Intentionality
Joey Darwin
How We Teach Faith to the Next Generation

One of the key points in a young person’s life is when they start to grow closer to God and develop their spiritual life. At least half of teens report sharing the same religious beliefs as their parents, so the guidance a child receives on faith is crucial to their future. This reality led us to implement a Faith Assessment to better understand and reach the students in our program.

We asked students 10 questions to assess their understanding of the Christian faith, prompting real conversation around their beliefs, knowledge, and spiritual development. Questions like, “Do you feel that God loves you?” and “Do you ask God’s forgiveness when you do something wrong?” provided answers that directed the structure and topics of "God Time," our weekly Bible study sessions after school.

"God Time" is led by Pastor Brandon Rowe of Bonton Bible Church, a local community congregation that meets at BridgeBuilder’s facilities every Sunday. Strengthening the students' connection with their neighborhood pastor fosters long-term faith mentorship–an approach supported by studies that show consistent, trusted adult relationships significantly enhance youth spiritual growth and moral development.

How We Teach Faith to the Next Generation

Students

I Got Your Back: Celebrating South Dallas Students

I Got Your Back: Celebrating South Dallas Students

Each year, I Got Your Back reminds us what is possible when a community unites around its children. This year, more than 500 South Dallas students received backpacks and school supplies to help them begin the school year prepared and confident. We were proud to see so many families participate and make the day a meaningful celebration of their children and their futures!

The name of this event represents a promise: our children and families do not walk alone. We are incredibly proud of our students, parents, educators, South Dallas neighbors, and YOU! It is an honor to stand together as we continue building a future filled with achievement, opportunity, and hope.

A Community Raising Leaders

A Community Raising Leaders

At BridgeBuilders, part of our mission is to equip and empower students in South Dallas to pursue their God-given potential. True transformation begins when people are given the tools and support they need to lead in their own communities. Summer of 2025 presented a unique opportunity to mobilize a young leader who truly embodies our mission.

Octaveus, known as Okie, is a soon-to-be senior at Lincoln High School, and has chosen to spend his summer giving back to the community that helped shape him into the young man he is today. A Bonton resident since age six, Okie has grown up alongside many of the students now attending our programs. He has seen firsthand the benefit that community support and mentorship have in a young person’s life, and now he is providing that to the generations following him.

How We Teach Faith to the Next Generation

How We Teach Faith to the Next Generation

One of the key points in a young person’s life is when they start to grow closer to God and develop their spiritual life. At least half of teens report sharing the same religious beliefs as their parents, so the guidance a child receives on faith is crucial to their future. This reality led us to implement a Faith Assessment to better understand and reach the students in our program.

We asked students 10 questions to assess their understanding of the Christian faith, prompting real conversation around their beliefs, knowledge, and spiritual development. Questions like, “Do you feel that God loves you?” and “Do you ask God’s forgiveness when you do something wrong?” provided answers that directed the structure and topics of "God Time," our weekly Bible study sessions after school.

"God Time" is led by Pastor Brandon Rowe of Bonton Bible Church, a local community congregation that meets at BridgeBuilder’s facilities every Sunday. Strengthening the students' connection with their neighborhood pastor fosters long-term faith mentorship–an approach supported by studies that show consistent, trusted adult relationships significantly enhance youth spiritual growth and moral development.

The Big Little Impact of Art

The Big Little Impact of Art

We aim to create spaces to celebrate our kids and facilitate a positive experience with creativity, which is made possible with the Dallas Museum of Art as an enrichment partner. DMA art experts came in to host a 3-week pop-up with hands-on art education and experience. They also guided the kids on a personal tour of the DMA and helped make a showcase at Bonton Farms where families, friends, and the community could view their artwork.

MISSION 

BridgeBuilders restores relationships under the banner of Christ by engaging, equipping, and empowering individuals, families, and communities in South Dallas.

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