FROM YOUR
PASTOR If you look around the hallways here at the church you’ll notice one thing, a bunch of smiling faces! Well, at least on the Kids’ faces… Moms and Dads may have the look of panic! That’s right, school’s out for the summer! It is hard to believe that another school year is in the books. Time flies when you’re having fun! This summer we encourage you parents to take a look at the church calendar and do your best to make sure your kids are involved in the great activities happening in our Bridge Kids and Bridge Students departments. Don’t miss out on Youth Camp, Kids Camp, Vacation Bible School and all of the other fun events scheduled this summer! Here at The Bridge, we do our best to provide incredible activities for our children and teenagers, and we’d hate for you to miss out on creating a lifelong memory for your kids. Don’t miss a moment of it! This summer we will begin a new Sunday Morning Sermon series called “The Resistance.” The world we live in today often seems as though it’s pulling us in a direction that is opposite of the Biblical values that we should hold close in our own lives. This summer we will explore how as a group of Christians, we can embrace Biblical values and still make a positive change in our community. By holding firm to our convictions and choosing to live like Christ, we can “resist” the current trends of our society and teach a better way. It’s going to be a great summer! Don’t miss a minute of it.
THE VITAL ROLE OF A FATHER BY CHIP INGRAM
Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this
So, Fathers, my message for you is this: Your kids need you!
generation. It’s the engine driving America’s most crucial social
Your presence and role in your family is vital.
problems including crime, adolescent pregnancy, sexual abuse of children and domestic violence against women. Yet despite
According to the Bible, the man’s number one role in the fam-
its scale and social consequences, fatherlessness is a problem
ily is to be a leader. What’s a leader? It’s pretty simple: A leader
that is frequently ignored.
is a person who makes things happen. A leader focuses on objectives.
Recent studies show that the father has a profound influence on his children’s moral development, self-image and sexual
As a father, have you ever considered or identified what your
identity. In fact, kids who grow up with the presence of an en-
target or objective is for your son or daughter? Perhaps it is
gaged, caring and loving father are less likely to live in poverty,
for him or her to get good grades, get into a really good school,
get on welfare, go to prison, and get pregnant before they get
make six-figures when they grow up and be good, law-abiding
married.
citizens. These are all fine goals to strive for in life, but they aren’t the most important.
But do you ever wonder what God thinks is most important? According to God, your primary objective as a father is for you to help your kid become like Jesus. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Romans 8:28-29)
THIS MONTH, WE SET ASIDE TIME TO HONOR OUR FATHERS. BUT, WHAT’S A DAD TO “BE” AND “DO?” EPHESIANS 6:4 SAYS, “FATHERS, DO NOT EXASPERATE YOUR CHILDREN; INSTEAD, BRING THEM UP IN THE TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION OF THE LORD.” RECENTLY, RENOWNED BIBLE TEACHER CHIP INGRAM OFFERED HIS FOUR CRUCIAL ROLES EVERY GODLY FATHER SHOULD BE TAKING IN THEIR CHILD’S LIFE.
Now here’s the clincher - you can’t give away something that you don’t have. If you want to teach your kids to be Christ-like,
Here are 4 crucial roles every Godly Father should be
then you need to begin with yourself. Remember, the greatest
taking in their child’s life:
impact you can have on your kids is to be the kind of person you want them to become.
1. He’s a Leader (1 Corinthians 4:14-16) Definition = He makes things happen
Whether you like it or not, your kids are going to turn out a lot
Questions leaders ask:
like you! “A learner, when fully trained, will be just like his
Where are we now?
teacher.” (Luke 6:40) As a father, you are a natural role model
Where do we need to go?
for your children. So if you want your kids to follow Christ,
What must we do to get there?
you also need to be a man of God’s Word and of integrity. Here are some practical ways to get going:
2. He’s a Priest (Deuteronomy 6:1-13) Definition = He makes God known
Model authentic worship. We all have time; we just lack disci-
Questions priests ask:
pline. Set your clock back and get up early and start getting in
Do my kids know God?
the Bible every day.
Do they have an accurate view of God?
Be the leader/initiator. If going to church and putting God first is going to be a priority for your children, then you as the father need to initiate this in your family.
Does our home honor God? Are we growing in holiness?
3. He’s a Teacher (Ephesians 6:4) Definition = He imparts wisdom and builds character
Initiate some family worship. Set one night a week for your
Questions teachers ask:
family to get into the Bible and pray together. This doesn’t have
What do they need to know, do and be?
to be very long – 8-10 minutes max. Have fun and be creative!
