Gateway Life | April 2015

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH Pastor Robert shares how Gateway Church began. p. 8

APRIL 2015

EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME

BEHIND THE MUSIC

GATEWAY TODAY

Salvations, baptisms, and attendance at Gateway over the last 15 years. p. 6

The story of Gateway Worship.

Looking for your place at Gateway?

You’re sure to find it here. p. 16

p. 12

PLUS: A SPECIAL TIMELINE OF GATEWAY’S HISTORY. p. 10

CONTENTS APRIL 2015

COMMENTS

2 WELCOME 3 15 YEARS OF TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD F E AT U R E S

6

EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME

Salvations, baptisms, and attendance at Gateway over the last 15 years.

8 12 16

I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH

Pastor Robert shares how Gateway Church began.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

The story of Gateway Worship.

GATEWAY TODAY

Looking for your place at Gateway? You’re sure to find it here.

10

GATEWAY THROUGH THE YEARS

18

ANNOUNCEMENTS

24

LONGTIME STAFF MEMBERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE GATEWAY MEMORIES

DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY LIFE APP AND READ GATEWAY LIFE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Now available for iPhone, Android phones, iPad, and Kindle Fire.

For more information, visit gatewaylifemag.com.

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

WELCOME

WELCOME to GATEWAY LIFE I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW PROUD I AM TO

celebrate Gateway Church’s 15th anniversary! My connection with Gateway dates back more than 20 years, when Tom Lane (Trinity Fellowship’s executive senior pastor at the time) and I came to Grand Prairie to meet the leaders at Shady Grove Church. That’s when I met

gateway life gatewaylifemag.com David Smith, Thomas Miller, Senior Pastoral Oversight Lawrence Swicegood, Editor-in-Chief project management Tracey Schwellinger

Robert Morris, and we hit it off immediately. Pastor Robert describes the experience as finding brothers he didn’t know he had, and we felt the same way.

Over the years, we became very close friends, and eventually he came to work for me at Trinity Fellowship Association of Churches as he waited to see where and when God would lead him to plant a church and become its senior pastor. Then one day he told me that the Lord had spoken to him and he was supposed to start a church in Southlake.

editorial Stacy Burnett, Managing Editor Daniel Hopkins, Senior Writer/Editor Shea Tellefsen, Staff Writer/Editor Katie Smith, Staff Writer Sydnie Shreffler, Staff Writer Georgette Shuler, Copy Editor

At the time, Southlake was kind of a remote community without the infrastructure it has today. I have to say I was more than a little shocked.

But Pastor Robert was insistent and I was on board. And, of course, he was right!

My wife, Karen, and I entered into a covenant agreement with Pastor Robert and Debbie that we would plant Gateway Church and support them in any way we could.

We formalized the agreement with a handshake and Gateway began. It is incredible what has happened since.

That’s what this issue of Gateway Life celebrates. In these pages you’ll read all about Gateway’s vision, history, and its worldwide impact.

We are so thankful to have been a part of it, and we are also very proud of our dear friends Pastor Robert and Debbie Morris. They have done an outstanding job as leaders of such a wonderful group of people.

Karen and I want to congratulate Gateway—the elders, staff, leadership, and congregation—on your 15th anniversary. You are our family and friends.

We have loved being a part of Gateway and stay committed to the covenant agreement as Gateway continues to do the work of the kingdom of God.

Jimmy Evans Senior Elder of Trinity Fellowship Church and Gateway Apostolic Elder

art Shane Dennehey, Creative Director Tim Lautensack, Art Director/Designer Megan White, Designer Katrina Sirmon, Production Designer David Phillips, Print Coordinator

photography Cory Hale

OUR VISION is to see people saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving.

2 APRIL 2015

Tell Me Something Good 15 YEARS OF

Since Gateway started 15 years ago, our motto has remained the same: we’re all about people. Because of this, we’ve heard thousands of great stories about God’s faithfulness and goodness. Here are just a few of our favorites from over the years.

