The Bridge Institute equips and empowers healthy, multiplying church leaders.

At The Bridge Church, we want to see everyone grow in their maturity as followers of Christ. After all, our mission is to help people find and follow Jesus Christ, here and around the world. That begins with us and extends to everyone we know and meet.

Why?

Our vision at The Bridge Church is to multiply healthy, gospel-centered churches to fulfill the Great Commission in Southwest Florida and beyond. We multiply churches by multiplying leaders.

Monthly meeting dates for the fall 2026 semester are August 30, September 27, October 25, and November 22.

Register for Fall 2026 - 101
Register for Fall 2026 - 201
Register for Fall 2026 - 301

Who is it for?

The Bridge Institute is for anyone who calls The Bridge Church their church family, who wants to grow spiritually, and desires to become a stronger leader. Everyone at The Bridge Church has an opportunity to be a part of where we believe God is leading us.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BRIDGE INSTITUTE:

  • Two semesters take place each year - one beginning in January and one in August. Everyone starts with 101, but that’s just the beginning! By spring of 2027, leaders who have gone from 101 through 401 will be able to graduate from The Bridge Institute! With classes being offered every semester, you can join your next class whenever you are able to.

  • Below is a brief overview of the teaching material that will be covered in The Bridge Institute.

    101 - Spiritual Formation, Understanding the Bible, Spiritual Design

    201 - Sharing Your Faith, Servant Leadership, and Leading Others

    301 - Christian Worldview, Discipling Leaders, Multiplying Leaders

    401 - Spiritual Readiness, Making Disciples, Making a Difference

  • We ask those beginning The Bridge Institute to either have completed, or plan to complete during their first semester, our membership process, including attending Starting Point.

    After 101, we’d love to get you connected through serving on a team and being a part of a Bridge Group (if you aren’t already), before beginning 201.

    Each time you begin a new semester, you will be asked to complete a commitment form and pay a registration fee to cover a portion of the cost. Scholarships are available.

  • You are provided online, self-directed assignments to work on throughout each month of the semester, allowing for flexibility so you can fit it into your schedule. It’s designed to equip you, without overwhelming you.

    The Bridge Institute meets monthly during the semester, on the last Sunday of the month, from 5-7PM, for food, fellowship, and gatherings around circle tables to dig deeper and discuss what you are learning. Childcare is available during the monthly meetings.

    Pastors at The Bridge Church will provide teaching and encouragement during the monthly gatherings.

  • Only God knows… literally! As The Bridge Institute is designed to equip and empower healthy, multiplying church leaders, our prayer for you is that you will grow as a leader in all aspects of your life - within your church, home, workplace, neighborhood, school… wherever you go!

  • That’s okay! The Bridge Institute is a safe place to begin to understand spiritual growth as well as leadership. We’ll support you with encouragement and training along with other leaders who desire to make a difference. 

  • If you are new to The Bridge Church, there are many ways to get involved. We encourage you to attend our next Starting Point class to learn more about how you can get connected and take steps towards membership.