Hello! We are glad you are here! Connecting with one another in authentic community lies at the core of our mission to become and make disciples. We are convinced that life change happens best in the context of relationships. At The Bridge, we pursue these relationships through Groups, equipping classes, weekly Bible studies, and one-on-one discipleship. We desire to continually raise the value of community, hoping that every follower of Jesus who calls The Bridge home will pursue relationships that challenge them to grow deeper and more complete in Christ.

Although we have many Groups at The Bridge, check out the Groups that have openings below! We encourage you to join one (or two!) today by filling out the form here! 

Meet our Groups

Foundations 

Scott Byrd + other Leadership
Day:  Sundays, beginning September 20
Time: 9am (during the first service)
Location: Room 100
Who: Anyone who is interested in learning more about our church and/or membership

Foundations is a seven-week small group centered around the 5 Cs. In an informal setting we'll get to know one another and explore what the New Testament calls us to as followers of Christ. Foundations is the first step for anyone seeking to become a part of The Bridge.

We offer Foundations a few times  a year!

SPROUTS: GROWING IN MISSIONAL MOTHERHOOD TOGETHER

Martha Johnson and Abby Fiscus
Day: First Mondays of the month
Time: 9-11am
Location: North Campus
Who: Mommas and their young children

Childcare will be provided. ⁣

A playdate and Bible Study for mothers of young children,
Sprouts is open to all mommas. We desire them to feel encouraged, supported, and known through their journey of motherhood. We pray that Sprouts would be a place of authentic community for friendships between mothers and children. And, most of all, our desire is that every mother who comes falls more in love with Christ and desires to serve Him in her role as a mother.

Meet our Groups

Men's Monthly Breakfast

Luke Johnson, Walter Allen, Randy Braddock
Day:  Every third Thursday of the month, returning Thursday September 17
Time: 6:30-7:30am
Location: Downtown Campus
Who: Men of The Bridge, come join us for breakfast and fellowship every third Thursday of the month. 

Women's Wednesday morning bible study

Gwen Dingler and Heather Spillers
Day:  Wednesday mornings
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Location: North Campus, Room 100
Who:  We will be doing Gospel on the Ground.


Morse/leonard post grad women

Stacy Morse and Susie Leonard
Day:  Thursday evenings
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Morse home
Who:  Bible study for post grad women.


EVERYDAY EVANGELISM: growing in your vision, ability and confidence in engaging others in conversations about faith and God 

Luke Johnson and Wayne Smith 
Day:  7/8 week series this fall, starting August 31st.
Time:  11:45-1pm
Location: The Local 
Who: Men at The Bridge **Books and lunch are provided! 


Women's bible study 

Dalerie Moller 
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 5:45-7:30pm
Location: TBD
Who: Women at The Bridge; Inductive study on the book of John


Men's Discipleship group

Ryan McMaster
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 5:30pm
Location: McMaster home
Who:  This is a Group for post grad men in Ruston!

infertility prayer group

Kay Laningham
Day:  Sunday mornings, beginning September 27 (select Sundays throughout the year)
Time: 7:45-8:45am
Location: Bride's Room
Who:  Women in our church family who have or are currently walking through infertility and miscarriage.

Theology book club 

Scott Byrd
Day: Monday evenings, beginning September 14 (second Monday of every month)
Time: 5pm
Location: Byrd Home
Who:  This is a group open to any man or woman wanting to dive deeper into theology, one book at a time. Dinner provided.


heiden group

Troy and Kathleen Heiden
Day:  Mondays
Time:  6:30-8pm
Location: Heiden home
Who: Multi-generational Group; no children present


Recharge

Julie Stephenson
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6-7:15pm
Location: Stephenson home
Who: Weekly fellowship Group for working ladies/moms.

men's group

Robert Fisher
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Robert's home
Who: A new Group for men at The Bridge

Laningham young marrieds group

Bryce and Kay Laningham
Day:  Tuesday evenings
Time: 7:30-9:30pm
Location: North Campus
Who:  Couples who are newly  married

Hall/sledge group

Laura Hall and Sandee Sledge 
Day: Mondays
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Hall home
Who: Women’s multi-generational Bible study

Johnson Group

Martha and Blake Johnson 
Day: Tuesday evenings
Time: TBD
Location: Johnson's home
Who:  This is a new Group for co-eds, multi-generational, no children present. 

dust to Dust Book Club

Mary-Arthur Plette
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 11:30-1pm
Location: DTC
Who:  We will be reading through Jen Wilkin's new book, Dust to Dust, which explores what it means to "age wisely in an anti-aging world" by viewing aging through the lens of the gospel. You're welcome to join us for lunch from 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (bring your own lunch; this portion is optional), followed by our book discussion from 12:00–1:00 p.m. as we work through one chapter each week. Please purchase your copy of the book in advance.

Tom Bowman's men group

Tom Bowman and Robert Fisher
Day: Thursday evenings
Time: 
7pm
Location: North Campus Room 100
Who: Multi-Generational Men’s Bible Study and Prayer Group


This group has met weekly since May 2013 and includes men ranging from their 20s to 70s, representing a wide range of life stages and careers. Our time together typically includes fellowship, a Bible study (currently a slow-crawl through the New Testament—Revelation coming this fall), and sharing prayer requests followed by prayer. We maintain an active GroupMe thread throughout the week for ongoing encouragement and prayer. The format is somewhat exegetical, with a strong focus on the accurate handling of Scripture. We welcome all opinions—our only rule is: if you bring it, back it with Scripture. All discussion centers on God’s Word, not personal opinions. This is a high-trust, accountability-based group. What’s shared stays in the group. We regularly support each other through real-life struggles (marriage, health, addiction, family, etc.) and engage in ministry beyond Thursday nights—especially in support of smaller local churches and member needs. Over the years, nearly 100 men have passed through the group. Regular attendance runs from 7 to 12 men, with deep relationships built across generations and a strong culture of honesty, encouragement, and discipleship.

Bergeron Group

Van and Sheri Bergeron
Day: Sundays
Time: After the first service
Location: We rotate homes during the year!
Who:  Empty Nesters (or soon to be) + 50ish and beyond. "Older, adult Bible study".

legacy group

Raine Neilson
This 60+ Group (empty nesters, retired, etc) meets for luncheons, events, and day trips a few times a year! If you are interested, email Raine for the schedule of events!

FRIENDSHIP families 

Bridges International 
What is a Friendship Family?

An international student is matched with an American family who welcomes him or her into their home at least once a month for dinner or some kind of group/family activity, to allow them
the opportunity to feel “at home”, in a completely new country.

What are the expectations?

We ask that a family meet with their student at least once per month. It’s simply “doing life” with them
such as having a meal together, going shopping, or taking their student to a child’s sport or school event.
During the year we are available to give tips and equip those that would like more information.