As for Me and My House" taught us to declare faith and spiritual leadership within our homes, emphasizing personal responsibility in our relationship with God and the profound impact of our choices on our households' spiritual tone and direction. "God's Sign Language" covered the divine messages all around us, highlighting the signs of Christ's imminent return, the assurance of our names in the Book of Life, and the ultimate sign of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the bridge that brings us home for eternity with Him. "Dynamic Family Matters" offered practical insights into key aspects of healthy family dynamics in our homes, including conflict resolution, wise financial management, and the realistic challenges of aging within families. "Table Talk" invited us into deep conversations about spiritual authority, Christian fellowship, breaking bread, and the power of prayer and praise. We explored practical aspects of faith that enrich our understanding of God’s saving grace and strengthen our community bonds as we Come Home to God and church. 5 3,747 attended Christmas services 1,111 attended Watch Night service 3,261 attended New Year’s Eve services 417 attended Good Friday service 6,087 attended Easter Sunday services 6
“Our home is not destination-based. Our home is presence-based. It is the presence of God that makes us feel at home.” “This is the time to come home! Ain’t no party like a Bridgeway party ’cause a Bridgeway party don’t stop!” “We have become known more for whom we exclude than what we stand for! How can we worship a homeless man on Sunday and ignore one on Monday?” “You gotta let God crush that ego so He can empower you with great revelation of who He is. Hopefully, you can take that home with you so He can reveal to you who you are.” 7 How did a Sunday message series reach over 5,000 people halfway across the world? Two years ago Dr. Anderson preached a message series called, "Be Encouraged," and the power behind the message inspired his book of the same name. When Bridgeway sent missions teams to Eastern Europe, copies of the book were on hand to share. We connected with Pastor Vlad, a pastor from Kyiv, Ukraine, who, after the war began, had fled the country with his family and church. Blessed to visit on several occasions, we were able to pray with and support Pastor Vlad, giving him a copy of “Be Encouraged.” Over the next few days, Vlad shared how much the book encouraged him and how much he thought it would encourage Ukrainians in this difficult time. With Pastor Vlad’s help, Bridgeway hired a Ukrainian translator and printer in Kyiv, blessing a local business amidst active bombing in the city. Dr. Anderson’s message series has now been maximized and multiplied by God in its reach with over 5,000 books being distributed along with food and supply packages. To date, more books have now been distributed in Ukrainian than in English. We are very grateful for the distributors of the books, Pastor Kirill, Pastor Sergey, and Thomas, who partner with us as we encourage others. Most of the people who received this book are still unable to return to their homes because of the war. Some don't feel safe in the homes they are in. We pray “Be Encouraged” reassures them that they can be home in Christ wherever they are. Thank you to our faithful congregation who have generously given your tithes and offerings at Bridgeway. You played a vital role in making this project possible. MESSAGE FROM THE GLOBAL MISSIONS PASTOR KENYA PERU UKRAINE MEXICO Bridgeway sent out three mission teams this year to our countries of focus, as well as a team to Albania. In addition to these countries, Bridgeway has a mission focus on Kenya, where we will be sending a team this summer. Praise God that we were able to connect with all four focus countries this year! - Dr. Jared Sorber 8
First Fruits Testimony - Kanani B. MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER This year in January we decided to give a First Fruits offering to God. It symbolized us giving God back the first and best of what He has given us. While we didn't have much money for the First Fruits offering, God took what little we had and graciously blessed our large family of 11 children. Our prayers were answered when my husband survived a devastating accident, and we not only received help from family and friends but we also received a check for $3,455 dollars for his time in recovery a month after our First Fruits offering. We also received a $10,000 dollar tax return which alleviated some of our debt. Then, when I was given an unexpected medical diagnosis, the results indicated benign findings. Again, God heard the prayers of many, and they were answered. In addition, as you can imagine, feeding our family is not easy as we spend about $700 each week on groceries, but that amount has been reduced with help from Bridgeway’s Community Cupboard. We are so thankful that our pantry is never empty. I have also been able to make a career change that greatly benefits my family. God heard me and answered my prayers. It was in His perfect timing, and I give Him all the praise and glory. 9 I am delighted to share a momentous achievement for our Columbia Campus: the complete payoff of our mortgage! This significant milestone is a testament to our congregation’s dedication to biblical stewardship and generosity. Furthermore, I want to reassure our congregation that our commitment to fiscal responsibility remains unwavering. Bridgeway is blessed to steward its resources like most religious institutions across the country. We devote 50% of your tithes and offerings to support our employee team and 30% sustains the finance and operational aspects of Bridgeway. This enables our team to empower and support ministry leaders and maintain our physical resources in model condition. While the employees and building fortify our ministry efforts, the remaining resources fuel our ministry's growth and impact in the community. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each donor for their consistent tithes and offerings which have been essential in our ability to reach our community, culture, and world for Christ. 3,073Individual Donors 733First-Time Donors $9min Income Bridgeway Community Church is thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of paying off its mortgage in Columbia, Maryland, decades ahead of schedule. On February 23, 2024, at 12:19 pm, the church made its final payment, eliminating a 30-year mortgage in just 15 years. Under the leadership of Founding & Senior Pastor Dr. David Anderson and CFO Tim Samuel, CPA, Bridgeway implemented strategic financial initiatives that contributed to this significant milestone. Dr. Anderson, shared the news with the congregation during a Sunday morning service, underscoring the importance of responsible stewardship and faithdriven financial management. The church celebrated this milestone with a spirited "Paid Off Party" on April 7, 2024, where congregants gathered for a symbolic "mortgage shredding" ceremony. In attendance were key church leaders, including CFO Tim Samuel, who shared insights into the financial strategies that made this achievement possible. Tim highlighted the three pillars instrumental in the debt-free journey: strategic planning, efficient systems, and spiritual guidance. Looking ahead, Bridgeway Community Church is committed to achieving complete debt freedom by paying off the remaining balance on its Owings Mills/Reisterstown campus, purchased in 2017. In his sermon announcing this achievement, Dr. Anderson shared words of inspiration from Psalm 92 and declared that “Debt Free Is Your Destiny,” encouraging not just the congregation members, but all followers of Jesus Christ to embrace the debt-free future that God has planned for them. "Our commitment to financial stewardship aligns with God's promise of blessing," Dr. Anderson said. "Debt-free is not just a goal for our church; it's a destiny for all under our covering." Bridgeway Community Church looks forward to continuing its mission and serving the community with renewed focus and commitment. For more information about Bridgeway Community Church and its commitment to financial freedom, visit www.bridgeway.cc. "This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our church community," remarked Dr. Anderson. "Paying off our mortgage early reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and our mission to build bridges to our community." 10 15% 10% 10% 10% 55% I.T. Cupboard/ Benevolence Missions Worship Arts Events Ministry Resource Distribution 50% 30% 20% Operations Ministries Personnel Budget Resource Distribution $0 $2,000,000 $4,000,000 $6,000,000 $8,000,000 $10,000,000 Debt 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
400+Care Requests & Inquiries 138Attended an Asian Ministry Event 209Attended Tuesday Night Care 358Joined a Care & Support Group 47Stephen Ministry Caregivers SELF AVAILABLE TO ALL LEVELS OF CARE COMMUNITY AVAILABLE TO MOST PEER AVAILABLE TO MANY PASTORAL AVAILABLE TO SOME PROFESSIONAL AVAILABLE TO FEW The Care Ministry is here to bring compassion, empathy, comfort, encouragement, hope & celebration by sharing God’s love and meeting people in their current season of life. We provide support without judgement while maintaining confidentiality. Email our team any time at [email protected] Something unexpected but incredibly miraculous occurred in my life. On August 29, I collapsed at work and was rushed to the hospital. The doctors determined that I had a ruptured aneurysm and brain bleed. Emergency brain surgery was performed the next day. I am thankful that God spared my life. He touched the physicians and medical staff that day. He has given me double portions of strength, resilience, and joy as I continue my recovery process. I retained my cognitive skills and abilities throughout the whole ordeal. I am thankful for my church family, the prayers of the saints, and the countless ways God touched those who have helped me along the way. Testimony - Ivy B. 11 Through these five focus points, we have been able to further engage with our community and provide ministerial opportunities for our volunteers and leaders to do the Lord's work as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-12. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Through its first CandyFEST 2023 Alternative to Halloween event, Bridgeway’s Outreach Ministry took on the mission of representing Christ's love for our community. The event was full of joy, prayer, music, games, and of course lots and lots of candy. With over 170 volunteers, Bridgeway served approximately 1,100 individuals from our community (both campuses combined). Prayer Night: With over 50 volunteers in attendance, we asked the Lord of the Harvest to give us wisdom, direction, and influence to reach our community, our culture & our world for Jesus Christ. Community Cupboards: Between both campuses, we have served 78,415 pounds of FREE food to 7,479 people in our communities. In partnership with the Maryland Food Bank, we have also been working with local farmers to provide culturally inclusive crops to our guests from different regions of the world. This program will bless our community by connecting families with a little taste of home. Angels for Kids & Pick Up Party: 435 children were served and 904 gifts were collected. Cold Weather Shelter served the Homeless in the cold winter months through Grassroots in Howard County. Bridgeway had over 40 volunteers who brought in & delivered over 500 meals and offered prayer to our unhoused brothers and sisters in January and February. Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway: We gave food boxes to over 500 families in Howard & Baltimore Counties and had almost 200 volunteers participate. Back to School: We gave out over 300 school-supply kits and prayed over dozens of our Bridgeway families before they returned to school. We launched the new Nursing Home Ministry to serve the residents of Lorien Nursing Home on a weekly basis. MESSAGE FROM THE OUTREACH PASTOR The Outreach Ministry of Bridgeway Community Church has narrowed its ministerial strategy to the following 5 focus points. Prayer & Discernment: Motivating people through spiritual awakening for evangelism and outreach. 1. Community Engagement: Bringing healing, help, and hope by serving and partnering with our neighbors. 2. Gift Development: Equipping those with the gift of evangelism to serve the Kingdom and reach the world. 3. Digital Engagement: Using technology to reach our community, our culture & our world for Jesus Christ. 4. Partnerships & Collaboration: Collaborating with internal and external networks to fulfill the Great Commission. 5. 12
Body of Christ and the Bridgeway body. In the months since the ministry year launch, BridgeKids has restructured all of its practices and energies to serve the influx of students received weekly as a result of post-Covid social confidence and the efforts of the Outreach ministry. Team Huddle Space At Bridgeway, we value the service of our committed volunteers who continue to navigate personal circumstances and the challenges of life. With that in mind, BridgeKids created a team huddle space dedicated to its volunteers where we come together as a community ahead of Sunday service. We share the victories of our lives and stand together in prayer, supporting one another so our volunteers know they're not standing alone. Since the Team Huddle’s creation, we've seen increased commitment and coverage from our current team as BridgeKids attendance has grown. For example, BridgeKids had insufficient volunteer coverage on its service schedule for Christmas, and we were resigned to the prospect of turning families away. I was floored and brought to tears when volunteers who were not scheduled began showing up that morning asking, "Where can I help?" Sunday Morning Service Model BridgeKids previously operated under a Sunday School model that served it well for many years. However, with little interconnection with "big church" under this model, the transition into the theater was difficult when our students left BridgeKids after 5th grade. To address this, BridgeKids switched to a service model so our students could become familiar with the pastors, ministers, and other integral leaders in the church. After one of our first services under the new model, we knew we were on the right track when an elementary student ran up to the speaker in the lobby to high-five him and thank him for speaking. Since the start of the ministry year, we've seen greater engagement from our students during their time in the Chapel and increased use of their critical thinking skills during small group discussions. BridgeKids launched the 2023-2024 ministry year with two goals: 1) to reinvigorate our active volunteer team, and 2) to ensure our students know they are an integral part of the MESSAGE FROM THE BRIDGEKIDS DIRECTOR - Tiaa Barnes 13 The changes this year have provided the key benefits of home—welcoming, acceptance, comfort, and support—to our volunteers and families. - Anabelle E. Our students are making a greater connection with the Word of God, bringing in their Bibles, learning the books of the Bible, and asking necessary questions to discover who God is for themselves. - Emanuel P. This year, Student Ministries welcomed new minister Juan Delgado to the team! Under the leadership of Minister Juan and Cody Michener, Director of Student Ministries, we have supported over 300 students on their spiritual journeys through Youth Alive on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Bridgeway also hosted monthly Friday Night Social events for students to invite their friends to have fun in a safe and welcoming church environment. We’re excited to launch a series of new events this coming ministry year, including retreats and leadership training, so stay tuned for updates on these exciting new opportunities! 925 children have come through the doors of BridgeKids since the Ministry Year Launch. These children represent over 600 families in our congregation who are being intentionally cared for by our 200 BridgeKids volunteers. If you want to transform lives with us, head to bridgeway.cc/bridgekids or scan the QR code to fill out an application to volunteer. 14
