About Us
The Bridge is a non-profit, non-denominational community gathering place where we connect lives through friendship and purpose.
Our Story:
It all started with a phone call...It was during the height of Covid when Brandon, our Founder and Director received a phone call. On the other end of the line was a young man who was sitting in his truck contemplating suicide and asked for Brandon to pray with him before he took his own life. We were able to get him help and he survived this difficult season in his life. God used that one event to spark something in Brandon's heart. Where do people go for hope and encouragement if they do not belong to a church, don't believe in God, or have been hurt in church? That one question began the journey of The Bridge. What if the community had a safe place, that feels like the living room in your home, where you could do life together. A place where all are welcome and all are loved as they are. A place where volunteers listen, listen, and love, love with no ulterior motive. A place where people are loved and encouraged, a place where God does the work not us in inner healing. A place that meets the needs of the community. Thus began The Bridge.
Our Purpose is simple “We exist to be like Christ to our community to lift up… grow up… build up… reach in…reach out!”
Meet Our Team
Our Founder and Director
Brandon Larson
Brandon is a Pastor who has a heart for the city of Waynesville. His desire is to see all people know the saving love and grace of Jesus Christ. Brandon is a graduate of Lee University where his focus of studies were in Education, Counseling, and Theology. Brandon is married to Chasity who is a school teacher. They have two wonderful children.
Bridge Team
Dale
Dale grew up in Waynesville from the age six. Dale has been with The Bridge since we opened in 2021. Dale's life changed when he committed his life to the Lord at the age of 8. Dale married his beautiful wife in1971. He was married to his wife Brenda for 46 years until her death in 2017. He loves serving at The Bridge and being able to use the talents, wisdom, and knowledge God has poured into him over the years.
Michael
Michael has been with the Bridge since August of 2023. He is currently a member of the Waynesville Planning committee and a Red Cross volunteer. Michael appreciates the Bridge for its ‘come as you are’ philosophy where the Bridge accepts anyone and everyone that comes through the doors regardless of where they are in their journey. Michael has lived in Waynesville with his wife Linda for 8 years.
Paula
Paula and her husband Tim have lived in Waynesville for 25 years and raised their four sons here. They try their best to live their lives based on Galatians 5:6
Chrissy - Your Dress, Their Dream Coordinator
Chrissy lives in Waynesville with her husband Joe, and they have 5 adult children. Last year, the Lord revealed to her that there was a need to be met, for local girls that were faced with challenges that would prevent them from experiencing and be included in attending their homecoming/prom dances. To see the smiles and how the girls light up when they look and feel beautiful, drives Chrissy to help meet these needs not just Waynesville but throughout our area.
Rich - Certified Christian Counselor
Rich is married with two children. He has a heart for reminding people that God is present, purposeful, and faithful-even in difficult seasons. He deeply loves his family. Rich is grateful for his wife and her constant support, and is incredibly proud of his two sons, who are a continual source of joy and motivation in his life. Rooted in scripture, Rich is passionate about walking alongside those who are hurting, offering biblical counsel and the hope of Jesus Christ, trusting God to bring healing and transformation through surrender and obedience. Psalms 147:3
Debbie
Debbie has been married to her husband Bob for 50 years. They have four adult children and a ten year old . She loves spending time with her family and traveling. She has worked most of here life with teens in full time ministry which has taken her all over the country. She loves volunteering and being a part of The Bridge. She enjoys connecting with our guests and in the community.
