In 2005, a group of young people moved into the West Side neighborhood after sensing a call from God to join together in intentional community and pray. The group was called to pray for a building across the street and God began to plan the seed of an idea – a community coffee shop, where everyone is treated with value and dignity, that fosters diverse community and helps bring shalom to the neighborhood. That idea grew into the Pavilion, a safe place where the people of the West Side could come together over a cup of coffee, be real, known, and loved. 

In 2009, a local church asked Bridge Street Ministries (then Bridge Street House of Prayer) to host their youth group’s summer mission trip. With the guidance of local neighbors and spiritual leaders, this grew into Grand Rapids Immersion, an annual time when youth from all backgrounds come together to grow spiritually, serve alongside each other, and learn from the people they serve. 

Focus on local ministry with global impact within BSM developed further in 2013, when our ministry purchased and renovated a multi-unit residential building in the West Side and 7 young men and women moved in to take a one year break from college and jobs to experience life inside an intentional, Christian community. So began the Bridge Street Mission School (now Grand Rapids Bridge Year), an 8-month gap-year program designed for college-aged students who desire to further explore their calling to ministry.

By 2014, BSM had begun tutoring Middle School students from Westwood Middle School. With the help of local academic and church partners, BSM has provided free after-school programming that engages the social, spiritual, and academic sides of development. Here, children are seen and respected. They are recognized as valuable members of our community, and given opportunities to have their voices heard as we disciple them through formative years. 

Late in 2018, God came through in a big way to assist our ministry. A historic neighborhood building that had for years held a convenience store, adult novelties shop, and sub-par residential units went up for sale. With the help of many generous donors, the building was purchased debt-free; and, with the help of local contractors and a small army of volunteers, that building now serves as the hub for all of our operations. Here, at 1034 Bridge Street, you will find our Pavilion coffee shop, a youth center that serves a vibrant, diverse group of kids from around our community, and a meeting space where we work together with local organizations to build bridges between the streets and the church. You are part of that story. 

We invite you to come grab a cup of coffee at the Pavilion, meet our friends and our neighbors, and be refreshed. 

Welcome to Bridge Street Ministries.