How do they best learn?
Encourage private worship. Encourage your kids to spend time with God each day. If your kids are little, take some time and read the Scriptures to them for a half hour before bedtime. As your kids get older, encourage them to spend time with God each day and read the Bible for themselves. If you are like me and didn’t grow up in a Christian home, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the role of being a moral and spiritual leader in your home. It’s okay if you don’t feel adequate. We don’t have to have it all together. God invites all of us to begin exactly where we’re at, taking one step at a time. Will it be easy? Of course not! Anything of value will take focus, discipline and a lot of hard work. But the rewards are awesome!
When and how will I teach them in this season of life?
4. He’s a Lover (Malachi 4:5-6) Definition = He gives people what they need most Questions lovers ask: How are my kids “really” doing? Do they sense my approval and acceptance? Are we “connecting” at a deep level? Fathers: We hope this inspires you to look to your Heavenly Father for guidance in how to lead your children. Sons and daughters: take time this month to pray for the fathers in your life.
GET CONNECTED
We believe it is vital that everyone who comes through our doors feels welcomed, connected with God, and connected with great people to do life with! So here we have a ton of avenues available for you to be a part of: small groups, special events, volunteer teams and more. We want to create ample opportunities for you to build incredibly fun, healthy friendships as well as help you flourish in your relationship with God! Your life is valuable! Get yourself connected today!
SMALL GROUPS SUNDAY’S AT 9:30AM “The Sandwich Generation” Join us as we expose one of the most deceptive snares Satan uses to get believers out of the will of God-offense. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Kenny McGee Room: 201
“In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day” What if the seemingly messy pieces of your life were actually strategically positioned by God? In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day will help you make sense of your past. You’ll begin to connect the dots to see clearly how God has been preparing you for future opportunities. Ages: 30’s thru 50’s Leader: Roy Peck Room: 203
“Ephesians” Did you know you are God’s masterpiece? Join us as we journey through Ephesians and learn why. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Elaine Arnold Room: 104
“Understanding Righteousness” Join us as we try to learn the meaning of Righteousness found in Romans 5:21 Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Ed Damron Room: 202
“The United Monarchy of Israel”
“Revelation & Thessalonians”
What are God’s principles of leadership for our church, state, and nation? Join us as we study the life of Saul, David, and Solomon. Ages: 40’s thru 60’s Leader: Kathleen Wilcoxson Room: 105
This is a verse-by-verse walk through and discussion on the book of Revelations and 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Ages: All Ages Leader: Rob McClure Room: 105
“Psalms” We are taking an in depth look into the Psalms and discovering what they mean for us today. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Kenneth McGee Room: 100
“Transforming Truths” Gleaning practical applications for 21st century problems from the historical books of the Bible. Ages: 50’s and up Leader: Ken Isom Room: Chapel
SUNDAY’S AT 10:45AM “How to Ruin Your Life By Thirty” Join us for this discussion based small group designed for young adults aged 18-25. Ages: Young Adults Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt Room: 205
“Life & Relationships” Come and join a fun time of group discussion on Life & Relationships while being young, married, and having kids. Ages: Young Marrieds Leader: Ryan Summers Room: 201
NEXT STEPS
HOPE & HEALING Living Free Addiction Recovery Wednesdays at 7:15PM Come and let us help you on the road to overcoming addictions and breaking free from life controlling issues. Leader: Ken Isom Room: End Zone
HIS 24/7 Bible Discipleship Sundays at 10:45AM
MEN
Come discover the basic spiritual disciplines to help you grow in your relationship with God. ie. how to use and study the Bible, pray, and witness. Ages: All Ages Leader: Louis Rose & Ken Isom Room: 100
Men’s Breakfast June 14 7:30AM in The Venue
Corporate Prayer Sundays at 6:00PM Tuesdays at 9:00AM Join us in the Chapel every week for a time of prayer.
Fresh Start June 29 6:30PM at Fresh Start Have you recently started attending The Bridge? If so, we want to meet you. We know that coming to a new church and trying to navigate through getting plugged in can feel like a daunting task. So come meet Pastor McNabb, find out how we do church, and we will break down the easiest ways for you to get connected.
Come and hang out with the guys and enjoy a great breakfast.
SENIORS Road Trip June 28 4:30PM in East Parking Lot We want to invite all senior adults to join us on a road trip to El Reno where we will enjoy dinner at Montana Mike’s followed by live entertainment. You can get signed up through our mobile app, on our website, or out at Starting Point in the lobby.
