Take moment to pause and think about Quincy. It is no doubt a town with rich history—she is one of the great river cities of Illinois past. Quincy has long since been “the town by the river.” When people hear the name “Quincy,” they think of the mighty Mississippi. And they will in turn think of bridges. Bridges represent connection, don’t they? They are a testimony of the ability to bring two things together—two worlds, really. What was once separated is now together. Ideas and exchange occur more frequently and even comfortably. Distance and alienation become a thing of the past. A course is cut across choppy waters that were once threatening. Bridges allow that which was once vast and overwhelming to become a bit more
intimate and inviting. Quincy would not be who she is today if there were no bridges, no connections.

Take a moment to pause and think about MPCC. She has a rich history, for God has blessed her and been active through her for many years now. For many people, when they hear the name “Quincy,” they think of Madison Park. And they ought to think of bridges. When folks come into this family—whether as a member or a seeker—they ought to find something that represents connection, shouldn’t they? MPCC ought to be a testimony of the ability to bring a number of things together. All who come and go ought to feel that there are gaps being bridged and connections being made. They ought to feel like what happens on Sunday all of a sudden walks right into Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and so on. They ought to feel like there is a way across the choppy waters of everyday. There ought to be bridges that allow that which was once vast and overwhelming to become a bit more intimate and inviting. MPCC will never be all that she can be if there are no bridges, no connections.

So here is our dream: Let’s start building bridges. Let’s bring people together. Let’s bring ideas and dreams together. Let’s bring Sunday and the everyday together. Let’s bring the ordinary and the extraordinary together. Let’s make some connections in Christ and see where it leads us. And that’s where Bridge Communities come in…

Mission Statement (Why we have Bridge Communities):
Bridge Communities are small group experiences designed to help disciples deepen their
walk with Christ through interaction with other disciples.

Vision (What we plan to do ultimately through Bridge Communities):
Our desire is to see more and better disciples. Ultimately, it is our desire that Bridge
Communities will help bridge the gap between what makes our members and regular attenders
good disciples and what makes them even better disciples!

Core Values (What the basis is for Bridge Communities):
1. We value both disciple making and disciple development. Jesus’ challenge to the church was
to indeed make more and better disciples (Mt. 28:16-20).

2. We value that which is relational and incarnational (human, etc.). Jesus has shown through
his own ministry that discipleship is at its best when it is done among living, breathing
individuals (Matthew 4:18-22).

3. We value small group experiences along with our larger
community experiences (i.e. Sunday morning and Wednesday evening gatherings). The early church clearly recognized the need for intimate and corporate worship settings (Acts 2:42-47).

4. We value that which involves a wedding of the theological and the practical. God’s word
holds eternal truths that, when applied, can have an enormous impact on the everyday life of
every believer (II Timothy 3:16-17).

Goals (What we hope to do through Bridge Communities):
1. Bridges will help bridge the gap between Sunday and the everyday. Individuals will grow in
their commitment to true, thorough and God-honoring worship. This will include the cultivating
of a correct understanding of worship, a development of a “24/7/365” worship lifestyle. It is
through Bridges that we walk the Sunday experience into an everyday commitment.

2. Bridges will help bridge the gap between bigger community experiences and smaller
community experiences. What cannot be done or at least continued in a large community setting
will be accomplished or continued through a smaller community experience. This will include
such things as reflection, discussion, focused/personal prayer time, accountability and even, at
times, Christ-like confrontation. It is through Bridges that a larger church Body (like MPCC)
can still engage in personal touches that are incarnational and direct.

3. Bridges will help bridge the gap between being a part of “everybody” and being a
“somebody.” Individuals are always in danger of becoming “a face in the crowd” or “falling
through the cracks” in a larger setting. Bridges will help bring out an individual’s identity. It is
through Bridges that an individual will feel that they are truly a “member” of the MPCC Body
(Romans) and will be given an avenue to represent their own personality.

4. Bridges will help bridge the gap between “buying in to something” and being “sold out” to
something. Discipleship is not just about making a final, all-inclusive decision, but rather it is
about living according to that decision. This would include further steps in study, application,
discipline, etc. It is through Bridges that one who has found salvation in Jesus Christ can begin
the process of sanctification through the Spirit.

FAQ’s (How Bridge Communities work):

Who is involved with Bridge Communities?

• Bridge Builders (“leaders” for the group); a Bridge Community leader must be approved / trained by MPCC staff
• Bridge Communities (typically 6-12 group members)

What do we do in Bridge Communities?

• A time of focused fellowship
• A time of focused study and group interaction (studies based on a text or a relevant topic)
• A time of focused prayer
• Bridge Communities are encouraged to participate together in service projects / activities

When and where do Bridge Communities meet?

• That’s simple—it’s up to the group!
• Most groups meet weekly or bi-weekly when they are actively involved in a study.  Many of our groups temporarily "deactivate" in between studies or during certain times of the year (holidays, summer, etc); it depends on the schedules of the group members.
• We ask the Bridge Communities to engage in a minimum of 3-4 studies per year.

How can I get involved with a Bridge Community?

• First things first—let us know! Give Steve a call at 222-2599 (ext.116) or fire him an
  email at: steve@madisonparkchurch.com to let him know you are interested. (*You
  could also make a note on your Sunday communication card or leave your name at the
  Ministry Center!)
• We’ll collect some general information (i.e. name(s), address, phone number, age(s),
  age(s) of kids, interests, etc.)
  
• We’ll do our best to plug you into the right group or help you form a new Bridge Community.