In 1998, Michael left a successful law practice to plant the Bridge Christian Fellowship (previously called, Cahaba Christian Fellowship) in Irondale, Alabama. The Bridge was established as an independent, non-denominational church with the express intention of helping to bridge the gap between the mainline denominational church and the charismatic/pentecostal church world. Starting in the basement of the French home, the Bridge has grown from 10 individuals, into a congregation of approximately 250 people.
 


  About Me

Michael was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1965 and moved to Alabama with his family when he was six (6) years old. Upon their return to Alabama, the family first settled down in a town called Walnut Grove (not the same sort of pioneer town as the Ingles, but our Walnut Grove probably had a smaller population). Michael atttended elementary school and junior high at West End (Etowah County) and graduated from Tabernacle Christian Academy in Gadsden, Alabama.

Upon completion of high school, Michael attended Jacksonville State University and graduated in 1985 with a degree in Political Science. Michael went on to earn his Masters in Public Administration at JSU and served there as President of the Student Government Association. Following completion of his Master's degree, he attended the University of Alabama School of Law where he graduated in 1989.
Michael began a successful law career in Birmingham, Alabama immediately upon completion of law school. By 1990 he had joined with two other attorneys to form the law firm of Scofield, West and French. Anticipating the liklihood of leaving the practice of law, Michael returned to solo practice after approximately 8 years with the firm and he left full time practice for the ministry shortly thereafter.
Michael is married to the former, Elisa Nell Trott, of Chelsea, Alabama. They have four handsome sons: Joshua (b.October1, 1991), Caleb (b. March 5, 1993), Jacob (b. January 4, 1995) and Noah (b. May 26, 1997). Michael's parents, Bill and Joyce French, were the founders of Advocate Ministries, currently based in Birmingham, Alabama. Elisa's parents, Raymond and Nell Trott live in Westover, Alabama.
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