At The Bridge, elders, leadership, and staff members seek to lead our church family in making much of Jesus in our homes, neighborhoods, city, nation, and world, We do so humbly and simply, in constant awe of the way God has invited us into building His kingdom on earth. We desire to be Christ-centered, Spirit-led, prayerful, and grace-filled, focused on the Word of God as we build Gospel-centered community and engage our city and world with the life-transforming hope found in Jesus.
Steven Helfrich
Pastor
I was born in Alton and grew up in Godfrey. Growing up in church, I sensed God’s love and purpose from my earliest moments. From preschool through fifth grade, I attended Evangelical Elementary School in Godfrey. I graduated from Alton High School in 1997 and attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. While in college, God’s love gripped me and convinced me that there is nothing else I’d rather do than to make much of Jesus and point others to Him. I sensed that my call to ministry would lead me away from Alton/Godfrey, never to return. God has a sense of humor!
After my sophomore year of college, I returned home for summer vacation where I was blessed to be the Assistant Swim Team Coach at Summers-Port pool. I also served as a Youth Intern at Calvary Baptist Church in Alton. During that summer I met a girl named Daria Staszkiewicz, a native of Poland, who was visiting family in Godfrey. Her name is now Daria Helfrich! We married on October 27, 2001, and made the Alton/Godfrey area our home. In July of 2005, we purchased my childhood home from my parents, and on January 22, 2008, God blessed us with twins! Benny and Sophie are now students at Evangelical. They are very energetic, and let’s just say there is never a dull moment at the Helfrich house! I have an amazing family!
The summer after I graduated from college, Otterville Baptist Church called me to be their pastor. I attended Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis during the first four years. God taught me so much during my almost eleven year pastorate there, and I will be forever grateful for the love, prayers and support of the congregation.
In the Fall of 2006, Evangelical, the same elementary school I attended as a boy, hired me as their Religion teacher. It is so much fun to watch the Bible come to life for children! Teaching children reminds me of my need to have faith like a child!
So I never really “ran away from my roots” even though I tried. Instead of leaving, I live in my childhood home, and I teach religion at the grade school I attended and where my children now go. Many people in this area deeply impacted my life. It is my prayer that as pastor of The Bridge, I will serve the community that gave so much to me!
In my free time, I enjoy swimming, Ultimate Frisbee, Cardinals baseball, hiking, traveling, reading, good conversation with friends and family and a good cup of coffee.
I invite you to check out The Bridge!
Eddie Hitchcock
Worship Arts Director / Youth Ministry Director
I joined The Bridge as the Worship Arts Director in February of 2022. This is my dream job! All I’ve ever wanted to do is use the gifts God has given me to glorify him and to bless the body of Christ! I am so honored and humbled to be able to do this here at The Bridge. After leaving my previous church, I wasn’t sure where the Lord was leading me, but through both prayer and circumstances, he brought me here, and I’m thankful he did. The Bridge is a healthy and loving church, with the compassion and capacity to disciple others as they grow in Christ. My prayer is that we remain such a church.
Both my parents were Christians but my mom was my example. She was a big part of me getting to know Christ. She accepted Christ in her early thirties and lived out her faith in a way that impacted me deeply. I saw how God had changed her life and that led me to want to become a follower of Christ. I accepted Christ into my life in the fourth grade, but my experiences with God in college are what really changed my life! Following college, I prayed and asked God to give me a job in music, and in 2004 I began teaching voice lessons at Alton High, and in 2007 I became the Assistant Director for Encounter, where I served for 13 years. I am an only child but I'm blessed to have wonderful friends, and a delightful church family!
In addition to working at The Bridge, I enjoy teaching vocal lessons, leading choirs, and helping others use their God-given gifts in the arts. I started a women's choir called Seasons of Life and all of our proceeds go towards domestic violence. When I’m not engaged in musical endeavors, you can find me hanging out with friends, watching movies, and eating good food. I hope to someday travel outside the country. I’d love to visit Australia and see the Opera House. My go-to karaoke song is Moondance by Van Morrison, and my fingers are crossed that the jheri curl makes a comeback!
Jon Davis
Associate Pastor
I was drawn to saving faith in Jesus as a young man and He continues to win my devotion each new moment. That relationship is my greatest contentment and leads me to find ultimate joy in God’s purpose for every area of my life.
Notably, I love my wife, Kim, and enjoy taking walks and adventures alongside her. We married just before I entered active duty Air Force where I served as a firefighter. I’m a major movie buff and sucker for a good cup of coffee and genuine conversations.
I began pastoral ministry in Harrisburg, Illinois (1998) and graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2004). Over time, I’ve observed the post-Christian shift of younger adult generations becoming disenfranchised with the church as they’ve known it. Soon after Seminary, I sensed a call to new work dedicated to throwing off unnecessary and hindering church expectations in order to get real and get to work ministering the gospel. Among un-churched people, I can often sense a desperate desire for the good news of God’s gracious work through His Son and Spirit. I still relate to trying so often to fill that deeper desire for knowing God with so many lesser things.
