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A Tribute

Our Founding Pastor:

Mark R. Smith

“It’s not enough to dream big ideas.  To live the dream, you have to go for it.”

Pastor Mark was a man of heavenly vision with his ears and eyes to the sky. “Only a heavenly vision will see us through and sustain us.” With this conviction, Pastor Mark modeled the pursuit of heaven for his congregation and all whom he encountered. The Godly vision he cast remains vast for Fauquier County and the surrounding areas. In fact, it has reached the nations by his leadership of missions within the US, Honduras, Mexico, and Colombia. “We’re calling people to worship.” He led TBCC in his God-given dream to build a house of God: a place for people to connect with God, people and the community. Pastor Mark went after the dream. He lived it in such a way that it continues today in the hearts and minds of those who have come and continue to come behind him. 

In his last message on earth, Pastor Mark inspired the congregation to live. He concluded:

“I hope I have a good old age and that I can finish strong. To enjoy life, not to endure life. . to enjoy life in Christ Jesus by knowing His will, His purpose and His plan. To prosper. Not just wealth, [but] prosper and have honor. . .what do we mean by honor? That you would dare be an example for another person. Lord, may my life have honor. May my life have integrity. How do you acquire those things? Living for God, attempting great things for God, knowing God is your source. I’m inviting you to look up. . . That’s how we’re going to make it. That’s how we’re going to see it through. That’s how the dream becomes a reality.”

Our beloved pastor was called home to the beauty of heaven on October 27, 2010.  Words cannot fully express our loss and heaven’s gain. The only tribute we can truly offer to Pastor Mark is a life lived for God and a dream that becomes reality. We continue to drive the vision God revealed to Pastor Mark and we persevere for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.


            

Our Pastors 

John M. Wood, Senior Pastor

John Wood (wife, Jamee) originally joined the pastoral team of The Bridge in July 2005. He is a licensed minister and graduate of Valley Forge Christian College.  He has served and pastored churches in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia prior to The Bridge. They have two children: Noah (12) and Summer (almost 10).

For four years Pastor John has served The Bridge as Assistant Pastor for Student Ministries, and as Worship Leader and director of the worship band and special choirs.  In the Fall of 2009, Pastor John assumed the position of Associate Pastor with primary responsibilities for Adult Ministries and Missions, plus he continued as Worship Leader for the church services.  On January 23, 2011, Pastor John was elected as our new Senior Pastor.

Pastor John is committed to communicating to this generation in a modern, contemporary style and voice that they can understand and relate to yet never compromising the Gospel message. His messages are full of visuals, stories and humor to help the Bible come alive.

Follow Pastor John on Twitter: @pjmwood 

 

Brian M. Caplinger, Assistant Pastor for Student Ministries

Brian Caplinger (wife, Tabitha) joined the pastoral team of The Bridge on January 1, 2010, to pastor the middle and high school students of the church and the community.

Pastor Brian is a licensed minister and has done college course work in preparation for ministry. He and his wife Tabitha have been youth pastors in Virginia, Alabama and Kentucky prior to The Bridge. They have a new daughter: Lila. Both Brian and Tabitha are graduates of Liberty High School in Fauquier County.

Pastor Brian and Tabitha have a wealth of experience in reaching and serving students through the local church and are a welcome addition to the ministry at The Bridge.

Follow Pastor Brian on Twitter: @Cappy21

 

S. Rae Brooks, Connections Pastor

Rae Brooks joined the pastoral team of The Bridge on May 15, 2011 to lead the adult ministries and church administration.

Pastor Rae is a licensed minister and received a Master of Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University. Prior to joining The Bridge pastoral team, she served with the Vertical Student Movement for over three years as the high school girls' leader and served on The Bridge staff for 4 months as Assistant Youth Pastor. Most recently, Pastor Rae served in Asia as a Missionary Associate (MA) with the Assemblies of God World Missions. 

Pastor Rae is passionate about discipleship, mentoring, and coaching. Her heart is for all to grow in intimacy and union with God. 

Follow Pastor Rae on Twitter: @praebrooks