Visit
1701 3rd Ave EOskaloosa, IA 52577Gathering: 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 - Oskaloosa Campus offers a welcoming environment where visitors can experience Bible-based worship and connect with a supportive community. With multiple Sunday service times and a focus on creating a comfortable atmosphere, the church emphasizes inclusivity and practical spiritual growth through programs like children's ministries and prayer care. The church's mission to help people discover purpose and make a difference is reflected in its active outreach and community engagement efforts.
Pros
- Multiple Sunday service times at 9:00 and 10:30 AM provide flexible attendance options.
- Emphasis on Bible-centered preaching and worship music creates a spiritually focused gathering experience.
- Children's programs and prayer care ministries support family needs and personal spiritual growth.
- Inclusive atmosphere encourages visitors to attend 'as they are' without formal dress expectations.
- Accessible online services at 9:30 AM complement in-person attendance options.
- Community events like parenting workshops and baptism celebrations foster connection and practical faith application.
Cons
- Website lacks detailed information about specific newcomer orientation or first-visit resources.
- Parking lot details for the Oskaloosa campus are not explicitly described on the website.
- Care services and financial assistance resources are mentioned but without specific eligibility or application processes.
Services and facilities
Services
- Children'S Programs
- Prayer Care
- Financial Assistance Resources
- Worship Services
- Community Events
- Baptism Services
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
First Wednesday of each month
In-person and online prayer sessions

