By Derek Spellman

dspellman@joplinglobe.com

By design, The Bridge employs an unconventional approach to missionary work, its officials say.

The multimillion-dollar building at 3405 S. Hammons Blvd. boasts climbing walls, a basketball court, a skate park, an arcade, a concert venue and a cafe.

But Bridge workers say those features are only tools that help them attract teens in a crowded cultural landscape. The goal of the Christian youth organization, they say, is for Bridge workers to connect with young people first through the activities, get to know them and then invite them to learn about Christ.

Participating in the Christian activities is optional, but for those who want to participate, weekly Bible study groups, worship services, and Christian books and Bibles are available, according to a statement from Dan Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of the center.

The Bridge has acknowledged that its approach is novel, but the staff argues that a novel approach is needed for youth ministries.

It is an argument that likely will play out this year in a Newton County court, as The Bridge seeks to recoup about $130,000 in local taxes that the State Tax Commission has ruled it should pay to the county.

Paying under protest

The Bridge has paid, under protest, about $66,000 in real-estate and personal-property taxes owed for 2007. It mailed payment for the 2008 taxes on Wednesday, and that, too, was under protest, said Lindsay Matush, executive director for The Bridge.

“These are taxes we believe we should be exempt from,” she said.

Matush said The Bridge will petition Newton County Circuit Court to review whether the property is taxable. The petition will argue that The Bridge should be exempt as a not-for-profit, religious organization. The Bridge has 90 days from the time it paid the taxes to file the petition, and a judge will determine whether The Bridge should pay taxes and, if so, how much.

The Bridge will contend that it has precedent on its side, Matush said. She noted that it qualified for tax-exempt status when it was located in Jasper County. Before opening in March 2006 at its current location, The Bridge operated for several years at 3411 N. Range Line Road. At that location, it offered ramps for skateboarding, skating and biking; a climbing wall; game tables; a computer lab; and a small concert space.

“It’s exactly the same. We just get to serve more teens,” Matush said of the new, larger building.

Lisa Perry, administrative assistant for the Jasper County assessor’s office, confirmed that The Bridge received tax-exempt status while operating at 3411 N. Range Line Road because officials determined that it constituted a not-for-profit organization using its property for religious purposes.