- Pastor Will Eastham MESSAGE FROM THE SPIRITUAL FORMATION PASTOR Bridgeway's Gracism Academy for Young Leaders equips the next generation of leaders at Bridgeway to build bridges of comprehension and community across society's deepest divides of color, class, and culture. This year, the Gracism Academy launched its third year, with eight new students committed to growing in their faith and skills as crosscultural bridge-builders between the ages of 18-28 years old. We've seen God raising up 20-somethings with a deep hunger for God's presence and a desire to be part of a vibrant spiritual community. During COVID, all of our Life Groups went virtual, and many have not moved back to in-person meetings post-pandemic. However, this year, we have emphasized fellowship as part of our vision & mission for Groups. We encouraged Life Group leaders to find creative ways to gather together for in-person fellowship and connection at least once a month. The Life Group Ministry currently has twelve Life Groups that meet either weekly or bi-weekly for prayer, fellowship, and discussion centered on the Word of God. This year, our leadership team began gathering once a quarter to build community amongst each other and to have our cups poured into as we serve our individual Groups. These have been rich times of discussion, training, and connection for our ministry team! As Life Groups continue to transition back after COVID, we are inviting people to "Come Home" by joining a Life Group community where they can get to know others and be known by them. 172 Joined a Life Group 234 Attend a Life Group 23 Gracism Academy Graduates "Women Digging Deeper has been such a blessing! To be able to gather with my sisters, unpack the meaning of God’s word, and build friendships in an interactive environment is so wonderful. I am grateful that God has called Lynn to lead this group. My understanding of the scriptures has deepened, and this has led to my devotional times being deeper and more meaningful as well. I had been looking for this type of Bible study group and am so grateful to be a part of this one." - Anonymous 15 Growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ means being in a flourishing and committed relationship with him through prayer and studying the scriptures. Jesus wants his church to be a community that deeply cares for all its members and genuinely loves one another so that the gospel is made visible to the ever observing world. Jesus focused on his purpose to bring hope and healing to this world that did not know him and commanded his believers to tell the world about the glorious salvation that he alone offers and to be disciple makers. Led by Pastor Sandy Pope and the Discipleship Ministry, Wednesday Night Alive (WNA) is Bridgeway's mid-week discipleship training, where we gather in community to grow in our Christian walk. Through transformative teaching, participants learn and grow in what it means to be a fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ by participating in unique discipleship tracks. 30 individual attendees 461 classes offered 1,356Bridgeway Partners 54Baptized this Ministry Year 2,500New Directory Profiles Created 317Attended a Men’s/ Women’s breakfast event 16
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we have undertaken together. Through our collective efforts, we have not only persevered but thrived. One of our most significant accomplishments has been the sustained increase in our engagement both with the community and our congregation. We have found innovative ways to connect and serve, reaching more hearts and lives than ever before. Our commitment to spreading the love of Jesus Christ knows no bounds, and it is evident in every interaction, every outreach effort, and every ministry event. I am particularly proud of the success of our mid-week discipleship opportunities, which have flourished under the dedicated leadership of Pastor William Jin and Pastor Sandy Pope, engaging over 550 people. The Tuesday Night Care Support Groups, led by Pastor Jin, have provided a nurturing environment for spiritual growth and support, while Wednesday Night Alive, under the guidance of Pastor Sandy Pope, has been instrumental in deepening our understanding of what it means to be a fullydevoted follower of Christ. In addition, we hosted over 300 events or activities that provided opportunities for our body to fellowship with one another. These programs empowered nearly 4,000 individuals to actively participate in their faith journeys! Our congregation's embrace of the COME HOME Ministry Year Theme has been nothing short of inspiring. By coming home to Bridgeway, we have not only strengthened our bond with one another but also reaffirmed our commitment to our mission of reaching our community, culture, and world for Jesus Christ. Looking ahead, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the opportunities before us. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that with God, all things are possible. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of those around us, sharing the message of hope and redemption with a world in need. In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication and support. It is your commitment to Bridgeway and to the mission of Christ that fuels our ministry and propels us forward. May God continue to bless our endeavors abundantly, and may His light shine brightly through us in all that we do. - Frank Eastham 17 Bridgeway's vision is to be a multicultural body of fully devoted followers of Christ moving forward in unity & love to reach our community, our culture & our world for Jesus Christ. VISION MISSION Bridgeway's mission is to build into one another as we build bridges to our community. ONE MULTICULTURAL CHURCH MULTIPLE MARYLAND LOCATIONS 9:00 AM - COL Campus and Online 10:30 AM - OMR Campus 11:00 AM - COL Campus 11301 Red Run Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Owings Mills/ Reisterstown (OMR) 9189 Red Branch Road Columbia, MD 21045 Columbia (COL) VALUES - Building Into One Another - Reconciliation - Instruction - Dynamic Worship - Growth Through Groups - Evangelism - Stewardship & Service B R I D G E S
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