The Bridge church in Kernersville NC

Let me just say that I have never been so humiliated and shocked in my life. My girlfriend and I was standing and enjoying the morning service when a gentleman approached me and stated, "Is that your child? How old is he? I would like to talk to you in the hallway." We went in the hall and he stated that the rule was that if your not in the 5th grade, kids are not allowed in the adult worship session. I proceeded to tell him that my child wanted to stay with us. He said, "Im sorry that is the rules." I told him I did not agree with this nor did I like it. He took me to another gentleman standing with two others. I ask what was the reason for this rule. He stated, "not everything in the bible should smaller kids hear. I asked for an example and he stated, "HOMOSEXUAL Stuff". I told him that I wanted my kids to be educated on what the bible has to offer. He proceeded to tell me that, "If you arent able to follow this rule, there will be several rules down the road that you probably wouldn't obey either and that I should probbably find another church where I would be happier. I told him ok and we would leave. I went back into the service and asked my girlfriend and four kids and two friends that have been faithful on comming to church their since October 2011. And also my son who got baptized on January 1, 2012. We all got up and honest to GOD, we were escorted out of the church and the entire time was being watched by the same three gentleman that I was speaking with. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED IN SUCH A MANNER AS THIS IN ALL THE CHURCHES THAT I HAVE ATTENDED IN MY PAST 40 YEARS OF GOING. I simply as that everyone please be careful as to this cult acting activity. We enjoyed the church and Preacher, however the rules are 100% CRAZY!!!!!!!!..BODY GUARDS 24/7, ALSO TO THE DR. OFFICE VISITS WITH PASTOR REALLY......I DONT THINK THIS KIND OF ACTIVITY IS NOT HEALTHY OR POSITIVE TOWARD MY LORD. GOD LET THIS BE IN YOUR HANDS BECAUSE I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS.

Wow... this is crazy. Every church needs rules and to be structured but I believe this is overboard.

This church needs to be investigated.

Everyone look out Cult....for sure.

Maybe he was hittin on you! You didn't take a coon baby over there did you, how cheap!!! They do not need queers over there, so whats your game??????

not really the way this went down, but if you feel better causing division so be it, God knows the truth, the reason children are not in the sanctuary is there is a childrens ministry that teaches them on there own level rather than on a adult level that they wouldnt understand, also there is a family room if your child doesnt want to go to childrens ministry where you can all sit together God bless you and have a great day

This incident is a shame in that it points out two specific issues...those that serve need to be trained to explain church rules in a meaningful, friendly and loving way. Secondly, guests or members should have their children in the appropriate venue offered for different age groups. Since I was not there to over hear the conversation, I may be wrong having accepted as truth what the worshiper stated about the explanation for the rule. Additionally, this individual, if he truly wants his child to "know what the Bible says", should be the first one to get his child in a class where the child can learn on his level...not in an adult service.
I am attending this church for the first time tonight. Having listened to David McGee on the radio, his teaching seems sound...I follow-up with scripture. As far as body guards, I am familiar with a number of churches who have "security" to protect the pastor(s), children and worshipers. Probably a good idea for all churches in light of the issues that many churches have dealt with...shootings and attacks don't just happen in schools and society!
The devil/Satan is alive and well and can wreck havoc even in a church when we take our eyes off Jesus. Hope these comments are helpful. That is my intent.

Test

The security guy should have told you that there is a separate area where kids and parents are allowed to stay together, the family room.
I'm sorry for your poor experience.

Went to this church for 4 years and left because of the way leadership gets into every facet of your life. This 'church' is nothing more than a sick cult, and the leader, David McGee is worshiped as god at that church.

I have now attended this church on several occasions but all on the Thursday night Bible study. I am currently a member of another church in WS and we do not currently have a "verse by verse" Bible study during the week....thus my attendance at The Bridge. Having responded earlier to some of the allegations I read on this post, I felt compelled to follow-up after attending The Bridge more than one time and experiencing both worship and teaching...with David McGee and other associate pastors and, once, a guest from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The worship music is very contemporary and lots of fun praising the Lord (and I'm 64). The members present don't worship their pastor but do love him as well as the others teaching who are warmly received. Since the teaching is directly from the Bible which I followed along in my own New International Version, it is hardly a "cult" with the Old Testament taught on Thursday's and I found out the New Testament is taught on Sunday's....verse by verse. In my opinion, those who are attacking this body of believers are either not saved, certainly not mature Christians if they are or are like the "spys" that Paul teaches against in the Book of Galatians who infiltrated the "church" and attempted to cause division by implying that you need Jesus "plus something" to be saved. I hope each one of you ask for forgiveness and repent of your sins. God bless.