From a relational viewpoint, I know that we, church people, have to find ways to get out from behind our walls and engage un-churched people with the hope we have in Christ. From a pastoral viewpoint, I consider some areas of reform deeply entrenched in our familiar church traditions and resolution for me has been to help start new churches with a missional mindset.
We moved to this area in 2006 from Harrisburg so I could join the firefighter ranks for the City of Alton. Soon after, Kim was hired as an early childhood teacher for the local school district. Since our arrival, we have given our attention and efforts to several missional church plants in the metro east always looking forward to partnering with one in Alton. We came alongside our daughter, Andi, and son, Dre, to partner in ministry with The Bridge back in its earliest stages. As we look back over our time with these people, we can see so many witnesses of God’s power and encouragement that leads us to praise Jesus all the more. I’m humbled when I think how my family has been refreshed by God’s hand in the support of so many people through our church and surrounding community over the years.
I consider it a sacred privilege each new day to partner with my brothers and sisters of The Bridge to minister the gospel of Jesus within our church and the Riverbend area that we all call “home”.
Shawna Phelps
Building Custodian
I grew up going to church with my grandmother as a young child and through my teenage years. I was taught about the love of Jesus throughout my childhood. As I grew into adolescence I always believed in God but did not fully grasp what following Jesus meant. In my thirties I cried out to God for guidance and understanding. My life began to change and my faith grew. I began to understand God's redemption story and the love of Christ. I started attending The Bridge in 2013 and have made many relationships with people over the years. That's what I love most about the church; knowing I have people who pray, encourage and point me to Jesus. My hope and prayer is that we continue to be the church Jesus calls us to be.
I joined the staff here in September 2018. I was previously working a full time job but I was searching for a part time job that would allow more time for me to help take care of my mother. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work for the church and help my mother.
I’ve lived in Upper Alton my entire life, but look forward to owning land one day in the future. Outside of work, I love to be outside in nature the most. I enjoy being in the country, boating at the lake, being with family- especially my wonderful husband Matt and our daughter Grace, having bbqs, playing games and listening to music; those are my happy places!
Hope Mader
Church Office Administrator
Natalie Runyon
Director of Women’s Ministry and Children’s Ministry
My family began attending The Bridge in 2017. We had a lot of "church hurt", but the grace we experienced here has helped us to heal, even if sometimes that process has been slower than we liked. I grew up in a Christian home and attended church multiple times a week. At a young age, I professed a faith in Christ, but as I got older I became rebellious and hard-hearted. I did not want to be accountable to anyone, and I hated the hypocrisy I saw in the church, so I determined I did not believe in the existence of God, and lived my life as I pleased. But our God is not distant, and He pursued me. His kindness led to my repentance.
I sensed a call to ministry in my late teens and thought I would be a missionary. God didn't send me abroad, but gave me a mission field in my own home. My husband Michael and I were married in the late 90’s and we have 10 children, both biological and adopted. After being a stay at home homeschool mom for 20 years, the Lord made it clear that my season was changing, and he had something new in store for me and my family. I joined the Bridge staff in early 2021.
My role as Ministry Assistant provides me the opportunity to be involved in nearly every ministry at The Bridge. I currently oversee Children's Ministry, liaison with our mission partners, maintain our social media presence, coordinate communication through announcements and other means, and support our ministry leaders. My favorite aspect of my position is leading Women's Ministry. The women at The Bridge truly love one another, and deeply desire to grow closer to the Lord and in their understanding of the Bible. It's a joy to be part of what God is doing here!
I’m always busy, but I try to make time for hiking and reading. I’m a foodie and enjoy cooking and I love trying new restaurants. Feeding people is my love language! Traveling is one of my favorite things, and I hope to visit every national park. I also enthusiastically overuse exclamation points and heart emojis!!!
Cathy Coffman
Event Coordinator
The Bridge is such a special place! I felt welcomed and loved from the very first Sunday. The people here are wonderful representatives of what the church should be. We make much of Jesus and we want to share our faith with others. I joined the staff of The Bridge in 2021 as Event Coordinator. I was already the Wedding Coordinator and planned dinners and events at the church when I was invited to join the staff. I have always enjoyed planning and hosting parties and I love to welcome people to our events.
I grew up in Alton, the youngest of six children. I was baptized in the Catholic Church as a baby. Our home was a place of faith. My Mother, the most influential person in my life, was a feisty little lady that had a love for her family that was fierce. She was funny and kind and had survived many hardships throughout her life. She and my Dad raised the six of us to work hard, have fun, love our family, and above all, be faith filled people. My education at St. Ambrose and Marquette High School all created a base for my growth and acceptance of Christ as my Savior. In 2004 I married Rich Coffman and together we have 7 children and 15 grandchildren. Family has always been important to me and I am so proud of ours.
I’m passionate about The Restore Network. I have been involved in their ministry for about 6 years and know that the work that they do with foster and adoptive families is amazing! Rich and I also own a business here in Alton- Sleep Systems Showrooms of America, so we stay busy, but we love to watch the St. Louis Cardinals as well as any sports team our grandkids are playing for. If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be Scotland!! I have a friend there that I have written to since high school. Rich and I made one trip to see her family and loved it but I would like to go back and spend more time with her and see more of that beautiful country.