KIDS
STUDENTS
Bridge Kids Sundays at 8:15/9:30/10:45AM
Bridge Students Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Join us for exciting worship, fun games, and Biblical lessons every week!
Join us for our weekly worship experience in the Bridge Students building.
Boys & Girls Clubs Wednesdays at 7:15PM
Sunday Small Groups Sundays at 10:45AM
We offer fun filled programs every week for boys (Royal Rangers) and girls (mPact) that help them grow with God.
Get connected in a weekly small group! This is a great way to learn more on specific topics throughout the Bible. 6th-7th Grade: Room 203 8th-10th Grade: Room 204 11th-12th Grade: Room 200
BGMC Dinner June 25 6:00PM in The Venue Join us for a great dinner, time of fellowship, and support missions in the process!
5th Grade Trip June 5th & 6th 5th Graders! Join us for our 5th grade trip to Great Wolf Lodge. The cost is $125. Just contact Tiffany at 405.376.4538 or email tiffany.gonzalez@thebridgeag to get signed up.
Vacation Bible School June 16th thru 19th Weird Animals VBS is coming up on June 16 - June 19 from 9:00AM til 12:00PM. Let your kids come and be a part of all the fun. All children from age 4 thru 12yrs old can attend. The cost is $5 per child which is due Monday, June 16. You can get signed up in the Bridge Kids Check-In area or bypass the lines and screaming children and do it right from our MyBridge mobile app or website thebridgeag.org If you have questions call Tiffany 405.376.4538 or e-mail tiffany.gonzalez@thebridgeag. org
Family Groups Mondays at 7:00PM Family Groups provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere for students to discuss relevant and practical topics under the guidance of Bridge Students’ adult leaders. More information on the different locations can be found at thebridgeag.org/ students
Lunch at Pops June 19 12:00PM at Bridge Students Hey students we are taking a trip to Pop’s in Arcadia. Meet us at the Bridge Students building at 12:00PM and bring money for lunch. We will return around 4:00PM.
Summer Nights June 25 / July 2 July 9 / July 23 8:30PM at Grisham Home We want to help your students have the best summer ever! This year, we are having a series of parties on Wednesday nights after service. Each Summer Nights Party will be hosted at the Grisham Family home. There will be a ton of awesome things going on, all while being monitored by Bridge Students Adult Leaders. Cost is $2 just to help offset the cost.
Float Trip July 30 - 31 Tahlequah, OK We want to invite all students to join us on our Summer Float Trip. We will leave after Bridge Students on Wednesday, July 30 at 8:30PM and return on Thursday, July 31 at 6:00PM. The cost is $45, and that includes lodging, 2 meals, and the float trip.
YOUNG ADULT Friday Gathering Fridays at 7:00PM Come enjoy food, fun, and discussion with other young adults. Contact Doug for more info at (405) 204.4569 Leader: Doug & Brittanie Wyatt
SERVE 3rd Service Choir The adult choir is looking for additional singers. If you’re between the ages of 16 and ?? we’d like to talk to you about singing with us each Sunday morning during the 3rd worship experience. Rehearsals are Sundays at 5:00pm. You don’t have to read music, but you do need to attend a get-acquainted interview with Pastor Rex. Just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
Production Team We are looking to expand. The production team plays a key role in making our worship experiences happen here and online. The only requirement is a willingness to learn and be a part of an awesome team, and we will teach you eveything you need to know to be successful. From camera operators to stage hands to computer operators, just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
Prison Ministry Team We are looking for men to help us with our prison ministry. We are in need of drivers to help us transport inmates. You can get signed up through our mobile app or online at thebridgeag.org/serve
2nd Service Worship Choir The modern service is looking for people that are excited about worship! We aren’t worried about how well you sing, we want you to be a visual presence that helps lead people into worship. So if you are passionate about worshipping God, why not join the team. Just go online and sign-up. thebridgeag.org/serve
For more information on all these events and more just go to our website www.thebridgeag.org
SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A MAN by Brett & Kate McKay
There are a few events in life that society has deemed as way-points on the road to manhood: graduating college and getting a job, getting married, buying your first house and having a child. These seem to be the big ones and, right or wrong, they are used as indicators of maturity in the lives of men, a measuring stick to judge the transition from boyhood to manhood. But are these life events really the best indicators of manhood? It seems not, as there are plenty of boys walking around wearing the bodies of men, holding degrees, jobs and a hefty mortgage, but retaining the soul of an 8-year old. So what is it that really determines whether someone has crossed from boyhood into manhood? As I’ve tracked my progress and thought about the men in my life whom I respect, I’ve come up with the following traits that truly define what it means to be a man:
Selflessness No man has ever risen to the real stature of spiritual manhood until he has found that it is finer to serve somebody else than it is to serve himself. ~ Woodrow T. Wilson When we are young, most of us think that the world revolves around us and can’t imagine that we are just a small part of a much larger picture. Most men would say that marriage and the birth of a first child mark the primary passages into manhood. Why? For many of us, it is the first time we have been charged with the complete service of another, a direct attack on the kingdom of “self” to which we have grown accustom. However, marriage and children are not necessary for entrance into manhood, service can take on many forms. Countless great men have given their lives in pursuit of a cause, something equally as noble. Whether through kids or causes, becoming a man means serving someone or something greater than yourself.
