We appreciate everyone who has taken the time to send in additional questions as we go through this transition.

Question:

Groups are silos within the church. Not all groups are promoting the church’s mission and values. Separate is not equal. What about the people that have high anxiety, attending groups is not possible. But able to attend and worship during Sunday service. 

Answer:

We will ensure that groups are not isolated silos but are fully aligned with the church’s vision and mission.

How We Will Do This:

• Intentional Leader Development – Every group leader will be trained to create an environment that reflects our core values. Groups will not operate independently of the mission, but as extensions of what we believe and practice as a church.

• Unified Culture & Teaching – Small groups will align with the overall vision of discipleship, belonging, and mission. Discussions, activities, and outreach will reinforce what we value as a church.

• Regular Leadership Touchpoints – Leaders will have ongoing training, coaching, and alignment meetings to ensure groups remain connected to the broader mission of Bridge City.

• Multiple Pathways for Connection – While small groups will be a key way to build relationships, they will not be the only way people connect. Some will engage through serving, mentoring, or community events.

Rather than viewing groups as separate but unequal, we will see them as diverse expressions of one united movement—different in style, but one in mission.

Question:

“What about people with high anxiety, for whom attending groups is not possible? But they can attend and worship during Sunday service. How will they stay connected before the public launch?”

Answer:

We understand that not everyone feels comfortable in small group settings, and some may prefer the structure and accessibility of Sunday services. However, during this interim phase, while we are not holding traditional Sunday gatherings, we will ensure multiple ways for people to stay engaged without requiring small group participation.

How We Will Do This:

• Monthly Gatherings for Worship & Prayer – While we won’t have weekly Sunday services before launch, we will hold regular in-person worship gatherings where people can connect, worship, and receive encouragement. These will serve as a bridge for those who prefer a larger setting.

• Community-Wide Events & Interest Gatherings – People will have opportunities to engage through serve days, outreach events, and social gatherings that provide low-pressure ways to stay connected without committing to a small group.

• Digital Content & Online Engagement – We will provide weekly digital content (teachings, devotionals, Q&A sessions) that allow people to engage with Bridge City without feeling the pressure to be in a group.

• One-on-One Connection Opportunities – For those who feel more comfortable in personal interactions, we will offer mentorship and pastoral check-ins so no one feels disconnected during this season.

• Serving as an Avenue for Community – Many will find that serving on a Dream Team (hospitality, production, outreach, kids ministry) is their best way to connect with others without the pressure of small-group discussions.

• A Clear Roadmap to Weekly Services – We will keep people regularly updated about the transition into weekly gatherings so they know this is temporary and have a sense of anticipation for when public services begin.

No one will be left out just because Sunday services are not happening right away. Whether through worship & prayer gatherings, serving, community events, online engagement, or one-on-one mentorship, everyone will have a place to belong and grow even before our official launch.

Question:

I understand that there are logistical reasons for staff salaries, but if we are not meeting for fellowship for five months, how will the pastors actively shepherd the church during this time? Fellowship is an important role of a shepherd, and I’m concerned that without regular gatherings, people may drift toward other churches or distractions. How will Bridge City keep the community connected and engaged before weekly services begin?

Answer:

We completely understand the concern that, without weekly Sunday services, people may feel disconnected or even drift toward other churches or experiences. Our goal is not to pause fellowship but to reimagine how we gather and stay engaged in this crucial season before launch.

Here’s how we will actively shepherd and care for the church family during these five months:

1) Shepherding Will Not Stop—It Will Look Different

• Consistent Pastoral Presence – The leadership team, including the lead pastor, will remain actively engaged in shepherding people through personal connections, small gatherings, community involvement, and digital engagement. Even though we won’t meet every Sunday, we will still be present.

• Monthly Worship & Prayer Gatherings – While weekly services will not begin until September, we will still gather regularly for worship, prayer, and connection. These events will serve as anchors for people to feel connected and invested in the Bridge City community.

