PERSONAL PROFILE

Rev. Dr. Sonny Bridges was born December 14th to the union of the late Deacon Julius and the late Corine Bridges in Monticello, Mississippi. He is the eighth of thirteen children. He is married to the former Janice Bryant, and the Lord has blessed them with five children: daughters Yashaka and Yalexis; sons Terrance, Stevin, and Jaquia; two daughters-in-law, Christe and Rashida; and twelve grandchildren: Alexis Victoria, Jaylyn John, Braylyn Joshua, Peyton Isaiah, Zion Jaquia, Jabraton Jeremiah, Zavian Matthew, Denzel, Sonie Yabrea, Trinity Ellyse, Noah D’wan, and J’hari Elijah.
Rev. Bridges acknowledged his calling into the ministry in early 1977 while he was a member of St. John Baptist Church in Oceanside, California. He preached his first sermon on May 14, 1977, using Matthew 5:38-42 as the scripture reference and the theme “God Is Calling Us to Go a Second Mile.” Following that sermon, the late Rev. Harrison Fletcher immediately licensed him.

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Rev. Bridges has served in numerous ministry capacities throughout his years of service. His experience includes Youth Pastor of St. John Baptist Church in Oceanside, California; Associate Minister of the United Baptist Church in Okinawa, Japan, where he was ordained on January 14, 1979 under the pastorate of Rev. L. F. Stephenson; Associate Minister of Union Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia; Youth Pastor of New Testament Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia; Youth Pastor of Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Newton, Georgia; and Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Okinawa, Japan from 1980 to 1986.

EDUCATION & FORMATION

Rev. Bridges continued his higher educational studies through Columbia International University and Chapman University in San Diego, California. His studies included English, Reading, Mathematics, and ministerial preparation. He also attended Liberty University’s Master of Divinity Program and later enrolled in an Advanced Graduate Studies special program created at Columbia International University for experienced pastors. Through that advanced program, Rev. Bridges successfully mastered the educational requirements without a previously earned bachelor’s degree. He later earned his Doctor of Theology and an Honorary Degree in Christian Education from the International School of Religion in Richmond, Virginia. His educational background reflects both formal study and decades of practical ministry, teaching, leadership, and service.

MILITARY SERVICE

Rev. Bridges proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years and retired at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. His military service helped shape a disciplined approach to leadership, responsibility, mentorship, and service that has continued throughout his ministry and professional life.

SERVICE & LEADERSHIP

Rev. Bridges is a revivalist who has preached extensively throughout the United States. He has served as President of the Church Union, President of the Lower Richland Ministerial Alliance, Treasurer of the Wateree Baptist Association Upper Division, and Instructor of the Ministers Division in the Wateree Baptist Association. He also presently teaches in the South Carolina Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Bridges has served as an educator at Granby Educational Center, where he specialized in Special Education. He also worked as a Mentor/Behavior Manager, collaborating with a variety of youths at Columbia’s Children Home. His service reflects a continuing commitment to ministry, education, youth development, leadership, and community involvement.

Pastor Bridges is currently Moderator of the Kingston Lake Missionary Baptist Church Union, which consists of 37 churches. He presently serves as Pastor of Bethlehem #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Conway, South Carolina, continuing a ministry centered on preaching, teaching, Christian education, and servant leadership.

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE
Revelation 22:12 — “and behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as its work shall be.”
MOTTO
“SERVING THE LORD WILL PAY OFF AFTER WHILE”