We are so encouraged by them and hope you will be too. said, ‘Choose Me. Give Me your life.’

I started going to Gateway, and my life was changed. One Sunday during worship I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned around and you know who it was? My old meth dealer! Seeing him was just evidence that God redeems everything. He really does make all things new!”

Kelly Magouirk | 2005

“When Gateway opened the North Fort Worth Campus, I was already familiar with the building. Years ago, when it was a Winn Dixie supermarket, I was arrested inside for drug possession. For years, drugs controlled my life and made me feel

“I have nothing to offer You, but I’ll give You all I have.”

so dead. I had tried every method of getting clean, but nothing worked until I told God, ‘I have nothing to offer You, but I’ll give You all I have.’

That’s when I heard God speak to me for the first time in my life. He

“I found Gateway because I grew up in Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo. I’d been a member for a about a year before Pastor Robert did the first miracle offering. He taught The Blessed Life and at that time it was a short series. When I prayed I felt like God told me to give my entire savings as an offering. At that time, being single, it was pretty daunting to think that I was about to give my nest egg. I was in a life group and I received two words after our prayer time. Both said, ‘You’re about to experience one of the greatest blessings that you will experience in your life.’ I had been at my company for four or five years when it sold for a great profit. When I found out the amount of my bonus—which I could not have known until the sale was

complete—it ended up being exactly ten times the amount I had given in the first miracle offering.”

Jill Eden | 2008

“It started at Habitation and was just an amazing blessing that grew exponentially larger. I was going through a divorce and realized I had an immediate need for an attorney, but I had no idea how to come up with the money to just talk to one.

The only answer I had was that God was going to have to provide. I went to Habitation and they started sharing, receiving, and giving. I stood up for prayer because I had a big need. I was in line not even ten minutes, and people started handing me gifts. My son and I left with $1,246. My attorney heard my story and doubled the amount, then worked with me to set up a payment plan for $500 a month.

Gateway is committed to seeing every person BELIEVING in Jesus, BELONGING to family, BECOMING a disciple, and BUILDING His kingdom.

For Gateway’s complete mission statement, visit mission.gatewaypeople.com.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

“I was in line “Through not even ten Gateway and minutes, and its ministry, people started I was healed handing me and set free.” gifts.” its ministry, I was healed and set free.

After a year, my balance was $23,000, but he told me to start making my payments to a 529 account. It’s a college fund for my son! God used Habitation and this man to bless us, turning a debt into an investment in a matter of minutes!”

Sarah Tiemann | 2012

“Due to disappointments I had faced, I became an alcoholic and eventually thought about ending my life. In a last attempt, I decided to step into church and cried out to God in worship. He immediately answered and

saved me from my addiction. Soon after, my family moved to Texas and found Gateway. As soon as I walked in the Frisco Campus, I knew it was home. I’ve never walked into a church and immediately felt accepted. For so long, I felt like all eyes at other churches were on me and people would judge me if they knew about my past. Here, people accepted me even more so because of my past, and I learned it didn’t disqualify me from anything. Gateway became a safe place for me. Through Gateway and

4 APRIL 2015

I’m struck every day by the fact that God not only brought me here but He brought me into my calling to serve students through my testimony.”

Nichole Easley | 2010

“When I was 22, I found myself pregnant and in an abusive relationship. One night I decided to end the relationship and surrendered my life to Christ. A few weeks later, I walked into Gateway Church for the first time, and I never felt judged for my past or like my mistakes were under a microscope. My outlook changed drastically when I memorized Jeremiah 29:11, ‘“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”’ I knew God had a plan for me. Now, I’m married to a man who loves the Lord and loves me. I have been healed and encouraged, and—more importantly—I can pass that on to my children.”

