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Who we are.

Our story.

At The Bridge Community Church, you can expect a welcoming community where you will learn and grow in your faith. From our kids’ ministry, to worship, to recreation and serving opportunities, everything we do is centered around sharing the love of Jesus. No matter where you are in your faith journey, The Bridge Community Church is excited to walk alongside you and support you.

Established in 1909, our church was originally named Young Harris Church. A center of growth and faith in Athens, we have seen God move here in big ways throughout the years. In 2023, our church was reborn as The Bridge Community Church. We aim to build bridges to all generations in our community and offer local as well as international opportunities to serve others. We plant, nurture, and educate Spirit-filled leaders in relationships with God through Christ-centered prayer, fellowship, discipleship, worship, and service.

Our staff.

Reverend Dr. Luis Ortiz

Senior Pastor

Reverend Angela Baza

Associate Pastor,
Hispanic Ministry Leader

Jeff Unger

Director of Music

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Reverend Ortiz was born and raised in Ohio. One of his most memorable employments there was being the private chef for Don King, the Boxing Promoter. He accepted Christ in 1984 shortly before moving to Georgia. In 1990, he accepted the call to ministry. Pastor Ortiz received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Piedmont College. Then, he received his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Biblical Studies at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He has served as Senior Pastor in all his appointments. Pastor Ortiz was ordained as Full Connectional Elder in the North Georgia Conference in 2015. He received his doctorate degree from Regent University in Christian Leadership and Renewal. Pastor Ortiz also just released his first book “The Great Divide”. He was ordained as Full Connectional Elder in the Global Methodist Church in NGMC Conference in December 2023.
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Reverend Baza is from Peru. She has lived in Athens for over 20 years, enjoying family and friends. She loves being part of the church because she has an opportunity to join families and friends, sharing and learning from each other, testifying who we are within the body of Christ. Pastor Baza was ordained in the Global Methodist Church in the NGMC Conference in December 2023.
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Jeff Unger is a graduate of Reinhardt University with a degree in vocal performance currently pursuing a masters in music education with a concentration in choral conducting at the University of Georgia, where he sings with the Hodgson Singers and studies voice with Dr. Gregory Broughton. He loves golf, the Atlanta Braves, and UGA football. Jeff is excited to serve the Lord by leading this congregation in worship as Minister of Music.

Willard Smith

Co-Director of Music

Dr. Chris Fowler

Accompanist

Karen Harpole

Church Administrator

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Willard Smith is a member of The Bridge Community Church and continues to serve God with his talents and gifts.
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Dr. Chris Fowler studied music education, emphasizing choral/vocal music education at Georgia State University. Dr. Fowler received a Master of Music from Georgia State University in 2017. Dr. Fowler received his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Georgia, class of 2017. Dr. Fowler also worked as the Fine Art Coordinator at Buford City School System from 1992 and retired in the winter of 2024.

Carly Crosby

Youth Director

Sandee George

Children’s Director

Alex Barlowe

Audio/Video/IT Director

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Carly Crosby has worked with children since she was about 13 and has always loved working with kids. Carly found her calling when she became an Assistant Teacher for Pre-First and became a full-time mom once they had a beautiful daughter. Along with teaching, Carly Crosby owns Classic City Volleyball Club, where we help young athletes strengthen their skills and love for volleyball. They currently practice in the gym here at The Bridge, which we call home.

Carly Crosby has lived in the Athens area for most of her life and has always loved the environment and community. Carly Crosby stays an active member of the Athens community by joining local adult sports leagues and volunteering in the wheelchair community, primarily to teach sports and outdoor activities to children with disabilities.

Kim Redmon Crowley

Accounting

Reverend Dr. Luis Ortiz

Senior Pastor

Read More

Reverend Ortiz was born and raised in Ohio. One of his most memorable employments there was being the private chef for Don King, the Boxing Promoter. He accepted Christ in 1984 shortly before moving to Georgia. In 1990, he accepted the call to ministry. Pastor Ortiz received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Piedmont College. Then, he received his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Biblical Studies at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta. He has served as Senior Pastor in all his appointments. Pastor Ortiz was ordained as Full Connectional Elder in the North Georgia Conference in 2015. He received his doctorate degree from Regent University in Christian Leadership and Renewal. Pastor Ortiz also just released his first book “The Great Divide”. He was ordained as Full Connectional Elder in the Global Methodist Church in NGMC Conference in December 2023.

Reverend Angela Baza

Associate Pastor,
Hispanic Ministry Leader

Read More
Reverend Baza is from Peru. She has lived in Athens for over 20 years, enjoying family and friends. She loves being part of the church because she has an opportunity to join families and friends, sharing and learning from each other, testifying who we are within the body of Christ. Pastor Baza was ordained in the Global Methodist Church in the NGMC Conference in December 2023.

