BridgePointe was started over 10 years ago to bring the renewal of Jesus to the world around us by making disciples in relationships. We have witnessed God doing incredible work through our BP Family. We always knew that it would take more than one church to realize that vision. New churches are the best way to reach new people in new places. So, we hoped we would become a church that would start more churches in Rhode Island and beyond.
After much prayer, planning, preparation and waiting on God’s timing, on May 5 we announced that BridgePointe will be sending Keith Cabral to start a new church in Pawtucket called Redemption City Church. We’re excited about this endeavor and we know there are many questions you may have. We hope the following FAQ answers your questions and tells you everything you need to know. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ezekiel.
Pawtucket Church Plant FAQ
How did Keith & Michelle become church planters?
Keith and his wife, Michelle, have felt a growing passion over the last few years to plant a church in Rhode Island. Keith is leaving his position as Discipleship Pastor at BridgePointe to become the Lead Planter for Redemption City Church in Pawtucket. We sat down with them and asked them to share their story. Take ten minutes and watch the video below to hear their story of what God has done in their lives and how He brought them to this place.
The Cabrals will begin this new work with the help of a core team of people from BridgePointe, family, friends, and other people from the community who are committed to the work of Redemption City Church.
Where will the new church be?
The new church will be in the Fairlawn neighborhood in the northwest part of Pawtucket. This community is really special to Keith and Michelle because it’s where they grew up, made many friends, and met each other. They are now returning to this neighborhood with the hope of seeing people there transformed by Jesus like they have been.
Keith will work this fall to determine the best location in that community for Redemption City to gather. It will likely resemble the early days of BridgePointe when we met in a temporary space like a community center or school building.
Will the church plant be another BridgePointe?
No, rather than a church that would be a new BridgePointe location, Redemption City will be a new church plant. It will be independent from BridgePointe with its own finances, structure, vision and leadership.
BridgePointe is deeply committed to the sustainable health and growth of Redemption City. As the sending church, BP will generously contribute to the work of Redemption City in all the ways that are needed most.
When will the new church start?
The goal is for Redemption City Church to begin holding weekly worship gatherings by the Spring of 2025. There is a lot of work to be done between now and then not only to prepare for the beginning of worship services but for the birth of a church.
Preparation for this will have multiple phases that will happen through the fall and into the new year. This will include community events, core team meetings, and preview services.
When will Keith leave his current position with BridgePointe?
Keith will fulfill his responsibilities as BridgePointe’s Discipleship Pastor through Sunday, June 30. The Shepherds have given Keith a sabbatical for rest and spiritual renewal that will begin in July. In August, Keith will return from his sabbatical to a full-time church planting role with Redemption City Church.
What is the plan to fill Keith’s position on staff?
There’s no way to replace what Keith has meant to the church and the staff team over the years. The impact of his contributions in hospitality, pastoral care, teaching, and discipleship will continue long after his transition from our staff team.
With that understanding, the intention is to hire a full-time replacement for his position. That process will begin on June 1 with the goal of filling the position by the fall. In the interim, the staff team will fill in the gaps. Additionally, Jared and Ezekiel will be in touch with group leaders to provide care, training, and leadership until the position is filled.
How can I help the new church plant?
Simply by being a part of BridgePointe, you are already an important part of Redemption City Church. You have helped to make your church what it is today by showing up, caring, connecting with others, serving, giving, and so much more. By helping to make BridgePointe healthy and strong, you’ve enable it to be a church that can start a new church to reach new people in a new place. Thank you!
This is not a cliché… prayer is the most powerful thing you can do to contribute to the work of the new church. Everyone who is a part of the BP Family can support Redemption City by committing to pray for them.
If you feel further called to participate in the work of the new church, here are two more ways you can help:
Become part of the Redemption City core team— If you live near the target are or want to help a new church start there, the core team consists of people who will leave BridgePointe to make Redemption City their church for at least the next year. You can find more info about what it means to be part of the core team here by attending the upcoming Church Plant interest meeting on May 30th.
Help as needed with Redemption City special events—If you want to contribute while remaining a part of BridgePointe, there will be lots of opportunities to help. Let us know you’re interested by using this form to sign up and we’ll keep you in the loop.