Deployed

This past Sunday, I had the privilege to share something that’s been stirring for quite some time.

For those who were there (or who caught the livestream), you heard the announcement firsthand: God is calling me and my family to start a new kind of church movement. 

It’s the result of years of prayer, preparation, and conversations. From the moment we landed in Tobaccoville in 2020, through countless opportunities, seminars, and Spirit-led nudges, God’s been weaving together a sense of calling that’s become unmistakable: to reach people who may never walk into a traditional church, by planting simple, reproducible, Jesus-style gatherings. 

A movement of ordinary people, multiplying disciples and churches, in everyday places. 

That’s the vision.

I say a “new kind of church movement”, but it’s actually one of the oldest. Throughout the New Testament, but perhaps most clearly in the church at Ephesus, followers of Jesus got together regularly in homes, the public square, the market… wherever it was simple and natural to express a heart of worship, community, and mission. That’s where we’re going.

But more importantly, and this is a point I want to drive home… we’re not just going. We’re being sent. The Elders have walked closely with us through this entire process. Patrick, Bob, Rodney, Tom, and Jonathon have heard the calling and have affirmed the need for us to walk in obedience to where God is leading. At Bridges, we’ve talked a lot this year about what it means to be “Deployed” as a disciple of Jesus. This next season – is what “Deployed” looks like for us. (For bonus points – and just for fun – I’d challenge you to consider what “Deployed” might look like for you!) 

This is a good thing. This is a God thing. 

We’re stepping out in faith — but not alone. The Fields and Gilchrist families are part of this launch with us. Bridges has been a place where we’ve served, discerned, and grown. We’re not moving away; we’re staying rooted right here — to reach the unreached where we live, work, learn, and play. This vision, this movement, is an extension of the same mission that unites us all: helping people find and follow Jesus.

On June 22, at the end of the morning service, our team will be commissioned by Bridges. It’ll be a day of prayer, joy, celebration, and probably a few tears. It will also mark the beginning of a brand-new chapter. And we can’t wait to see what God will do.

If you’ve prayed for us over the years… if you’ve welcomed us into your lives… if you’ve served alongside us, worshipped with us, or just shared a smile in the hallway – thank you. You’ve been a part of this story.

The Church is more than a place you go. It’s people on mission with Jesus. That’s what we’re stepping into. And we’d love your prayers as we go.

If you’d like to talk more, ask questions, or hear the heart behind what’s next, I’d love to share more. Just reach out. If you don’t have my direct contact info, simply email info@bridgeschurch.net and they’ll connect us. 

With love and gratitude,

Brandon