Church Overview
Church Name: The Bridge Church - The Perfect Church for People Who Aren’t
Denomination: Independent
Founded: 2019
Average Attendance: 100
Worship Style: Contemporary
Service Time: 9:45am
Vision Statement and Core Values
Vision Statement: To reach our community with the unchanging message of hope that is found in a
personal relationship with Jesus Christ and help them to develop their faith and be equipped to fulfill their God given calling.
Mission Statement: The Bridge church was established in 2019 to be a church that would be welcoming to
people who might not feel comfortable or welcome in a church setting, with the desire to
be a perfect place for people who are not perfect. Our vision statement discusses our
desire to reach our community with the unchanging message of hope that is found in
personal relationship with Jesus. The leadership of The Bridge would like to focus that
vision on serving the demographic of young adults. We would like to partner in ministry
with leaders that are passionate about connecting with young adults and have insight on
what the body of Christ can do to draw them into relationship with Jesus.
Collaborative Ministry Model: The Bridge is interested in accomplishing this mission by using a unique ministry model that would be made up of a team of individuals sharing both pulpit and ministry
responsibilities. This collaborative model would be based on the five-fold ministries as
outlined in Ephesians 4:11-13, with each of the individuals operating within their areas
of gifting. The first step to implementing this model is to find a Lead Pastor.
Core Values:
Biblical Truth: We stand firmly on God’s Word as our ultimate authority, shaping everything we believe, teach, and practice.
Worship: Gather to glorify God in spirit and truth.
Discipleship: Come alongside believers, helping them develop a stronger faith and a lifestyle of daily obedience to Jesus.
Community: We desire to love and serve one another as the body of Christ, building authentic relationships that strengthen believers and reach the lost.
Outreach: Build bridges into our local community through evangelistic events and through acts of service, sharing God’s love. “Love God, Love People”
Community Profile
Location: Lima, OH
Key Demographics: Family-oriented, rural setting
Schools & Education: Resides in the Bath school district.
Lima is a city in Allen County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. As of the 2024 census, the city had a population of 35,579. It is located in northwest Ohio along Interstate 75, approximately 72 miles north of Dayton, 78 miles southwest of Toledo, and 63 miles southeast of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Lima was founded in 1831. It is the principal city of the Lima metropolitan area, which had 102,000 residents in 2024 and is included in the Lima–Van Wert–Wapakoneta combined statistical area. The Lima Army Tank Plant, officially called the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, was built in 1941 and is the sole producer of the M1 Abrams tank. Lima serves as a regional hub with a history of railroads, oil, and manufacturing, alongside higher education including Ohio State Lima Campus, UNOH, Ohio State Beauty Academy and nearby Ohio Northern University and Bluffton University.
Lead Pastor Profile
The Lead Pastor (full-time or part-time) of The Bridge Church will serve as the primary spiritual leader, teacher, providing vision, pastoral care, and leadership in alignment with our mission and values.
Collaborative Ministry Model: The Bridge is interested in accomplishing this mission by using a unique ministry model that would be made up of a team of individuals sharing both pulpit and ministry responsibilities. This collaborative model would be based on the five-fold ministries as outlined in Ephesians 4:11-13, with each of the individuals operating within their areas of gifting. The first step to implementing this model is to find a Lead Pastor.
Lead Pastor Salary: $30,000 - $40,000
Lead Pastor Role: The Lead Pastor would share ministry responsibilities and
coordinate areas of ministry within the five-fold ministry framework, with a group of
ministers and our worship director. In addition to coordinating the pulpit ministry, the
Lead Pastor would also serve as an administrator, working with the established
leadership and ministry teams at The Bridge Church.
Primary Responsibilities (Either personally or by delegating to other capable leaders):
Partner with the leadership team to develop and implement the vision and mission of The Bridge Church.
Preach and teach the Word of God by doing original work.
Provide spiritual leadership and direction for the church.
Lead and mentor paid church staff and volunteer ministry leaders.
Co-ordinate ministry with the Director of Worship.
Administer Communion and Baptism
Represent the church in the local community through various civic and/or spiritual organizations.
Shepherd the congregation through prayer, counseling, and visitation personally or as directed to other capable leaders (hospital, nursing home or in home visits).
Desired Qualifications & Competencies
Spiritual & Personal:
A mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Evident calling within the five-fold ministry. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Exemplary personal character and integrity.
Committed to prayer, Scripture, and servant leadership.
Professional:
Leadership and Ministry experience.
Leadership & Ministry Skills:
Effective biblical communicator.
Visionary and strategic leader.
Collaborative team builder.
Compassionate shepherd and counselor.
Culturally aware and community focused.
Pastoral Search Committee Profile
Purpose:
The Pastoral Search Committee was formed to discern God’s will for our next Lead Pastor. Our members represent the diversity of The Bridge Church and are committed to prayerful unity and transparency.
Committee Members:
Luke and Brooke Taviano
Mark Bayliff
Ruth Bassett
Linda Burgei
Jon and Heather Cook
Andrea Zickafoose-Dammeyer
Jodi Wireman
Responsibilities:
Pray for God’s guidance throughout the process.
Review and evaluate all applications.
Conduct interviews and recommend a final candidate.
Communicate regularly with the Leadership Team.
Application Process & Contact Information
To Apply:
Please submit the following to: Luke Taviano at coachtaviano@gmail.com
Cover Letter
Resume
Personal Statement of Faith
Philosophy of Ministry
Three (3) Ministry References
Contact: Luke Taviano
Email: coachtaviano@gmail.com
Phone: 419-905-5698