Dr. Michael A. Bridges
Dr. Michael A. Bridges, a native of Gaffney, South Carolina, attended the public schools of Cherokee County beginning at Alma Elementary School and graduating from Gaffney High School. He was a star athlete who especially excelled in football. Upon graduation, he entered Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina on a football scholarship where he received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology. He later attended Heavens Avenue Baptist Seminary in Shelby, North Carolina where he received his Master of Divinity (M. Div.) and Doctorate of Divinity (D.D.) degrees.
Dr. Bridges acknowledged the call to preach on March 17, 1996 and began his interim year as pastor in June 1998. He was later installed as the pastor of his home church, Concord Baptist Church, in June of 1999 where he has served for 24 years. Under his leadership, the church continues to grow, building upon the work of his predecessors. Pastor Bridges continues to make God’s vision a reality. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Dr. Bridges is also serving as a chaplain for the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, as a member of the the Cherokee County School District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and is on his third term as a part of the Cherokee County Community Foundation Board. He has also served on various boards including the 2020 Cherokee County Visioning and Strategic Planning Committee. He is the Immediate Past Moderator of the Thickety Mountain Baptist Association.
Dr. Bridges and his wife Denise are proud parents of two children: Micaela and John Michael. He is an anointed man of God whose ultimate goal is reaching the lost for Christ.