Consistency Real men are people that others can count on. Whether it’s simply doing what they say they’ll do or being at the right place at the right time, becoming a man means being consistent. Showing up for work late, missing appointments, not returning phone calls and general flakiness are all signs of immaturity. Anyone can do things right every once and a while, but chances are if you look at the men you look up
to the most, all of them have gained your respect and trust through consistency. For many of us consistency is a tough quality to attain, a seeming attack on the rebellious “I’ll do what I want, when I want” attitude that we take such pride in. This complete independence, we assure ourselves, is the true sign of manhood. After all, we’re not whipped right? In reality, independence is easy, something any youth can achieve. Absolute independence often acts as the disguise for immaturity and insecurity. Consistency is the game for pros, men who actually have people counting on them, men with responsibility….real men.
Humility My power will be in humility ~ Walter Russell Humility is often thought of as a “soft” trait, hardly the first thing that comes to mind when we think “man.” But the truth is, cockiness is most often displayed by those who have the least to be cocky about. Their insecurities come out as they grasp for the compliments and praise they so desperately need. Real men are secure in their abilities and do not find it necessary to place themselves in higher esteem than those around them. In fact, they are often the quickest to share the glory with those around them. It seems as you study the men in history we consider great or heroic, their life is often characterized not by how high they attempted to maneuver themselves in respect to other men, but rather how low. In the incredible movie, “Gladiator,” we see this displayed in convincing fashion. The coward son of Marcus Aurelius fought to mask his insecurities through swagger and a mad dash for power. In contrast, the hero Maximus, the epitome of manhood, consistently chooses restraint and humility. He took care of the men around him, teaching them how to fight in the arena, and not for a second deeming himself more valuable or worthy. The result? His men adored him and many gave their lives for him. The great power of Maximus was in his humility. Selflessness, consistency and humility. As I’ve surveyed the scene around me, these three traits have stood out as defining characteristics of passage into manhood.
Here are some things that we think are imperative to your journey here, as you explore what The Bridge has to offer you and your family.
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Need information? You can find it all in this magazine, on our website, or through our mobile app, “MyBridge.” You can get details on all upcoming events, sign up for classes, and much more!
WEEKLY SCHEDULE Traditional Worship Experience Sundays at 8:15AM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and sacred songs.
Modern Worship Experience Sundays at 9:30AM
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Stop by Starting Point after the service. Here you will find someone from our church who would like to meet you and answer any questions you may have about our church.
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In a large church, the key to making friends and having community is joining a small group. We know you’re busy, so we offer small groups on Sundays at 9:30 and 10:45AM to make the most of your time here.
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We feel our student’s and kid’s experiences are some of the best around, so make sure your kids don’t miss out on the amazing things we have going on for them.
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & guitar driven worship.
Blended Worship Experience Sundays at 10:45AM
This experience includes upbeat worship with a choir and orchestra.
PM Worship Experience Sundays at 6:30PM
During this experience we come together as a whole to worship.
Hispanic Worship Experience Sundays at 10:30AM
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia . Children and Youth can take part in what is happening on our main campus.
Wed. Traditional Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:15PM
This experience offers a variety of hymns and messages from Kenneth McGee in the Chapel.
Drive Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience has a more laid back atmosphere & messages from Rob McClure in the Worship Center.
Wed. Hispanic Worship Experience Wednesdays at 7:30PM
This experience takes place in The Connection building and includes Spanish Worship and a message in Spanish from Pastor Kenny Garcia
Our trained nursery staff is available during all worship experiences. For a full list of other opportunities, please check out the “Get Connected” section of Pulse.