Bridge City Community Church is a non-denominational community church centered around the reality of Jesus Christ's love for everyone. We rely on the complete and sufficient work of Jesus to save us, heal us and unify us, growing us into a healthy body. Organized in June of 1997, we are a community excited to be making an impact in Milwaukie and the Portland Metro area.
Mission
Connecting People to God and each other through Jesus Christ.
Purpose
In response to God's call, Bridge City Community Church exists to love God fully and to love the people around us, creating a community of belonging, where together we can grow and learn to reach others with Jesus' love.
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Our purpose statement is drawn from two of Jesus'
statements about the purpose of His church, the Great
Commandment and the Great Commission found in the Gospel of
Matthew.
The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)
says "Jesus replied,
'Love the Lord your God (Love God) with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your mind. This is
the first and greatest commandment. And the second is
like it: Love your neighbor (Love People) as
yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these
two commandments.' "
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)
says "Then Jesus came
to them and said...'Go and make disciples (Reach Others) of
all nations, baptizing them (Belonging) in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching
them (Growing) to obey everything I have commanded
you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age.
These two statements set out the five primary purposes of
any Christian church. These form the "balanced
workout plan" that ensures that any local group of
Christians is relating to God and to the world in complete
way.
Love God.
This is
also called worship. Worship is not only the things
we do when we are gather together for worship. It is
not only our private acts of devotion. It also
includes all of our lives lived when lived motivated by a
heart of love for God.
Love People.
This is
also called service. When we practically reach out
and make a tangible difference in the lives of other
people, this is an act of love--especially when it is for
no self-serving reason. Love for people is the visible
expression of our love for God.
Reach Others.
This
is traditionally called evangelism, but it is
essentially sharing Jesus' story and Jesus' life with
others through the means of blessing and serving.
Create Belonging.
Baptism
is a symbolic act that shows the inclusion into God's
family. The church is called to help people know they
can belong and then to demonstrate in practical loving
ways that they are included.
Grow Together.
This is
also called discipleship. The church is called to
help one another grow in understanding of God, in love for
Him and in depth of character.
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The content of the
"Who We Are" pages including mission, purpose,
core values,
strategy,
statement of beliefs,
important practices and our
statement of unity was compiled and
arrived at through much study, prayer and discussion by
the founders, trustees and pastors of Bridge City
Community Church. These statements were first
revised and accepted on Saturday September 27th,
1997. A printed version of this statement
entitled, "Bridge City Community Church: Who We Are,"
was edited and published by the pastoral staff on March
30th, 1999. The text version contained herein was
edited for posting on the web site in October of 2001.
The current version given here was edited on
10/10/2005. We are committed to be a community
that is continually open to the Holy Spirit's direction,
and as such we put these statements forward as a
developing document, able to grow and change as the Holy
Spirit guides our community. A more complete
statement with full explanations and scripture
references is available upon request.
This statement is (c) 2001-2005, Bridge City
Community Church. All Rights Reserved. Make
requests or ask for information at info@bridgecity.org