The Bridge Church believes that church membership is an important part of discipleship as part of the body of Christ. Below you’ll find links to sermons (click sermon title) and small group questions which pertain to different aspects of what it means to be a member at The Bridge Church.
Our process of membership provides the opportunity for prospective members to get to know the church. As a registered charity we’re governed by a Constitution and the curriculum is based around our vision, mission, values, beliefs, and ministry practices expressed therein (Constitution available on request).
These topics will be shared in sermons on Sunday mornings and then discussed in the small groups which follow (see below). The membership process provides the opportunity to connect with the ministry of the church while building relationships within the church body.
Our aim is to help you determine whether you believe God is leading you to make The Bridge Church your spiritual home. After going through the membership process you can decide whether to proceed with an application for church membership (refer to Constitution for more details regarding the New Membership Process).
We believe that membership is a privilege and we encourage you to consider joining our church family, but we do not intend to exclude anyone from church activities if they have chosen not to pursue formal membership. However some ministry positions are reserved for those who are members as membership demonstrates commitment and accountability, which cultivates relationship and trust.
For articles that explain the importance of church membership see links below.
Topics to be covered:
(Sermons which have already taken place can be accessed by clicking the sermon title and related small group questions are also available below)
1. The Empowering Spirit (9/2/25) // Spiritual Gifts (16/2/25) discussed in Small Group 20/2/25
2. Biblical Peacemaking (2/3/25) // The Redemptive Power of Forgiveness (16/3/25) discussed in Small Group 20/3/25
3. Knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (30/3/25) // Gospel hope-the love of God was made manifest in Christ (20/4/25) discussed in Small Group 24/4/25
4. Spiritual Warfare pt 1 (4/5/25) // Spiritual Warfare pt 2 (11/5/25) discussed in Small Group 8/5/25
5. Church pt 1 (18/5/25) // Church pt 2 (1/6/25) discussed in Small Group 5/6/25
6. Vision, Mission, and Values pt 1 (15/6/25) // Vision, Mission, and Values pt 2 (29/6/25) discussed in Small Group 3/7/25)
Articles on church membership:
Michael Osborne, “Why Church Membership?” Tabletalk Magazine.
Ed Stetzer, “3 Reasons for Church Membership,” Outreach Magazine.
Kevin DeYoung, “6 Reasons Why Membership Matters,” TGC blog.
Gregg Allison, The Membership of the Church, TGC essay.
Sermon links and related small group questions (most recent at top):
Knowing Christ Jesus my Lord // The love of God was made manifest in Christ
Read Matthew 13:44
• What does the parable of the hidden treasure teach us about the value of the Kingdom of Heaven?
• In what ways does this passage challenge our understanding of what is truly valuable in life?
• How do our choices demonstrate what we really believe?
Read Matthew 6:19-21
• What do these verses say about treasure and our heart?
Read Mark 10:17-22
• What was the fundamental problem that hindered the young man from receiving heavenly treasure?
• How would you define idolatry and how might it continue to affect us?
• Can you identify any idols in your life that rival the place of God and what steps must you take to remove these idols?
Read Philippians 3:3-9
• What transformation occurred in Paul’s life after he encountered Jesus?
• How would you describe the goal of the Christian life based on Philippians 3:8 (See John 17:3 and 1 John 5:11-13).
• How can you cultivate a heart that prioritizes God over earthly desires?
• What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to fully embrace Christ and his kingdom?
Read Luke 6:43-49
• What distinguishes a wise builder from a foolish builder?
• What do these verses tell us about what it means to truly follow Jesus as Lord?
• What is Jesus’ warning to those who call Him Lord but fail to do what He says?
Read John 3:16-19
• Imagine you’re sitting on a bus and someone asks you what Christians believe (and you only have 5-10 minutes until you arrive at your destination!) What key points would you share?
• What are some important Bible verses to remember?
• Are there particular themes that are best to share before others?
• How does a familiar verse like John 3:16 convey God’s goal in creation, the problem of sin, God’s solution, and our response?
• What is helpful language to use in sharing the gospel with someone who isn’t familiar with the Bible? (What would be unhelpful?)
• Is it helpful to share our testimony when sharing the gospel? Why or why not? How can we best do this?
Read Galatians 1:6-8
• What do these verses say about the gospel as truth?
• What are the implications for those who “are turning to a different (false) gospel?”
• What do these verses tell us about the importance of having right doctrine?
• Who does Jesus need to be in order to give us the kind of salvation we have in Him?
• Why is it important to be clear about the Bible as authoritative for the Christian? What are the implications if its not?
• How do we determine the essentials of the gospel in comparison with where its okay to disagree?
Read Ephesians 2:1-10
• What do verses 1-3 tell us about the problems we all face?
• What do verses 4-8 tell us about God’s solution to the problem?
• What is the basis for our acceptance with God? (See 1 John 2:1-2; 4:9-13)
• How would you describe faith and repentance?
• Is the gospel better described as the “ABCs of Christian life” or the “A to Z of the Christian life?” Explain.
• How can we apply the gospel to our lives in an ongoing way?
• What role do works play in the life of a believer? (See Ephesians 2:10 and Titus 3:5, 8)
• Can we contribute in any way to gain God’s acceptance?
• If our acceptance with God is based on what Christ has done rather than what we do, what is our motivation for love and obedience?
Read Romans 6:3-5
• How does baptism illustrate the Gospel’s message of salvation? (Consider the following quote: “Baptism is “a neon light flashing ‘Gospel, Gospel, Gospel.’” When the church practices baptism, she testifies to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies the sinner’s union with Christ in all he did and accomplished on our behalf.” Thabiti Anyabwile)
• How can you reflect on your own baptism experience as a means of strengthening your faith in your day to day life?
