While walking across the Golden Gate Bridge some months ago, I pondered the engineering marvel of the project itself and the idea behind the expanse. Somewhere, at some time, there was the vision of joining two land masses—spanning an ocean to allow access from one safe haven to another.

Although the Bible does not speak of bridges per se, there is nevertheless a great deal of bridge-building to be found in many places throughout. Some of these bridges were barriers broken down, others acceptance and welcome. In fact, one might say the gospel itself is a kind of bridge, the idea that God has done a great work to bridge our brokenness with life.

I don’t know who the builders of the Golden Gate Bridge were (I could do a Google search and find out within seconds)—but I could tell you who some of the bridge builders have been in my life. I could tell stories about the people who have used my deficiencies to bridge over to other successes and blessings.

Today, as you consider your work with teenagers, consider how you can be a bridge-builder. Where do you see new ministry that can begin or old ministries that have stalled during progress? How can you help get them under construction again?

Ministry is most often about relationships and theology—but sometimes it can be about motivations and vision. These are most often about bridges…and being bridge-builders. Give it a try.

Recommended Articles