What could it look like, if we worked together?

Just like God himself, we are made for relationship and community.
And so God has intentionally made us incomplete, so that we must seek shalom together. Through partnership, we can help others, and our entire community, flourish through ministries of word and deed.

That may sound grandiose, but God’s grace makes it possible. For that, we are inspired by the example of an early follower of Jesus whom most people have never heard of, yet is arguably the most influential person in the New Testament after Christ himself. This man 

• Deeply cared for the poor and vulnerable, sacrificing his time and resources to meet their needs. 

• Faithfully shared God’s Word, declaring the good news of Christ.  

• Started the first multi-ethnic church and planted many more. 

• Connected these churches to support each other, and even work together in a radical demonstration of mercy that crossed cultural divides. 

• Mentored people who were misunderstood and marginalized. 

• One of his mentees went on to write half of the New Testament, shaping not only countless individuals and churches, but also entire civilizations. 

• Another mentee wrote one of the four gospels–typically the first portion of the New Testament translated into new languages, introducing countless millions to Jesus.  

And yet history has forgotten him. His name is Barnabas, “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” Following his example, Arlington Bridge Builders doesn’t seek a name for itself, but instead seeks the flourishing of others, as we together seek the shalom of our community.