Biblical Peacemaking // The Redemptive Power of Forgiveness
Read John 13:34-35 and John 17:20-23
• What does Jesus pray for His disciples and why do you think it’s important?
• If unity and love are priorities to Jesus, what might we expect in terms of spiritual warfare?
Read Ephesians 4:1–6
• What are the elements needed to maintain unity within the church according to these verses?
• What does it mean to bear with one another in love?
Read Ephesians 4:15-16
• What do these verses tell us about God’s design for us to flourish as the body of Christ?
• Why do so many people lack connection and accountability within the body of Christ?
Read Hebrews 12:14–15
• What is the warning in these verses and why is it a problem?
• How does the enemy work through these attitudes and what can we do to avoid the trap?
• What actions might you take to ensure you don’t let a ‘bitter root’ grow in your heart against others?
Read Matthew 18:15-17
• What did Jesus set forth as the first step in resolving conflict? (18:15)
• Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
• What should we do if someone comes to us with their grievance rather than following the steps Jesus gives?
• How can gossip cause our conflicts to escalate?
• What should we do if a person will not listen to correction and does not want to work things out? (18:16)
• What are the benefits of approaching conflict resolution according to the steps Jesus gives?
• Why do so many people fail to obey Jesus steps in Biblical Peacemaking?
Read Matthew 5:23-24
• How does Matthew 5 differ from Matthew 18 and why is it important?
• How can you actively promote peace and unity in our church community?
Read Ephesians 4:26-32
• What warnings does Paul give in these verses?
• What are the consequences of our failure to follow Paul’s instructions?
Read Matthew 6:12-15
• When is it appropriate or necessary to forgive others?
• What might be the long-term effects on your spiritual life and relationships if you choose to harbor unforgiveness?
• Is it appropriate to wait until others acknowledge their guilt or we feel ready before we forgive? Why or why not?
How does the following quote describe the process of forgiveness?
• “I found that I had to… (make) a daily commitment to forgive those who hurt me, and to forgive them totally. I therefore let them utterly off the hook and resigned myself to the knowledge that: (1) they wouldn’t get caught or found out; (2) nobody would ever know what they did; and (3) they would prosper and be blessed as though they had done no wrong. What is more, I actually willed this! I prayed for this! I asked God to forgive them. But I had to do it every day in order to keep the peace within my heart.” RT Kendall
What does the following quote tell us about forgiveness and the restoration of relationship?
• “In many cases, even if an offender confessed his wrong to the one he hurt and appealed for forgiveness, the offended person could justifiably say, “I forgive you, but it might take some time for me to regain trust and restore our relationship…” When someone has been significantly hurt and feels hesitant about restoration with (their) offender, it’s both right and wise to look for changes in the offender before allowing reconciliation to begin.” Steve Cornell
What does the following quote tell us about different stages of forgiveness and why does it matter?
• “The first stage requires having an attitude of forgiveness, and the second, granting forgiveness. Having an attitude of forgiveness is unconditional and is a commitment you make to God… Granting forgiveness is conditional on the repentance of the offender and takes place between you and that person.” Ken Sande
Read Romans 12:19
• What does this verse tell us about God’s responsibility to make things right and how does that help us in forgiving others?
The Empowering Spirit // Spiritual Gifts
Read John 3:3-8 and Rom 8:9-11
• What is the role of the Holy Spirit in these verses?
• Is it possible for a person to be a Christian and NOT have the Holy Spirit?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:13
• What does this verse say about the Spirit’s activity in the body of Christ?
• To whom does it apply?
Read Acts 1:4-8
• Why would Jesus give this command to His disciples after they had received the Spirit? (see John 20:21-22).
• Does the baptism of the Spirit that Jesus is speaking of sound the same as 1 Cor 12:13 or different? Why?
Read Acts 2:2-4 and Acts 2:16-18
• How would you describe what the baptism of the Spirit looked like at Pentecost?
Read Acts 8:12-17
• What do these verses tell us about receiving the Spirit at a point subsequent to conversion?
• Andy Hall highlights the difference between the Spirit “in me” speaking of salvation and the Spirit “upon me” with power to minister… In other words, they were already converted—the Spirit was “in them”—but the Spirit had not yet “come upon them.”
• Why might we need the empowerment of the Spirit beyond conversion?
• Is this a one time empowerment or is it something we should continue to pursue? (See Acts 4:29-31).
• How does it make you feel knowing this is available to us?
• What practical actions can you take to continuously seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
• Who operates in the gifts of the Spirit?
• What do you think it means when Paul says “to each is given a manifestation of the Spirit?”
Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-16
• What does this tell us about diversity in the church and each persons significance?
• Are spiritual gifts only for spiritual giants?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3
• Why is it significant that Paul’s famous chapter on love is written in the middle of his discussion on spiritual gifts?
• “The baptism with the Holy Spirit is not self-centered, nor is the focus on the gifts of the Spirit self-centered. Rather, the focus of both the baptism and the gifts is to be empowered, to bring God’s tangible mercy and power to the felt needs of other people.” Randy Clark
Read Luke 9:23
• What are the dangers if we minister in the gifts but lack character or use the gifts to build up our ego deficiencies?
• “Bona fide spiritual power, when in the service of unmet ego needs, quickly becomes corrupted by reason of “admixtures”—i.e., incursions of fleshly and even demonic darkness. The Holy Spirit, offended, does not remain under such circumstances, so that what began in goodness ends in something carnal or even occult. Such Christians are then trapped in a fleshly “drive toward power”—one that has no connection at all with Christ’s cross and true spiritual power. In these cases, human pride has been left intact and the extent of sin in the heart unnoticed and unchallenged” Leanne Payne