Jeff Unger

Director of Music

Read More
Jeff Unger is a graduate of Reinhardt University with a degree in vocal performance currently pursuing a masters in music education with a concentration in choral conducting at the University of Georgia, where he sings with the Hodgson Singers and studies voice with Dr. Gregory Broughton. He loves golf, the Atlanta Braves, and UGA football. Jeff is excited to serve the Lord by leading this congregation in worship as Minister of Music.

Willard Smith

Co-Director of Music

Read More
Willard Smith is a member of The Bridge Community Church and continues to serve God with his talents and gifts.

Dr. Chris Fowler

Accompanist

Read More

Dr. Chris Fowler studied music education, emphasizing choral/vocal music education at Georgia State University. Dr. Fowler received a Master of Music from Georgia State University in 2017. Dr. Fowler received his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Georgia, class of 2017. Dr. Fowler also worked as the Fine Art Coordinator at Buford City School System from 1992 and retired in the winter of 2024.

Karen Harpole

Church Administrator

Carly Crosby

Youth Director

Read More

Carly Crosby has worked with children since she was about 13 and has always loved working with kids. Carly found her calling when she became an Assistant Teacher for Pre-First and became a full-time mom once they had a beautiful daughter. Along with teaching, Carly Crosby owns Classic City Volleyball Club, where we help young athletes strengthen their skills and love for volleyball. They currently practice in the gym here at The Bridge, which we call home.

Carly Crosby has lived in the Athens area for most of her life and has always loved the environment and community. Carly Crosby stays an active member of the Athens community by joining local adult sports leagues and volunteering in the wheelchair community, primarily to teach sports and outdoor activities to children with disabilities.

Sandee George

Children’s Director

Alex Barlowe

Audio/Video/IT Director

Kim Redmon Crowley

Accounting

Frequently Asked Questions.

What does The Bridge Community Church believe?
We believe God is calling us to share His love with everyone. We believe we are being sent into the world to grow with God by making disciples of Jesus Christ, to care for people, to be God’s witness to people, and to serve His people through missions in our local and international community.
What is the mission and vision of The Bridge Community Church?
Mission: planting, educating, and nurturing Spirit-filled leaders in relationships with God through Christ-centered Prayer, Fellowship, Discipleship, Worship, and Service.

Vision: Building bridges to all generations.

What does The Bridge Community Church do to serve the community?
There are many ways to get involved with serving at The Bridge Community Church. Whether you give financially, or give with your time, gifts and talents, we encourage you to be generous and spread the love of God in whatever way you can.
Is The Bridge Community Church affiliated with a denomination?
In the past, our church was associated with the UMC denomination, but The Bridge Community Church was launched in 2024 as an independent church and a member of the GMC Community. We are real people united in the Wesleyan faith, committed to a common purpose, joined together in the love of our Creator. We believe in multicultural, multigenerational ministry, whose sole intention is to reach our community for Christ. We firmly believe that you should come as you are to the feet of Jesus – He is capable of transforming a broken heart into a blooming soul that brings Him joy. Our gatherings are casual and we make it a priority to focus our attention on God’s Word and to give Him all the glory in everything we do.
How did The Bridge Community Church get started?
Established in 1909 in Athens, our church was originally named Young Harris Church. It was later renamed Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church. A center of growth and faith in Athens, we have seen God move here in big ways throughout the years. At the end of 2023, our church was reborn as The Bridge Community Church. We aim to build bridges to all generations in our community and offer local as well as international opportunities to serve others.
Is your historic facility available to rent for weddings or events?
We have various rooms and spaces available for rent, as well as a gym. Please reach out to us for more information about renting our facilities.
How do I give to The Bridge Community Church?
We believe that giving to the church is giving back to God what is already His. He gives to us so He can give through us. As you give both faithfully and willingly, the world is changed for the glory of God; the Gospel is preached; lives are touched, people are fed, bodies are healed, churches are built; and you in turn are blessed by God so that you can give again. The Bridge Community Church offers opportunities for online as well as in-person giving.
How do I get involved at The Bridge Community Church?
From Bible Group and Worship Service on Sunday mornings to international missions opportunities, from children’s church and youth group to community events on the lawn, The Bridge Community Church offers many ways to find God through fellowship, instruction, and service. Check our schedule to plan your visit.
Is The Bridge Community Church hiring?
Do you think you’d be a great fit for our growing team? If you’re seeking a career in church leadership or ministry, reach out to our office to learn more about employment opportunities.

Get in touch.