The Bridge

08/26/2026

If you've been part of our cohort program, you know we're big fans of Casey Sigmon. In addition to being part of the Theotechnics team, she also heads up the Pause/Play Center for Preachers. If you're looking for a way to restore, refresh, and PLAY, we definitely recommend participating in next year's gathering!

Let’s make this the best gathering yet! See you there (yes, you)!

08/24/2026

Hey friends! We've just signed up to be a sponsor for this conference. If you're planning to be there, be sure to let us know. We'd especially love to find a time to gather with current/former cohort members.

08/20/2026

Congrats to one of the members of our very first Bridge cohort! We're happy to welcome Alex back to UPSem and look forward to some collaborative possibilities with the Leadership Institute.

We are excited to introduce Rev. Alex Fischer as the Director of the Leadership Institute! Read more below and welcome him in the comments!

https://www.upsem.edu/about/news/story/~board/upsem-news/post/union-presbyterian-seminary-names-the-rev-alex-fischer-director-of-the-leadership-institute

08/03/2026

The first years of ministry can feel like a leap.

The Bridge for Early Career Preachers helps connect theological education with the realities of weekly preaching through coaching, learning, and supportive community. We're grateful for the leaders and participants who are building faithful, courageous, and compelling ministries together!

07/13/2026

📣📣📣Application season for our 2027 cohort is still a few months away, but we couldn't wait to share our workshop leaders with you!

🌏 Jerusha Neal () will lead our Preaching and Social Issues workshop on climate crisis.
🖌Anna Carter Florence () will lead our retreat, focusing on Preaching and Creativity.
📱Theotechnics will be back for a workshop and individualized consultations on preaching and digital technology.
👥And our amazing Peer Coach Facilitator, Mandy England Cole, will lead our preaching small groups.

🗓Check out the 2027 cohort program dates now at upsem.edu/bridge.
Ask a question or let someone know they should apply in the comments. 👇

06/30/2026

🚨🚨🚨 Tag someone who needs to join our 2027 or ***2028*** cohorts.

06/11/2026

We're here for this.

05/22/2026

We're sorry to hear of the passing of Rev. Dr. Lamar Hardwick after his journey with colon cancer. He joined us last year for our Bridge Conversation on preaching and neurodiversity and we remain profoundly grateful for his testimony and contributions.

Neurodiversity - and autism in particular - are in the national conversation right now. Last week's Bridge Conversation focused on neurodiversity and preaching. We were especially blessed to learn from two pastors who identify as autistic. We invite you to listen and learn more about the rich theological frames and practical helps they offer around neurodivergence.

And in case it needs to be said again: Neurodivergent siblings - you are beautifully and wonderfully created in the full image of God. The Bridge celebrates all the gifts you bring to pulpit and pew.

Catch up on the conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/live/eOyl4U_lAmA?si=LGj1lO1Mact_Q1ac