After more than three decades of ministry among the poor and marginalized, the founders of a unique Texas congregation that meets beneath an interstate bridge have announced they are stepping down from leadership.

Jimmy and Janet Dorrell, founders of Church Under the Bridge in Waco, Texas, revealed that they will retire from their leadership roles shortly after Easter this year, bringing to a close more than 30 years of service to a congregation unlike almost any other in the country.

The couple shared the news in a heartfelt message posted to social media, reflecting on the countless relationships and moments that shaped the ministry since it first began.

“We have been so blessed to walk alongside so many poor and marginalized friends, as well as those whose wealth and privilege have tainted their understanding of the kingdom of God,” Jimmy Dorrell wrote.

“There have been so many funerals, weddings, letters to prisoners, meals, softball games, songs, and baptisms through these years, but even more hugs than all of those.”

Church Under the Bridge traces its origins back to the early 1990s, when the Dorrells began reaching out to homeless men who regularly slept beneath the Interstate 35 bridge in Waco. What started in 1993 as a simple breakfast meal and Bible study soon grew into a weekly worship gathering.

Over time, the unconventional ministry developed into a vibrant congregation of more than 225 people representing many different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

The church intentionally avoids many of the distinctions that often divide congregations, welcoming people from all walks of life to worship together.

“Church Under the Bridge attempts to avoid denomination, cultural, economic, or racial distinctions,” the church explains. “We welcome folks from wide and diverse backgrounds to love God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves.”

From the beginning, the church’s mission has centered on walking alongside those often overlooked by society.

“We are a church ‘with the poor and marginalized’ (not ‘for’),” Dorrell previously told The Christian Post. “Our goal is to include the ex-offender, mentally ill, homeless, addicts, and other marginalized.”

The ministry’s impact has grown steadily over the years. In 2017, the church celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special service that drew approximately 450 people—many of whom had been touched by the church’s unique mission.

While the Dorrells are stepping away from leadership, they made it clear that their service in ministry is far from over.

The couple plans to continue traveling internationally to serve impoverished communities through missions in places like Haiti, Mexico City, and South Asia. Jimmy Dorrell also plans to continue teaching at Baylor University and Truett Seminary, as well as speaking at churches.

Meanwhile, Janet hopes to devote more time to artistic projects.

The couple also looks forward to spending more time with their growing family.

“Together we will love on our 11 grandchildren,” Dorrell shared, adding that another granddaughter was expected to be born soon.

Even as they pass the leadership baton, the Dorrells say they will remain active members of the congregation they helped build—continuing the mission they began more than 30 years ago beneath a bridge in Waco.