I also attended this "church" on a regular, consistent and faithful basis. At first, I was completely happy that I found a pastor/teacher who taught the Word of God and I enjoyed his teachings. When I decided to go the "meeting" to become involved in the church, they had so many "rules" that I was appalled. They do a criminal background check (which is a good thing in my opinion, especially if, like myself, someone wants to work with the children and youth). What appalled me was that I was asked to sign a "covenant" which in essence was a contact stating that I would "follow the rules" and obey and support the pastor at all times; of course, this meeting was held by his assistant pastor and armour bearers (as the body guards are called and they carry loaded weapons); the pastor himself was not in attendance. It was also stated that I would have to sign a document allowing them to debit my checking account for my 10% tithes and this "rule" was strictly adhered to. Of course, I didn't sign it and decided that maybe the Bridge was not the church for me. It was becoming "all about the money" (just ask him about his $900,000 home). Now, please don't misunderstand me; I am in 100% agreement with tithing and it says so in the Bible. But to have it deducted from my checking account? Really? I also later found out about the "bodyguards" and how not only the pastor has them, but his wife does as well and they accompany them 24 hours a day 7 days a week; even sit outside their home. Now, I realize that there is terrible, horrible things that happen in this world and that schools are not the only places targeted for violence, but is it really necessary for 24/7 guards? I asked to meet with the Pastor and was told that was not "allowed" because they were not going to let discension set in. What? I wasn't cauing discension, certainly not my intention, but I would like to have had some of my nagging questions answered. Not a chance. He would not even give me the time of day. It was only after I was out of that environment that I truly saw how things were there. Yes, the worship is "fun" and very enjoyable; and David's teachings were very informative and I enjoyed listening and learning from him. However, learning more about it after having left (and wishing I had researched more and not allowed myself to get sucked in to all the hoopla), I can say that my eyes have been opened and this is really a cult-like activity and environment. To each his own and I am very happy where I am attending now. I don't mean to sound so critical or judgmental, just sharing my experience and how it didn't go so well.

I just wanted to provide the correct information about the "meeting" that you said you attended. I have also attended this meeting and they never said you had to have it automatically done the way you stated. That is one option that they afforded you to make it more convientent to do so. You also have the option of doing it online as a one time payment, or putting your check or cash in the boxes located throughout the building. If you have no problem with giving your ten percent then why are you so upset? If the teaching is great and you are learning and growing in your faith then why take offence to one of many options?

Sounds like they are in massive debt if they have to deduct money out of peoples bank accounts, id stay away.

Brothers and sisters in Christ don't let know one tell you that you have to
tithe.Should you give absolutely!!!2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 Each one must do just
as he has purposed in his heart,not grudgingly or under compulsion,for
God loves a cheerful giver.

I too am sorry to hear that you had a very bad experience. But to take your problem with the church having too many crazy rules does not equate to "cult" activity. As was stated, you have the option to sit in the family area if you want your children to remain with you in service. I understand you did not want to do this, but to say that by enforcing the no children in the main sanctuary makes the church a cult is a not accurate at all. Research what a cult is and you will see that they are not defined by the sorts of things you are complaining about. In the end you thing the church is too strict in enforcing rules you think are silly. You also don't like having armed security in the building. With all of the church shootings these days I see no problem with it and many churches today are moving towards greater emphasis on safety and security. Lastly, the bank deduction is actually voluntary and if you want to give online or make offerings to the drop boxes that is also fine. In the end I hope you have found a great church where you can continue to love the Lord and grow in his word.

But it's ok for Pastor Dave and Nora to live in a multi-million dollar home in cozy Summerfield NC, on Lake Brandt Road. Wonder what would happen if you took all of his money and house away, would he still be a swindler? Good luck with knowing where your "tithes" go.

1st off, I think it should be up to the parent if he or she wants their children with them in the sanctuary...
2nd, I've visited the church on numerous occasions, over the years and I also have noticed cultist activities!
Bottom line is this, It's only a matter of time before thise house tumbles, my prayer is it happens before the Jim Jones Juice is passed out amongst the congregation.!

Would you still want kids in there if the sermon was about dingher slinging?

John said...But it's ok for Pastor Dave and Nora to live in a multi-million dollar home...
Pastor David has made it clear that prior to coming into full time service that he was successful in the secular music industry. I don't see why his having the money to afford a nice home is a bad thing. God says that we are not supposed to let the love of money take first place in our lives ahead of the Lord. To have money is not a sin, and having the wealth to afford a nice home is no cause for calling the man a swindler. Come on let's be reasonable, Christians are blessed by God with wealth in various degrees. Some are rich and some are poor. It means nothing in regards to whether they are a true man or women of God. Also, what you give to God is just that...you give to God. If your tithe is misused and squandered then the one who was entrusted with it will answer to the Lord for it. However, again there is no reason to believe that this church is not using it's funds properly simply because the pastor has a nice house. If anyone has proof of such abuse then I would love to see it, but so far all I see is the slinging of accusations without facts to support them. It seems like some people simply think that a rich man can't be a Godly man.