The name Bridgeway captures the heart of the gospel and the mission of our church.
A bridge exists to connect a gap that cannot be crossed on our own. We have a vivid picture of this right here in Sarasota, the John Ringling Bridge. Scripture teaches us that because of sin, humanity was separated from a holy God (Isaiah 59:2). Left to ourselves, we are completely unable to restore our relationship with God. But in His mercy, even when we were still His enemy, God sent His Son Jesus to stand in the gap as our Mediator, fully God and fully man, uniting what was divided. Through His obedient life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection, He became the Bridge that reconciles us to the Father.
But Jesus is not only the Bridge; He’s also the Way. As Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Redemption is found in Christ alone. By grace, through faith, we are justified, declared righteous before God, not by our works but by the finished work of Jesus on the cross. In Him, our sins are forgiven, we are adopted as children of God, and we are given new hearts and new life.
Crossing that bridge leads to new life and a new way of living. United with Christ, we walk in newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in freedom, obedience, and joy. Following Jesus is not merely believing certain truths, but walking in a transformed life shaped by His love, His truth, and His mission.
The name Bridgeway also reflects our calling as a church. We love our city. And as those who have been reconciled to God, we are also entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, helping others encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and follow Jesus in the new life He provides. Our prayer is that all who come here would encounter Jesus and experience His life giving freedom.