Aiming to draw converts of all ages and backgrounds, Faithful Central Bible Church launched the BRIDGE ministry to reach different ethnicities, from baby boomers to millennials, on a daily basis.
According to the vision of Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, FCBC senior pastor, the ministry’s acronym stands for “Believers Reaching and Impacting Diverse Groups Every Day” and its twofold mission is to build faith and family.
To help fulfill that goal, Ulmer tapped FCBC Associate Pastor Trevon Evans to lead the effort. Now beginning his third year in the role, Evans is working hard to take the ministry to the next level.
BRIDGE evolved from FCBC’s Wednesday Night Service, which had been conducted for the past several years. But in 2015, Evans approached Ulmer, his pastor of 35 years, about transforming the worship from once a week to reach people once a day.
“My pastor, Bishop Ulmer, has been the most influential person in helping me to rebrand the ministry. He has affirmed me, empowered me, prepared me, and guided me along the way. He has shared with me many of his pastoral experiences, and informed me of some of the pitfalls to avoid,” said Evans.
Explaining how BRIDGE works, Evans said, “On Monday, there is a prayer conference call. On Tuesday, a word of encouragement is emailed to everyone. On Wednesday, we have a fellowship hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., where we serve free coffee, tea, muffins, and other refreshments.”
The outreach continues on Thursday with Evans emailing his sermon notes to attendees and on Saturday with members gathering to hear an inspirational message featuring a lay person sharing their story of volunteer service in the church or community.
Currently, BRIDGE activities are geared towards adults, however, there is also a service for children ages 12-years-and-under called Kidz Club. In addition, Evans said the BRIDGE ministry hopes to partner with other nonprofits “to feed the homeless, serve the underprivileged, and become more of a presence in the community.”
To remain focused as he pursues his goals for BRIDGE, Evans will turn to his favorite scripture of John 6:38, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but the will of him who sent me.”
“What that basically means to me is that God brought me to earth for a greater purpose. I’m not just here existing. I’m not an accident,” he emphasized.
“God created me for some reason, so my life has significance. My goal is to realize my potential, fulfill my purpose, and live my life in a manner that encourages and inspires others.”
To learn more, call Faithful Central Bible Church at (310) 330-8000.