• Leadership & Discipleship Development – Instead of only focusing on Sunday services, we will use this time to train leaders and equip the church to live missionally in their daily lives. This ensures we launch strong and sustain momentum rather than rushing into a Sunday service without proper preparation.

2) Why Salaries Are Still Necessary During This Time

• Launching a Church is a Full-Time Mission – Even though we are not holding weekly services yet, the work of launching Bridge City is still happening every day. The staff is actively building systems, training leaders, organizing events, engaging with the community, and ensuring a successful launch.

• Church is More Than Sunday Mornings – We believe the role of pastors and leaders extends beyond preaching on Sundays. Shepherding, equipping, and building a sustainable church requires intentionality, which is exactly what this season is about.

• Keeping Our Focus on Long-Term Health – Many churches launch weekly services before they are fully prepared, leading to burnout, weak leadership structures, and financial strain. By investing in strong foundations now, we will be healthier and more sustainable when we launch publicly.

3) Preventing People from “Wandering to Shiny Things”

• Regular Check-Ins & Personal Engagement – The leadership team will be actively reaching out to members, ensuring people feel seen, heard, and valued. We will create touchpoints for those who may feel disconnected.

• Encouraging Ownership & Buy-In – When people feel like they belong to something greater, they stay. We will foster ownership in the mission so that people remain committed, not just as attendees but as contributors to something bigger.

• Clear Communication About the Vision – People will be reminded why we are doing this and how this temporary season leads to something greater. Through Vision Nights, community gatherings, and digital content, we will keep people engaged in the bigger picture.

Question:

“How can Bridge City be a mobile church if we are not meeting on Sundays before the official launch? Isn’t that contradictory?”

Answer:

A mobile church isn’t just about moving from place to place—it’s about being a flexible, mission-driven church that thrives in any setting. Unlike traditional churches with permanent buildings, a mobile church sets up and tears down its gathering space each week, allowing for greater adaptability, lower costs, and more investment in people over property.

Why We’re Not Holding Weekly Services Yet:

• Building Strong Teams First – A mobile church relies on volunteers to transform a temporary space into a place of worship every week. We are using this season to train and equip teams so we launch with a strong foundation.

•  Focusing on Community Before Services – Instead of rushing into a Sunday service, we are building relationships through small groups, serve days, and outreach. This ensures that we are a church, not just a service.

• Temporary Setup & Teardown – Once we begin weekly services, we will be setting up and tearing down each week until God provides a permanent facility that aligns with our vision and mission.

What It Means to Be a Mobile Church:

We don’t own a building but transform rented spaces into places of worship each week.

Volunteers set up everything—sound, seating, kids’ areas, and hospitality—before each service and pack it all away afterward.

This model keeps us flexible, allowing us to focus on people over property and be financially wise as we grow.

While we will start as a mobile church, we are actively seeking a permanent facility as the Lord provides—one that aligns with our vision, mission, and strategy for serving our city well.

Being mobile doesn’t mean we’re inactive—it means we are strategic and mission-first. We are investing in people, not just places, so that when we launch, Bridge City will be strong, sustainable, and ready to serve Gainesville well.

Question:

Who Developed the Church Model & By-Laws?

Answer:

The model for Bridge City Community Church was developed by pastoral leadership, key staff, and trusted national advisors with experience in church planting, governance, and mission-driven strategy. The goal was to ensure that Bridge City is built on biblical leadership principles, healthy accountability, and long-term sustainability.

These new by-laws were drafted by the former and current elders of TFC along with input from other successful and growing organizations as to their structure. We are also in consultation with legal and financial advisors who specialize in church governance. The purpose was to create a structure that allows for pastoral leadership, wise oversight, broader accountability, and congregational involvement where appropriate.

Question:

Have the New By-Laws Been Adopted?

Answer:

Not yet. The new by-laws are under review by a legal team and must be in place before Bridge City can apply for tax exempt status.  They were carefully developed to ensure clear leadership roles, financial transparency, and a strong foundation for decision-making.

Question:

Will the congregation have a voice in adopting the new by-laws?