Makenzie Beaver | 2012

“I came to Gateway after meeting Casey Webb at a Guitar Center. I was going through a really hard time in my life, coming off a drug addiction

“I PRAYED TO RECEIVE CHRIST AND A HUGE BURDEN WAS LIFTED OFF OF ME.”

and dealing with depression. Casey genuinely wanted to help me, and he wanted nothing in return. He told me about Gateway and what Christ had done to save me and take away my burdens. I prayed to receive Christ and a huge burden was lifted off of me. Shortly after that, I brought my parents with me to Gateway and they got saved. Then others around me began to meet Christ too, all because of the change that God was making in me. It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for Gateway.”

Mike Montes | 2005

“I believed in God when I came to Gateway, but there was a lot more I had to learn about marriage, being a father, and being a man. I didn’t

“THROUGH FREEDOM MINISTRIES, I BECAME PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING MY SON, MYSELF, AND OTHER YOUNG MEN.” have a father figure around when I was growing up—my dad left when I was young, and I didn’t have much of a relationship with him. Through Freedom Ministries, I became passionate about helping my son, myself, and other young men. Then one day,

my father called from Tulsa and said he was dying and wanted me to come forgive him. After praying and talking to some of the guys here at Gateway, I took the kids to see him.

I told my dad I forgave him and he got saved. When I say this church makes a difference and that it has made a difference in my life, I mean it. Being a father can be so different if you know the Father!”

James Coffey | 2010

“After years of battling endometrial growth, my doctors said it had returned and would have apermanent, negative impact on me. My husband and I started to pray for healing and reached out to the Gateway Prayer and Altar Ministry teams as well as our friends and family. Two months later, I went back for tests, and the first one showed that not only did the growth stop, my kidney function had been restored. Secondly, the most important test showed that the growth was gone. The radiologist said it looked like it had been surgically removed. I’d had pain for years, and now I am pain-free because God really does hear our prayers.”

Shelly Bartunek | 2011

“A friend of mine invited me to a guys event at Gateway, and at the time, I was separated from my wife, depressed, and completely lost. I remember walking in and seeing thousands of men with their hands up in worship who just seemed happy.

The speaker talked about how we are all sinners, but He still loves

“For the first time in my life I finally knew real love.”

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

sociology. Currently, I’m in my fourth year of teaching sixth graders, and I’ve been nominated for Teacher of the

us all. I thought God hated me, but that night I came to understand the truth. So when the pastor invited me to give my life to the Lord, I did.

For the first time in my life I finally knew real love.”

Juan | 2013

“What drew me to the Freedom Ministries at Gateway Church was the idea that there is freedom in Christ because I had not fully experienced that. I had a lot of pain and doubt from a childhood spent in a cult. When I walked into a freedom class for the first time, a volunteer handed me a bookmark that says, ‘Who I am in Christ: accepted, secure, and significant.’ Freedom ministry at Gateway gets your past out in the open and allows Christ to shed His truth on all of your past hurts. It really gives you a new perspective. It taught me to stand toe-to-toe with the past and let Christ do the healing.”

“OUR LIVES ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN IF GATEWAY HAD NOT REACHED OUT TO US.” Year twice! Our lives are completely different than they would have been if Gateway had not reached out to us.”

Allison Hunter | 2003

“I am going through one of the greatest times in my life due, in part, to Gateway Church and Gateway Groups. Being a widow is not always easy, but I joined two groups to meet new people. The members are great, and they come from all walks of life.

The groups I belong to are always giving so much of themselves by their love, prayers, and support. I believe this is the ‘food’ of life and one of the basics of a great church.”

Mary Grant | 2005

Anna Heyen | 2007

“I represent the amazing changes that God can make in a family’s life through the Single Parents Grant Program, which is designed to take single parents out of the poverty cycle and help them earn a degree. I was close to graduating already but felt so beaten up by the world and my circumstances that I didn’t have any strength left to persevere. Then the Single Parents Grant Program threw me a lifeline. I graduated in 2005 with my bachelor’s degree in

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 5

WHO’S COUNTING? EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS, we’ve faithfully counted. Being a church that’s all about people, we count every person that walks through our doors and into the history of Gateway. We count people because people count.

