Situated at the end of the second-floor bridge between the Student Union and The Commons, the offices of The Bridge Campus Ministry are a literal translation of what the group hopes to accomplish for their student members: create a bridge between students' academic lives and their religious beliefs
The Bridge is a non-denominational on-campus Christian organization based on the ideals of biblical truths and God's love, but officials say its main purpose is assisting students in finding their life's purpose.
"In union with the Church of Christ we do our best to be as honest as possible," said Andrew Hill, founder of The Bridge. "So in our attempt to avoid impurity we go back to the original teachings of Jesus and the Apostles."
The organization, sponsored by the Church of Christ in Amherst, strives to be as Biblically accurate and as pleasing to Christ as possible, averting the burdens of man-made traditions and denominationalism. Its followers consider themselves "people of restoration spirit," meaning they desire to restore, in our time, the original New Testament church.
Hill, who has a Masters in religious studies from Harding University, initiated the ministry when a few students in his congregation at the Amherst church approached him encouraging it. At the time, he started off small with a weekly bible study on campus.
Soon the small group evolved into a major campus ministry, and the university was widely supportive of the establishment of The Bridge.
"The most significant bridge is the cross," said Hill. "Jesus Christ died on it, in bridging us to himself."
A common symbol among the Christian body, the bridge is also used to reference God's commandment that we build bridges according to the model found in Christ.
The Bridge is doing what it can to bridge people to God. The staff team, including Hill, his wife Jaime, Jerry Baty, and Robert Barnett, want to help students discover their purpose.
The ministry's motto, "Sharing God's love, learning Christ's life, living in Spirit," says that in turning to God's word found in the Bible, and discovering His love, one can find what it is that He has planned for their life.
"You should look at your life as an investment," said Hill. "If you put trash in, you are gambling, and eventually it will all catch up with you. When short term gratification is the basis of your life, it's harmful. Invest in a good, healthy life."
Students involved in The Bridge tend to agree.
"People cannot, with their own resources, make themselves truly happy," said Joseph Hong, a doctoral political science student. "I have realized that only God can do that, and because of that I want to know Him more and make Him happy."
Not all UB students feel the same way, however. The goal of The Bridge is to help other students find a comfortable atmosphere to learn about God, build lasting, healthy relationships, and make their own decisions, pressure-free.
According to Hill, any following can become cult-like when there is a lot of pressure. Many people are so scared off by radical and bizarre followings that they won't even give Christianity a shot.
"There are very strong extremes on this campus," said Hill. "From religious to liberal, with the latter being a stronger force. At The Bridge, we're not trying to 'wow' students. We're just here to offer something more."
"What I have in Christ is far bigger than this life," said Keith Ward, senior industrial engineering major. "Excelling in school and getting a job are good, but pleasing God in anticipation of Christ's return is so much greater."
But for many, checking out this whole "God thing" can be intimidating, and The Bridge team says it does all they can to make it an enjoyable, and comfortable experience, on your terms.
"Walk in like you're shopping, come and go as you please," said Hill. "Nothing strange will happen to you when you walk in, and there is no pressure to get involved. We don't even have talk about God, or talk at all, if you don't want."
Christian students who might otherwise drown in a very secular campus have found a great place for fellowship. With Sunday worship, a Thursday night dinner and bible study, retreats, and numerous outreach and mission projects, The Bridge is keeping quite busy.
"The Bridge really helps me maintain my Christian walk," said Jin Kuk, sophomore business administration major. "It's a really convenient place to do godly activities."
The Bridge Campus Ministry is located at Suite 200 of The Commons, above Starbucks.
