Almost 20 years ago, while in the Home of Grace for heroin addiction, I became convinced the Lord wanted to use my life to help others. While reading a book called, “The Church That Never Sleeps,” I became convinced that God not only wanted me to walk away from my sinful lifestyle, but to lay down my life and be a "Bridge of Hope" for others. Ever since that moment, I’ve lived a sober, Christ centered life and never gone back to who I used to be! That calling, to sacrificially love others and help them get where God wants them to be, helped restore my marriage, raise 4 kids who love Jesus, earn a Masters of Divinity degree, and guide countless others to freedom in Christ while on staff at a great church in Slidell, LA.
Since early 2025, we’ve felt the call to reach people in Mid-City Baton Rouge, where to 30,000 people are packed into just 3.5 square miles. With one quick glance in any direction you’ll see artists, entrepreneurs, young families, and locals enjoying life on Government St. But a closer inspection reveals over 1,100 homeless teenagers, thousands trapped in addiction or mental health crises, and half the population going through life without direction or hope in Christ.
This is why Jenn and I planted Bridges Community Church; to help everyone we meet get from where they are to where God wants them to be.
Our Story
What we believe
Bridges Community Church is a diverse Spirit filled Assemblies of God church in Mid City, Baton Rouge. Our Lead Pastor and his wife are not only credentialed with the Assemblies of God, Pastor AL also serves as V.P. for Advancement at Bridges Christian College and Seminary, an official AG school. We’re proud of our Pentecostal heritage and excited for the future!
The Bible We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God — our guide for how to live, what to believe, and how to treat one another. It's not just an old book; it's alive, active, and relevant for everyday life.
God We believe in one God who exists in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead three days later.
Salvation Every person is born with a sin nature that separates them from God. But God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. That there’s one God and One Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for us all. Salvation comes by way of the grace of God through the finished work of Christ on the cross. When you put your faith in Jesus Christ and ask Him to be the Lord of your life, you become a new creation.
The Holy Spirit When we believe Jesus died for our sins, rose from the grave, and we ask Him to be the Lord of our lives, the Spirit is sent to live and reside within the believer as a seal upon his heart. But the Spirit is not just a seal on our hearts until the day of redemption, He is actively working within the believer to produce ongoing life change. Additionally, Scripture testifies that all believers can have subsequent experiences after salvation often called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This experience is an empowerment for ministry and the transformed life evidenced by speaking in tongues.
The Church The church is the place where God lives and works today. God works through His redeemed people to reach the lost and make disciples. We believe the Church is the only hope for the world. We practice water baptism to identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection and as a public declaration of faith. And we participate in communion with one another as a regular opportunity to reflect upon our lives, to be reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice, and His soon coming return.
Healing We believe God still heals today — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Prayer for healing is a normal part of our life together.
Eternity We believe Jesus is coming back and He can do so at any time. We have a blessed hope and those who put their faith in Christ will spend eternity with God in a renewed creation after Jesus literally rules and reigns for 1000 years. Afterwards there will be a final judgment, and death and suffering will be no more.
Building Bridges Changing Lives
“If anyone wants to come after me let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” — Jesus
Core Values
We Live with Intention
We Build Community
We Sacrificially Serve
We Give Grace