A YEAR WITH PURPOSE

The Bridge is SMBC's Bible-centred, missions-focussed gap year for 18-to-21 year olds. It's a year with purpose: a year to study God's word, to get a taste of God's global mission, and to explore God's plan for your life and the ways we can serve Him. All of this is done in community with the other 'Bridgies', joining us each year from across Australia and around the world, providing a foundation of friendships that will encourage and spur you on in your walk with Jesus.

Importantly, the Bridge is also a hands-on, relational program, led by a team experienced in local church ministry and global mission. For three days each week, you'll dig into the Bible wil lectures from our world-class SMBC faculty, learn skills for life and ministry, and spend time reflecting and engaging in practices to grow your Christian life. Expanding your vision for God's work throughout the world you'll also be introduced to new communities and cultures, and travel together overseas on a three-week cultural study tour.

Most of all though, we want you to be transformed through a deeper knowledge of God’s word and growing in Christ-likeness. We want you to be ready to love and serve God in every season for the rest of your life.

The Bridge foundations are:

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

Deepen your faith through discovering God's character and purpose through His Word. SMBC's world-renowned lecturers help you dig deep into the Old and New Testaments. You'll see the story God is telling across the whole Bible and how all the books fit together. You will be equipped with the ability to understand, interpret and apply Biblical truths to your life.

MISSION FOUNDATIONS

Grow your heart for mission. With guidance from SMBC's centre for cross-cultural mission, you'll be taught theological foundations for mission, along with important considerations for fruitful practice. You will engage with different cultures, learn what God is doing here and across the globe and go on a cultural study tour overseas.

MINISTRY FOUNDATIONS

Get equipped with practical ministry skills and received certified training to prepare you for ministry. Lectures in theology will equip you with the essentials of Christian faith, and how to share it through testimonies, answering tough questions, writing bible talks and more! While courses in barista training, car mechanics, defensive driving, learning to cook on a budget and first aid will equip you for ministry in a variety of contexts.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION FOUNDATIONS

Become more like Jesus. Turn your head knowledge into heart knowledge through extended times of reflection, worship and prayer. You'll spend time thinking about your identity in Christ, healthy relationships, Christian sexuality and the practice of spiritual disciplines.