About Us
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About Us
Bridge City Church is a vibrant, multi-generational community of believers who love God and express that love through passionate worship, biblical teaching, and authentic relationships. We’re part of the Australian Christian Churches movement — evangelical, Pentecostal, and Spirit-led — and we believe in the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit for today.
In all we do, we seek to be:
God-focused, Christ-centred, Word-based, and Spirit-led.
Our Church
We believe the church is called to be a bridge — connecting people to God, and to one another.
At Bridge City Church, we aim to:
Build bridges of faith and reconciliation in our community
Train, equip, and release each person into the ministry God has called them to
Reflect the beauty of a multi-generational and cross-cultural church
Function in our God-given gifts to share the gospel with all people
Together, we are building the Kingdom of God in unity and love.
Our Vision
To lead people into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and to grow the Church — locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Why Behind What We Do
Christian gatherings have included certain practices for generations. At Bridge City Church, each part of our service has purpose and meaning. These elements help us worship God, grow in faith, and encourage one another.
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Christians worship God through singing because it is a way of expressing love, gratitude, and faith together. Throughout the Bible, God’s people gathered to praise Him with songs and music.
Worship helps us focus our hearts on God and reminds us of His goodness. During this time, people may sing, pray, or simply reflect.
“Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” — Isaiah 12:5
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Communion is a symbolic meal where Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The bread represents His body and the cup represents His blood given for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus asked His followers to continue this practice as a way of remembering Him.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” — Luke 22:19
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Each week we take time to hear a message that helps us grow in our understanding of God and how faith applies to everyday life.
Some weeks the message may focus on teaching directly from a passage of the Bible. Other weeks it may explore a topic such as faith, relationships, purpose, or challenges we face in life. In every case, the message is grounded in Scripture and seeks to apply biblical wisdom in practical ways.
Our goal is that God’s Word would not only be understood, but lived out in our daily lives.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” — James 1:22
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Prayer is how we communicate with God. In our gatherings we take time to pray for one another, our community, and the world.
Prayer reminds us that God is present, listening, and actively working in our lives.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2
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Giving is an act of worship and gratitude to God. Christians give financially to support the work of the church, care for people in need, and share the message of Jesus with others.
If you are visiting Bridge City Church, please feel no obligation to give.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
Our Story
Bridge City Church began more than fifty years ago with a small group of believers led by a young Christian convert, Tim Hall. Tim had come to faith through the ministry of Klemzig/Paradise Assemblies of God, a church now known as Futures Church. With encouragement and support from that church community, Tim began gathering with other believers in Murray Bridge.
What started as simple meetings in local homes—times of worship, prayer, and studying the Bible together—quickly grew into a vibrant community with a heart to share the message of Jesus with others.
In those early years the church met in homes and community spaces before eventually moving into a shed on Sturt Street, becoming known as Murray Bridge Christian Centre. The growing congregation believed God had something more in store, holding onto the promise of Ephesians 3 that He is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
That hope became reality in April 1978 when land was purchased on Darling Avenue. Within a year the church building was completed and officially opened in October 1979 as Assemblies of God Murray Bridge, with hundreds gathering to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter.
Through the decades that followed, the church continued to grow and flourish under the leadership of many faithful pastors. Ministries, outreach programs, camps, and community initiatives shaped the life of the church, while the building itself was expanded and renovated to serve the growing congregation.
Over time the church became known as Living Waters Community Church before eventually taking the name Bridge City Church—reflecting our heart to be a bridge between people and the hope found in Christ.
Like many churches, we walked through challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, learning new ways to connect online while continuing to support one another in faith. Through seasons of joy, growth, and loss, God’s faithfulness has remained constant.
Today Bridge City Church continues that same mission—to be a community of people doing life together, learning from God’s Word, sharing the Gospel, and serving our city with the love of Jesus.
And the story isn’t over.
The same God who was faithful in 1975 is still building His church today.
Our Beliefs
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God — timeless, trustworthy, and relevant to our lives today. We believe in one eternal God, revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is loving, holy, and actively at work in the world.
We believe that Jesus Christ — fully God and fully man — lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose again, and is the only way to reconciliation with God. Salvation comes through repentance, faith in Jesus, and surrender to His will.
We believe in water baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit, with spiritual gifts — including speaking in tongues — active and available today. As followers of Christ, we’re called to live holy, Spirit-empowered lives, using our God-given gifts to worship Him, serve others, and share the gospel.
We believe in divine healing, the reality of Heaven and hell, and that Jesus will return as He promised.
To explore our full statement of faith, visit the Australian Christian Churches website.
Meet our Pastors
Paul and Barb Ireland, originally farmers from the Mallee, have faithfully pastored a church in Lameroo for many years. They have a deep and long connection to Bridge City Church, showing their strong commitment to their community and faith. They love helping people grow spiritually and bringing the community together. They officially started in their new roles in July 2024, continuing their dedication to the church and its members.
OUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP
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Ps. Paul Ireland
SENIOR PASTOR
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Barb Ireland
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Ps. Robyn Cinc
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Ps. Andrew Edwards
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
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Ps. Carolyn Edwards
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Our Team
Bridge City Church is supported by a team of committed board members and ministry leaders. Together they help lead our church, oversee ministries, and serve our community.
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Ps. Paul Ireland (Chair)
Barb Ireland
Ps. Robyn Cinc (Tresurer)
Ps. Carolyn Edwards (Secretary)
Ps. Andrew Edwards
Daniel Gutteridge
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Community Engagement/The Hub - Ps Andrew & Ps Carolyn Edwards
Bridge City Kids - Gaye Honeychurch
Bridge City Youth - Brett & Rachel Honeychurch
Worship - Robin Gutteridge
Audio Visual - Daniel Gutteridge
Stewards - Stuart Rooke
Men’s Breakfast - Ps Andrew Edwards
Bridge City Women - Barb Ireland
Pastoral Care - Ps Trevor & Gaye Honeychurch
Family Table - Doug & Dana Willison