When my husband and I moved to the Austin area eight years ago, we were leaving a city where we’d had relatives just a few hours away. We knew it would be different in Austin with no family close by.

Everyone needs family! That’s one of the main reasons we’ve loved The Bridge Church. They are our family, here in town. They love and support us, and we know we can count on them.

When I’ve had doubts about my faith (and I’ve had a lot!), our church family members haven’t ever turned me away or made me feel guilty. They’ve supported me, and getting so much love from a church makes it easier to believe in a loving God.

When we had both of our kids, our church family members brought us meals to help us with the transition. Our kids have found surrogate grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins at The Bridge Church. Whether they’re in the great children’s classes, or just hanging out with church friends, it’s so great knowing they’re growing up around people who will treat them as family.

Life tends to present us with unexpected crises! My husband and I definitely didn’t expect him to be having brain surgery in his mid-30s. But during that incredibly stressful time, our church family gave us so much support. I’d never felt more loved. With all the meals, childcare offers, innumerable hospital visits, and powerful prayers, we came through that time with a greater appreciation for our church family than ever before.

Whether your family is in the next room or half a world away, I hope you’ll consider checking out The Bridge Church. We’re a pretty low-key place, so you can visit without any pressure. Maybe you’ll find family there too.