Darin Avery, Pastor
Darin became our lead pastor in August 2010. Before that he helped launch Bridge Church in 2007 serving in the role of Worship and Students pastor. Darin and his wife Deborah were married in 2007 one month after the launch of Bridge Church. They have three great kids: Landon, Emmaline, and Isaac. Darin has a Bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University, as well as masters and doctoral degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Since 2018 Darin has also served Bridge’s local church network, The Greater Cleveland Baptist Association, as Associational Mission Strategist. In this role he helps utilize shared resources between nearly fifty churches to encourage pastors, train leaders, and develop gospel partnerships to reach greater Cleveland and beyond. For fun the Averys enjoy hanging out with other families and friends, bike riding, swimming at the outdoor YMCA, and exploring Lake County’s many beautiful Metro Parks.
Tom Lang, Elder
Tom and his wife Martha are charter members of Bridge Church and are active in virtually every aspect of our church’s life. Tom was installed as an elder July 1, 2012. A career mechanic, Tom has been leading small groups since before he and his family joined the launch team of Bridge Church in 2006, and he occasionally preaches in pastor Darin’s absence. He and Martha are the proud parents of two grown children, Brittany and Spencer, and the completely enamored grandparents of Grayson and Levi.
Kyle Pesec, Elder Apprentice
Throughout my time here at Bridge, God has placed many avenues and people in my life that have helped me mature in my faith and learn what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus. Attending Sunday service, connecting with other believers through small groups and fellowships – in addition to regular time in God’s word and prayer – have been huge blessings in my life and have continually helped me to grow as a Christian. Almost three years ago God blessed me with my wife Hannah, who as a baptized believer also became a member of Bridge Church and has come alongside me in actively serving and being involved here.
Because of how God has worked in my life using the church body to disciple me, I have a strong desire to help disciple and serve others.
I know that it is in His strength that I am able to serve and glorify Him in the various ways He has put before me already, and I feel God will continue to use His power through me to help shepherd our church.
Kyle Was installed as a Elder Apprentice on April 27, 2025.