Visit
404 W Fillmore AveFairfield, IA 52556Gathering: Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am (Ottumwa)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Sunday8:00, 9:30, 11:00am · Ottumwa
- Sunday9:00, 10:45am · Centerville
- Sunday9:00, 10:30am · Fairfield
- Sunday9:00, 10:30am · Oskaloosa
About
Summary
The Bridge Church is a Christ-centered congregation with locations in Ottumwa, Centerville, Fairfield, and Oskaloosa, Iowa. Pastor Marty Schmidt founded the church in 2007 to create a welcoming community for those who feel disconnected from traditional churches. Services emphasize Bible-based teaching, passionate worship, and practical community engagement. Visitors often note the welcoming atmosphere and opportunities to get involved in ministry teams.
Details
The Bridge Church was founded in 2007 by Pastor Marty Schmidt with a vision to create a church that feels like home for those who have given up on traditional congregations. The church now has four locations across southeast Iowa: Ottumwa, Centerville, Fairfield, and Oskaloosa. Each campus offers Sunday services at multiple times, with a focus on creating a comfortable, inclusive environment where attendees can grow in their faith and connect with others.
Services emphasize Bible-centered preaching and worship music that many visitors describe as 'incredible' and 'life-giving.' The church encourages regular attendance to build a rhythm of worship and community. Reviewers frequently highlight the welcoming atmosphere, noting that visitors feel accepted 'as they are' without pressure to dress formally.
The church offers a range of ministries including children's programs, prayer care, and financial assistance resources. Care services provide support for those facing personal, marital, or financial challenges. Members are invited to join 'Dream Teams' for service opportunities, and events like parenting workshops and baptism celebrations are regularly scheduled.
For newcomers, the church emphasizes accessibility and flexibility. Services are available online at 9:30 AM, and in-person attendance is encouraged with multiple service times at each location. The Bridge Church's mission is to help people 'know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference' through both spiritual growth and practical community involvement.
From Faith Near Me
The Bridge Church-Fairfield Campus offers a welcoming, Bible-centered environment where visitors can expect a comfortable atmosphere and opportunities to connect. Services emphasize practical teaching and vibrant worship, with multiple Sunday times to accommodate schedules. The church’s focus on community engagement and accessible ministry options suggests a warm, inclusive character for newcomers.
Pros
- Welcoming atmosphere where visitors can attend 'as they are'
- Bible-based preaching with life-giving worship music
- Multiple Sunday service times (9:00 & 10:30 AM) at the Fairfield campus
- Children's programs and family-friendly ministry options
- Online service availability at 9:30 AM for flexible access
- Opportunities to join service teams and community events
Cons
- No Christmas Eve services or holiday-specific programming mentioned
- Some event details (e.g., Wednesday prayer meetings) lack descriptions on the website
- Service times for Fairfield don't include later afternoon options
Services and facilities
Services
- Children'S Programs
- Prayer Care
- Financial Assistance Resources
- Worship Services
- Community Events
- Baptism Services
- Opportunities To Serve
Facilities
- Multiple Campus Locations
- Parking Lots
- Worship Spaces
Events and programs
Parenting workshops
July 16
Practical conversations about raising kids in today's world
Launch Conference
August 1
Training and encouragement for team members
Baptism celebrations
August 9
Celebrating decisions to follow Jesus
Wednesday prayer meetings