Answer:

A church’s by-laws aren’t just internal policies—they are a legal document that establishes how the church operates. As such, they must follow specific legal processes to ensure compliance, accountability, and sustainability. This is not a simple document that can be changed on a whim. Any modifications must go through proper legal channels and be handled with wisdom and care.

At Bridge City Community Church, we are taking a different approach from past revisions by ensuring that our by-laws are:

• Legally Sound & Professionally Reviewed – Our by-laws are being legally vetted by professionals who specialize in church governance, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws while remaining biblically faithful.

• Clear & Sustainable – The structure is designed to provide long-term stability, preventing confusion and leadership bottlenecks caused by constant, unregulated changes.

• Built on Healthy Oversight & Accountability – Unlike previous revisions that lacked clear oversight, our structure ensures pastoral leadership, financial transparency, and a board-supported governance model that balances spiritual authority with wise counsel.

• Transparent with the Congregation – While by-laws are a legal document (not subject to open debate like a mission statement), our leadership is committed to keeping the congregation informed about governance and major decisions. Regular updates and avenues for feedback will ensure that the church remains engaged in the life of the community.

How This Differs from the Past

In the past, The Family Church underwent seven revisions to its by-laws—none of which were conducted with legal review or congregational input. This led to a governance structure that was inconsistent, inefficient, and lacked proper accountability, making it difficult to lead effectively.

With regard to future revisions, we believe that no changes should ever be adopted without involvement from the congregation. While the legal framework of the by-laws is necessary to establish a strong foundation, we are committed to transparency and communication throughout the process.

Question:

When Can the Congregation See the By-Laws?

Answer:

Once the initial legal review and leadership process are completed, the final draft of the by-laws will be available for anyone in the congregation to review. This ensures that everyone has clarity on how Bridge City will operate and how leadership decisions will be made.

Question:

Who was involved in making the decision to not have church services for the next 5 months?

Answer:

This decision was not made lightly, nor was it made by one individual. It was a collective, strategic choice to ensure that when Bridge City launches weekly services in September, we are ready to thrive, not just survive.

Who Was Involved?

• Lead Pastor & Church Leadership – Responsible for ensuring that the decision aligns with Bridge City’s vision, mission, and long-term health.

• Church Planting Advisors & Experts – Provided insight into best practices for launching a healthy, sustainable church rather than rushing into weekly services unprepared.

• Key Staff & Ministry Leaders – Evaluated what it would take to develop strong teams, build community engagement, and ensure readiness for a successful launch.

Why Was This Decision Made?

While it may seem unusual not to have weekly services right away, this decision was made strategically to:

• Build Strong Foundations – A healthy church launch requires trained volunteers, well-developed systems, and a strong leadership team—not just a Sunday service.

• Create Community Before Services – We are prioritizing relationships over routine. Instead of gathering people for a service first, we want to establish a church where people are known, discipled, and connected before we gather in a building.

• Train & Equip Volunteers for a Mobile Church Model – Since we will be setting up and tearing down every week, we need to develop and train teams properly before launching weekly services.

• Engage the City Before Asking People to Attend – Bridge City is not just a Sunday gathering—it’s a movement. We want people to experience our impact in the community before inviting them to a worship service.

Question:

“Who from the church will be physically present to explain to the clients that we will not be hosting their food distribution at this church any longer?”

Answer:

We are committed to ensuring a smooth and well-communicated transition for our food distribution program.

• Final Food Distribution at Current Location – Wednesday, February 26
  We will host one final food drive at our current location next Wednesday (2/26). During this event, all attendees will receive flyers with details about the new location so they are fully informed.

• New Location Approved & Communication Support – We were officially approved by Bread of the Mighty for our new location this past Monday (2/17), and they are excited to continue partnering with Bridge City to serve the residents of our city. Bread of the Mighty will also be helping to spread the word about the relocation.

Point Person for Transition: Patrick Bizub – Patrick will be leading this transition and ensuring that clients receive all necessary information.