Steps To Joining Our Association

I. Introduction

    Thank you for your interest in the Association of Bridge Churches (ABC). We believe that all ministry flows out of relationship and we are intently focused on that quality of ministry rather than how many or how large our churches are.  We are interested in the spiritual synergy that happens when people of like mind and heart attempt to do great things for the Kingdom of God. If this is what interests you, please read on.



    When you walk into a Bridge church, you may notice something different. It could be the passion in worship. It could be the kindness and sincerity that people show because they are glad you visited and they truly care for you. It could be the power of a prophetic word or the presence of the Holy Spirit during ministry time. A variety of different things create the atmosphere and culture of a Bridge church.



    This difference is the essence of who we are. We believe in moving in freedom and for the Holy Spirit to have His way.  It is not that other churches don’t have these things, but these are a part of the spiritual DNA that God has planted in John Paul Jackson, founder of ABC.  Similarly, this DNA is manifest in those who come under this covering. According to the spiritual principle, those under authority receive authority.



Bridge ministries to do four things:

        1)   To seek to express the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

        2)   Help people walk into their God-given purpose;

        3)   Restore the awe of God to the church body and its ministries; and

        4)   Provide a corporate setting where people sense the majesty and sovereignty of our Lord in His manifest presence.



    We want to practice the Kingdom of God in everything we do. Our desire as a ministry is to facilitate the discovery of God’s love, hope and restoration for His people. This could happen in any number of ways: Worship; preaching and teaching of Scriptures; through dream interpretations or prophetic words; prayer for healing and deliverance; igniting and training the younger generation to do the work of the Kingdom; supporting local and foreign missions; as well as going outside of the four walls of the church and evangelizing.



    Are you, your friends, and your church body called to this? Do you desire to know that the Lord is continually in all that you do, touching the people you touch? If so, perhaps God is drawing your church to join this movement and affiliate with the Association of Bridge Churches. This brochure provides information on the 12-step process to becoming a Bridge church and what ABC can and will do to help your group grow, strengthen, and advance the Kingdom of God.

II. Steps to Joining the Bridge



Learn all you can about the Bridge.  Here are a few of the resources that will help you understand who we are:

  • Bridge Website - This includes the vision for the Bridge churches, our beliefs and statement of faith, and links to other Bridge churches.
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  • Streams Ministries International (
    • www.streamsministries.com) has developed courses and material for the purpose of building up your spiritual life. These courses are the foundation for ministry at Bridge churches.
  • Training Resources - Also available from Streams are books, teaching CDs, Apostolic & Prophetic Ministry pamphlets, Dream Interpretation resources and much more.  All are valuable resources to help you mature in character and gifting.
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  • Visit - If you haven’t already, we encourage you to visit an existing Bridge church or two. For a current listing of churches, please Click Here.
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    Request information. This packet includes detailed information about the four spiritual and ministry pillars of Bridge church life: characteristics of a Bridge church, the obligations and commitments associated with being a Bridge church, and how ABC will support and invest in each Bridge church.

Click Here to Request Information!

    Get involved in ABC & Streams conferences. Take Streams Institute of Spiritual Development courses. Spend time with the staff. Invite members of our Itinerant Ministry Team (IMT) to come and minister at your church/group.   This will help you establish and nurture relationships by getting near to what we are doing so the DNA of Streams and the Bridge will begin to rub-off on you.   This will help you better determine if this is what you want to give your life to, and it will help us have confidence in placing our name on what you do.



    Are Proper Foundations Built?  One of the differences you will find in our model of ministry is the focus we place on equipping the church. We take Ephesians 4 seriously. There is no way any of us can do what God has called us to do without each other.



    As you build the structure of your church, make sure it includes a way for others to be equipped for ministry. For an existing church, this may mean a change to your mode of ministry.  In fact, it may take some time for this approach to permeate your church culture. We firmly believe it is worth the cost to equip others to actually do the work of the ministry, not just learn about it.  For in this, we are truly fulfilling the commission of Jesus Christ to the church. Remember that one of the main things we want is for people to reach the destiny for which God created them.



    Complete the online application form.   Now that you are familiar with and agree with our style of ministry, practices, doctrine and beliefs you are ready to move forward in completing an application form.  This form covers normal contact and staff information, the beliefs structures, active ministries, congregation metrics, association fees, and references.  Please press the "APPLY NoW!" button at the bottom of this page.



    Application Review. Once we receive the application, we will review it carefully.  Our desire is to covenant with churches that really understand and endorse the goals and directions of this movement--ones that are spiritually ready to make the commitment and sacrifice to reach people, helping them be transformed through the grace of God and advancing His Kingdom.



    The Great Commission! Now the best part: Start to think strategically about how you can make a difference in your community, your city, your state, and your region. Help people discover their destiny, equip them to reach it, and send them out to expand the Kingdom of God. If you have been thinking this way and not seen the results you expect – then we may be able to help you think differently.



    You will be able to call upon the resources of ABC, other Bridge churches, and Streams Ministries in this endeavor. As different Bridge churches develop new programs and ministries, we will let you know about them.  That way, if God calls you to do something similar, you will have the advantage of starting on the shoulders of someone who has gone before you.



    Throughout the process we have discussed, if you need help or advice, call us — if we can help, we will. We are here to help equip your body, develop your leaders, reach the un-churched, and transform
people into fully devoted followers of Christ.



The Association of Bridge Churches
4004 Gateway Drive Suite 100
Colleyville, TX 76034
P: 817-354-5665
F: 817-354-5651
Email: bridgeinfo@bridgechurches.com
Website: www.bridgechurches.com