Frequently Asked Questions
What is Messianic Judaism? What is its value for the Treasure Valley?
Messianic Judaism is a vibrant, growing faith that celebrates Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messiah while honoring the Jewish roots of our faith. It is a beautiful blend of Christianity and Judaism, recognizing that God’s promises to Israel are eternal and that Jesus lived, taught, and fulfilled Torah.
Our congregation reflects this unity by drawing people from all walks of life – Jewish and non-Jewish, local and international. At The Bridge, we’ve welcomed people from over a dozen nations, including Israel, India, Egypt, Russia, China, Nepal, El Salvador, Zambia, and more. Our name, The Bridge, reflects a critical part of our mission: to unite diverse cultures, faith backgrounds, and generations under the banner of God’s love.
In a time when division is rampant, we offer something unique – true unity rooted in ancient faith and expressed in modern community. The Bridge brings something rare and beautiful to the Treasure Valley: a place where heritage, diversity, and spiritual depth meet.
Why do we need major donors?
The real estate market in the Treasure Valley has surged in recent years, making property ownership a steep challenge for smaller congregations like ours. Most churches that own buildings today either purchased them decades ago or are sustained by very large memberships.
Our community is incredibly generous, but we are still growing – and we simply cannot shoulder the cost of a property purchase alone. We also want to be able to continue our value of giving to those who need it most and don’t want to risk losing that priority. That’s why we are reaching out to mission-minded donors who want to invest in something meaningful, lasting, and life-giving for the region.
What kind of building are we looking for?
We’re seeking to purchase an older church building in either Meridian or Boise – ideally near I-84 – to serve as our long-term home. Our goal is to restore and repurpose an existing space, honoring its legacy while infusing it with new life and purpose. We believe this makes the most sense economically. It also significantly increases the likelihood of our long-term home in a residential area where we can have a greater positive impact in the lives of our neighbors. We are looking for a building with an adequate sanctuary for growth as well as a fellowship space and classrooms.
What makes The Bridge a worthy long-term investment?
The Bridge isn’t just a passionate startup – we are a rooted, resilient, and growing congregation with a proven track record. In October 2025, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary – a decade of faithful presence in the Treasure Valley. Our founding pastors, Mark and Judy Rich, have sustained the ministry through bi-vocational work and sacrificial leadership. The Bridge is led by a team of competent, passionate leaders who have been raised up to serve alongside The Bridge’s pastors. Unlike many Messianic congregations led by aging leaders, Mark and Judy are in their early 40s, ensuring many years of dynamic leadership ahead. They’re also successful business owners who turned around a struggling local company, doubling its revenue in the first year. Their entrepreneurial experience and financially-savvy board of directors ensure sustainable stewardship of any building investment. The Bridge is the only Messianic congregation in the valley and continues to grow steadily, with great potential for regional influence.
How will The Bridge serve the wider community?
Our mission extends beyond our walls. We hope to launch a weekday daycare or early education program, meeting a pressing need for families in the area.
Long-term, we envision an after-school program to support working parents and offer a safe, enriching space for kids. At The Bridge, we’re building more than a congregation – we’re creating a vibrant, inclusive center of faith and community.
How will we sustain the monthly mortgage?
We’re committed to innovative, community-minded strategies that ensure financial sustainability. Our goal is not just to own a building – but to make it a multi-use resource that serves both the congregation and the community. In addition to our regular donations from our members, here’s how we plan to help offset costs.
– Renting the space on Sunday mornings to a local church in need of a home.
– Hosting weddings and special events, as zoning allows.
– Leasing space on weekdays for daycare, homeschool co-ops, or educational programs.
This property will be a living, breathing community hub—not a facility that sits empty six days a week.
How will various sized gifts be used?
To secure and revitalize a church building for our growing congregation, we’re inviting gifts of all sizes. We are currently looking at a solution that would keep our costs around $2,500,000 including critical renovation projects needed. We will provide more information in the future when we are able to secure a specific piece of property.
What is your time frame for fund raising?
We are currently looking at this as a multi-phase process. Our first phase is the down payment goal of $500,000. Phase two will be any costs for renovating. Phase three will be any later renovations or additions to enable our facility to best meet our needs.
Are there dedication opportunities?
Yes, we are offering several room dedication opportunities for those who wish to be remembered in a lasting way. Those are listed -here-.
Is The Bridge a registered 501c3 non-profit organization?
Yes, it is. All donations to The Bridge Messianic Fellowship, Inc. are fully tax-deductible.
Can I meet with a pastor or board member in person to discuss things further?
Absolutely. Please contact Pastor Mark directly at Mark.Rich@TheBridgeIdaho.com to set up an appointment.