About The Bridge Co.
A church in Mansfield, Ohio, helping people grow closer to Jesus and find community. Get to know our mission, values, pastors, and beliefs.
To be the bridge for a disconnected culture to have a life-transforming encounter with the Holy Spirit.
Our Mission
Every bridge serves a purpose: to connect what was previously separated. At The Bridge Co., we exist to be the connection point for a disconnected culture to have a life-transforming encounter with the Holy Spirit.
We believe transformation happens when people are:
- Seen for who they truly are, not just their mistakes
- Known by name, not just as a number
- Loved without conditions, not just when they measure up
In a world of increasing isolation, we're creating pathways to genuine community. In a culture of performance, we're offering grace. In a city that's been counted out, we're counting people in.
Our Core Values
COMMUNITY
We believe life is better together. We create spaces where everyone can belong before they believe.
- Acts 2:42-47 – “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship…”
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us not give up meeting together… but encourage one another…”
- Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
COLLABORATION
We don’t do ministry alone. We work together across differences to build God’s Kingdom.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – “The body is a unit… though it is made up of many parts…”
- Philippians 2:2 – “Being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
COURAGE
We live brave, not safe. We take bold steps of faith, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
- Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power…”
- Hebrews 10:39 – “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”
CONSISTENCY
We show up. In the small things and the hard things—we’re faithful because God is faithful.
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow weary in doing good…”
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…”
- Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…”
CONTRIBUTION
We don’t just consume—we contribute. Everyone has a role in restoring lives and rebuilding cities.
- 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…”
- Ephesians 4:16 – “Each part does its work…”
- Romans 12:6-8 – “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…”
About Our Lead Pastor
Meet Pastor Ben
Ben Atkins is the lead pastor of The Bridge Co. in Mansfield. He’s also Lauren’s husband, a dad of two, and an Army veteran who served for 12 years.
Ben speaks honestly about needing Jesus to change him. Following Jesus has meant facing who he was, recognizing where his life was headed, and learning to live differently. That work reaches into his home as much as his ministry.
As he’s gotten older, the desire has become clearer: he doesn’t just want to be a husband or a dad. He wants to be a good husband and a good dad. He wants the life he lives throughout the week to reflect the faith he talks about on Sunday.
“The stories I tell are the stories I live.”
That conviction shapes how Ben preaches and leads. He shares from his own life, points people toward Scripture, and believes Jesus is still changing people, including him.
His heart for The Bridge Co. is to help people in a disconnected culture find community and experience a life-transforming encounter with the Holy Spirit. His hope is that people experience the love of Jesus through how he treats them, not only through what he says.
Whatever your story looks like today, the invitation is the same: You belong here.
Our Beliefs
We are part of the Assemblies of God. Here is a brief summary of our beliefs.
The Bible
Scripture is inspired by God and guides what we believe and how we live.
One God
We believe in one God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Jesus is the Son of God. He lived without sin, died for our sins, and rose again.
Salvation by Grace
We receive salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus. It is God’s gift of grace.
The Holy Spirit
We seek the baptism and power of the Holy Spirit to follow Jesus, serve others, and share our faith.
Baptism & Communion
Water baptism declares our new life in Christ. Communion remembers His sacrifice and looks forward to His return.