Stronger neighborhoods, one coffee at a time.
A pod brings together two to four congregations that sit close to one another, so their clergy and members can get to know each other and the community they share.
At a glance
What Is a Pod?
A pod is a group of two to four congregations that sit close together, on the same street or within a mile or two of each other.
Any mix of traditions works. A pod might be two churches and a mosque, a synagogue and two churches, or three churches from very different traditions.
Our mission
A neighborhood is stronger when its congregations know one another. Bridges supports their leaders and members as they become part of each other’s lives.
What Your Congregation Gains
You deepen your relationships
You may already say hello to the congregations nearby. A pod turns that into real relationships with their clergy and members.
Your members take part
A simple service project gives members of your congregation a chance to work next to people from the congregations around you.
You have colleagues close by
A small group of clergy who serve the same neighborhood, available to call, share ideas with, and plan with.
A way to serve together
The project your pod chooses helps people in need in your own city, and your members see the difference together.
How It Works
Every pod follows the same plan, over six to nine months.
Welcome coffee
Clergy from each congregation meet for coffee in a neutral place and introduce themselves.
Tour day
Clergy visit each other’s buildings and see where each community gathers.
Planning lunch
Each clergy member brings a member of their team or congregation. The group picks a project from the menu.
Joint project
Each congregation carries out the project with its own members.
Celebration meal
Clergy and their families share a potluck at a home and plan a future event together.
What We Ask of You
Start with one coffee.
That is the first request. The other steps follow one at a time, and the date for each is set before the group leaves the one before.
A pace you can set
We suggest three to four weeks between steps. A pod that needs more time can even take six weeks.
We handle the logistics
Bridges sends the invitations, holds the dates on calendars, sends reminders before each step, and provides detailed logistical support from the first coffee to the final meal.
Questions Clergy Ask
Do we have to agree on theology?
No. We do not believe it is conducive to set aside or water down anyone’s beliefs, and Bridges will never ask you to. Each congregation arrives as it is, and the steps are about meeting your neighbors and working side by side.
How much of my time does this take?
About six to eight hours in total for the duration of the project. Bridges handles the logistics behind every step, and your members carry out the project.
What if our board or congregation is hesitant?
The first steps involve only the clergy. You decide when and how to bring your board and members into it.
How is my pod chosen?
Bridges looks for congregations that sit close together, on the same street or within a mile or two, and invites them to join as a group.
What if our calendar is already full?
The timing is only a suggestion. We suggest three to four weeks between steps, and a pod that needs more time can even take six weeks.
Get Started
Tell us about your congregation and we will contact you about forming a pod near you.
We are limiting 2027 to five pods.
Questions? info@joinbridges.org