Scott Helfrich
Video Engineer
I’m part of the Helfrich family. My brother, Steven, is the pastor of The Bridge and his wife, Daria, is my sister-in-law. I'm the goofy uncle to my niece Sophie and nephew Benny, and I like to spoil their dog, Ozzie. My parents, Tom and Kay, also attend and serve at The Bridge. My Nana tunes in to YouTube to watch the services. She is a master baker of pies and cookies and loves to see and pamper her family.
I was raised in a Christian home, and my parents, brother, Nana, and my great aunt and great uncle always shared with me about Jesus and his love. Through their teaching and example, I learned about the good news of the Gospel, and I realized what Jesus had done for me and the rest of the world. When I was 9 years old, I came forward on Mother's Day to declare my faith in Jesus and was baptized a month later on Father's Day. While I'm not always faithful, Jesus always is.
I started recording the church services on my own for The Bridge YouTube page back in 2013 as a way to archive the services and so my Nana could watch my brother preach when she was unable to attend in person. The church asked me to join the staff in a video role in 2021. I help run the live stream on Sunday mornings, archive the service to YouTube, upload a podcast of the sermon each week, and help create videos for social media.
Some random facts about me are that I'm a big fan of monkey bread. I also help run a swimming workout group at Lewis & Clark Community College. I enjoy watching hockey and root for the St. Louis Blues. Fall is the season I like best, and U2 is one of my favorite bands. I’ve seen them in concert 9 times.
Tom Helfrich
Elder
1. Why are you at The Bridge?
My wife and I joined our son Steven and his wife Daria as part of the core group responding to God's planting of the Bridge. We identify with the mission of the Bridge - Connecting people to God's indelible grace by loving them and pointing them to Jesus. We are blessed to see God working through our son and so many others at the Bridge as He draws people of all ages and backgrounds to His Son Jesus.
2. What do you love most about the Alton community?
I love the people, the history and the scenery. The people are friendly and quick to help one another. My wife Kay is an Illinois history teacher and has taught me (and many others) the importance of the Alton area in our history. If you want to know more about Alton, just ask Kay. The scenery unfolds around the Mississippi River as you first see this river city crossing the bridge and follow the scenic drive along the River Road, I think the bridge leading into Alton is one of the most beautiful bridges in the area especially at night when it is illuminated and it reminds me of the Bridge logo.
3. What is your favorite verse?
There are many from which to choose. One of my favorites is Matthew 6:33 which says - But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will added to you.
Matt Phelps
Elder
1. Why are you at The Bridge?
The Bridge family is where my family and I are able to connect with God's people and share the love of Christ Jesus with each other. God has blessed me in such an amazing way through the people of The Bridge. I've been prayed for, encouraged, and loved well by my brothers and sisters here. This is a body that is real and truly looks to Jesus in all things.
2. What do you love most about the Alton community?
Alton is an awesome city with a rich and beautiful history and has a diverse culture that I see God working in an amazing way, bringing His people together to Him. God is moving in an amazing way here and I love seeing God at work and want to be part of it.
3. What is your favorite verse?
Romans 5:6-8. “For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This is amazing grace and amazing love!
Dan Nickel
Elder
Alex Pfister
Elder
Nick Bifano
Sound Engineer
Mike Varner
Building Supervisor
Mike Solomon
Spiritual Care Coordinator
I have lived my entire life in this area and, specifically, I grew up in the small town of Brighton and attended Southwestern High School, known affectionately as “Cornfield High” by those of us who graduated from it. Later, I continued to live there until my wife, Gwen, and I moved to Godfrey in 2010. As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to leave the slow pace of small-town living; however, as I get older, I appreciate more and more the casual sense of community that small towns offer.
I wasn’t raised in a Christian household and the only times I remember going to church as a child were to attend weddings or funerals. That being said, my family did have a vague unspoken belief in God, though he was often presented as a loving but distant being who was more interested in our general morality than in any sort of personal relationship. By the time I started middle school, I had begun to ask myself, “Why should I believe in a being who offers me nothing and asks very little of me?” As I entered the seventh grade I declared that I was an atheist and I would remain so for, roughly, the next decade.
As I entered my college years, my studies of physics and environmental sciences began to draw some nagging conclusions. If what I was learning was true, then it meant that all life had begun by accident and, consequently, all life on Earth could be ended by another accident. It also meant that our universe would die one day in the distant future. If this conclusion was true it meant all life and human endeavor were meaningless, and that was something I couldn’t accept. One night, as I lay in bed pondering all these things in my head, I did something I hadn’t done in a long time—I prayed. The funny thing is that God showed up that night and I knew that He was real and that he loved me. Roughly a year later I was standing at the front of a church declaring my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and I haven’t looked back!
Flash forward to today where I have been involved in pastoral ministry for over a decade. We came to the Bridge on the heels of being hurt by a church and found the healing community that God knew we needed. What I love about the Bridge is that in all activities and decisions that this church makes, Christ is at the center. On a personal level, the Bridge is a place where I can use my gifts in ministry to the lost, the hurting, and the helpless.