When the first members of Bridgewood Church moved into Independence Township on Sashabaw Road three years ago, they could sometimes hear critters running in the ceiling during service.
With the opening of their new facilities on the corner of Rattalee Lake and Ortonville roads, church officials hope to usher in another kind of pitter-patter.
The new building represents the first of several phases Pastor Curt Demoff hopes will result in a church built for lifelong spiritual growth. When all phases are complete, the church building they use now will be set aside as a children’s area for kids from infants to sixth grade age. The second phase will add a youth center while the final addition will consist of a worship sanctuary for adults.
Even though the entire project is not done, much of Bridgewood Church is dedicated to kids. Included is a wing of rooms called the ‘Nurture Center? for kids ages infant to kindergarten.
The ‘Planet Adventure? wing, with themed characters like ‘Ranger Righteousness,? provides kids from kindergarten to fifth grade opportunities to use their talents for ministry.
Sue Marquis, the administrative assistant at Bridgewood Church, highlighted the focus on safety for children as their parents worship. Marquis said pagers are available for parents of young kids to take into service and that security cameras allow parents to see what their children are doing without having to go find them first.
The ‘Planet Adventure? wing boasts three rooms for instruction of the church’s teachings. The theater room contains a big screen television and comfortable chairs, and sometimes hosts a paper bag theater. A second room focuses on the practical application of Bible study. A third creative arts room lets children use their talents in hands-on applications, like building Noah’s Ark.
Another room in the building is solely for youth to worship and hold their own services, complete with a band and soundboard.
Pastor Demoff acknowledges criticism levied by some who believe setting aside three-fourths of the church for children is the wrong approach.
‘Our vision is to raise leaders for the next generation. We’re not building Bridgewood Church for today, we’re building it for tomorrow’One of our driving points is to invest in the next generation,? said Demoff. ‘A lot of churches overlook the importance of children and youth. They design a vision geared towards adults. In society today, parents give the best of the best to their kids. Church should be able to provide that.?
While Bridgewood Church does focus on children, Demoff quickly pointed to the benefits adults can reap from the church.
He explained how programs like ‘Fit for Life? and interactive Bible lessons enhance adult spiritual lives. Referring to ‘Fit for Life? as a spiritual healthclub, Demoff believes Bridgewood offers spiritual benefits not always nurtured in other churches or religious organizations.
‘We felt that a lot of Christians are interested in the faith, but are not spiritually healthy. We want ministries to get people spiritually healthy’People will invest in their physical bodies, but may neglect spiritual health,? said Demoff.
Demoff said the church wants to utilize the gifts and talents of its people. He noted that many church leaders are completely unaware of the talented members sitting before them.
‘We go through an orientation and interview new members to find out where their hearts are and what gifts they bring’We encourage people to use their gifts and talents to help others get satisfaction,? said Demoff.
According to Demoff, Bridgewood Church, which had 50 to 60 members in 2003, saw a remarkably large turnout considering the grand opening occurred during summer.
If attendance continues to grow, Demoff said he may have to add another Sunday service to accommodate everyone.
Bridgewood is an Assembly of God Church located at 6765 Rattalee Lake Road. More information can be found at www.bridgewoodchurch.com.