Non-Profit Organization Finds New Ways to Promote Church in America

Los Angeles, CA, June 18, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Bridges (www.bridgesus.org), a non-profit organization founded in 2010 and based in Los Angeles, is expanding the definition of church to embrace Christ-centered communities that are not housed in traditional steeple buildings. Backed by the Presbyterian Church and a distinguished advisory board, Bridges is helping entrepreneurial leaders "plant" themselves deeper in existing communities in order to form new groups of worshippers. This shift away from building physical church sites and the move instead towards developing worshipping communities from the inside out is creating new opportunities for church planters, particularly in the United States.

“We see the U.S. as a very large mission field; therefore, it needs a mission agency,” said Jim Milley, Founder of Bridges. A former missionary in Ethiopia and now a pastor of a Presbyterian church in the Los Angeles area, Milley explained that just as missionaries rely on the expertise of mission agencies before ministering to other cultures, community leaders in the multi-cultural U.S. need guidance as well. That’s where Bridges comes in.

“We’re not inviting people to church; we are bringing the church to the people,” said Milley. “Through training and coaching in the practices used by the most influential missionaries, we help entrepreneurial leaders find Christ in their own community. We show them how to connect closer with the Presbyterian family while exploring new ways of doing church—ways that appeal to those people who might avoid traditional ways of learning about and worshipping God.”

Bridges utilizes a unique approach (ACTS: Assessment, Coaching, Training, Support) to equip community leaders with the skills required to build strong Christ-centered communities. Bridges is currently focused on creating worshipping communities on the West Coast, especially in greater Los Angeles. Prospective planters are first professionally assessed to see if their strengths and goals are in line with what it takes to start successful worshipping groups. Having just launched their website, Bridges has already provided initial assessments to over 30 prospective planters. Ideal planters then receive one-on-one coaching to guide them throughout the entire process. Monthly meetings and workshops provide ongoing practical training and support.

“Bridges can help ordinary people discover that God is already at work in their community…and then build on that,” said Rob Robinson, President of Bridges. “Due to the recent generosity of donors who believe in our vision, we’re able to begin offering financial support to some of these leaders. The beauty of bringing the church to the people is that you can spend less money on overhead and more time on helping people. It’s exciting to see how God can use so little to produce so much.”

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Bridges is a non-profit organization that connects leaders and potential leaders of new worshipping communities together through comprehensive assessment, training, coaching, and support. For details, visit www.bridgesus.org or contact info@bridgesus.org.