We know that every number has a name, and every name has a story of how their life has been changed

by God and through the ministry of Gateway Church. God is so good for letting us partner with Him in changing lives. Take a look at the salvation, baptism, and attendance numbers from the past 15 years at Gateway.

SALVATIONS* 2014

3,528

2013

4,775

2012 2014 2011 2013 2010 2012 2009 2011 2008 2010 2007 2009 2006 2008 2005 2007

3,534 3,528 2,918 4,775 3,894 3,534 2,017 2,918 2,300 3,894 1,622 2,017 1,547 2,300 1,200 + 1,622

MORE THAN 27,000 PEOPLE HAVE ACCEPTED CHRIST. 2006

2005 *These records do not include data from 2000–2004.

BAPTISMS*

1,547

1,200 +

2014

1,772

2013

1,428

2012 2014 2011 2013 2010 2012 2009 2011 2008 2010 2007 2009 2006 2008 2005 2007 2004 2006

1,671 1,772 1,300 1,428 481 1,671 480 1,300 385 481 450 480 205 385 93 450 214 205

2005

93

2004

214

MORE THAN 8,000 PEOPLE HAVE PUBLICALLY DECLARED THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST THROUGH BAPTISM. *These records do not include data from 2000–2003.

6 APRIL 2015

AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE* 30,000

67.2% 193.6% 66.5%

50.9%

22.8%

16.3%

22.4%

8.5%

16.8%

28.9% 15.49% 21.65% 14.43%

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

*These records do not include data from 2000.

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 7

by ROBERT MORRIS

“I want you to build a church of 30,000 people, which reaches 300,000 in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. I also want this church to reach 3 million people in Texas, 30 million people in America, and 300 million people around the world.”

GOD GAVE ME THIS VISION for ministry

in a dream one night in 1993. I had been reading through the Bible during my quiet time, and the very next morning I read 1 Samuel 11:8: “When he numbered them … the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.”

Immediately, the Lord confirmed in my heart the dream I had the night before was from Him! At the time, I was on staff at Shady Grove Church (which is now our Grand Prairie Campus), and Pastor Olen Griffing, the founding senior pastor, had been talking to me about being a senior pastor one day. Almost seven years later, I went to the Prayer Center to spend a day with the Lord, and He started speaking to me about planting a church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, northwest of Shady Grove. I shared what the Lord had spoken to me with Pastor Olen. He was disappointed to see me leave but knew it was the Lord. Pastor Olen and the elders gave me their blessing and said they thought it would be a good idea if I traveled and rested for a season before planting a church, so they graciously gave me a two-month sabbatical with pay.

Later that day, I called my friend, Pastor Jimmy Evans, to let him know I was taking a break and traveling some. I told him I wasn’t jumping into a new church plant right away, so I was available if he needed me to

8 APRIL 2015

come speak. Pastor Jimmy immediately said, “I want you to travel and speak to our Trinity Fellowship Association of Churches [about 70 churches]. Whatever Shady Grove has been paying you, I’ll pay you.” I had resigned not knowing where my next paycheck was going to come from, and within a few hours, I was hired

by Trinity Fellowship Church at the exact same salary.

I obeyed the Lord’s leading and stepped out in faith, and God immediately provided. It’s like I had taken a step, but my back foot left before my front foot landed. To me, it was another confirmation the Lord was in this.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

The Lord gave me the name for Gateway Church in my quiet time one morning. A few days later, I came across the twenty-eighth chapter of Genesis. In this passage, Jacob had a dream where he saw heaven open up and angels ascending and descending between heaven and earth. In this dream, Jacob had an encounter with God Himself in which God made a remarkable promise to him. When he woke up, he exclaimed, “Surely the Lord is in this place …. What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!”

(Genesis 28:16–17, NLT). That one phrase leapt out at me—the very gateway to heaven.

That was exactly what I wanted for Gateway. I wanted it to be a place where people encountered the presence of God. Where people who had never experienced the love, power, and peace of God would feel His presence the moment they walked in the door, and they would declare, “Surely the Lord is in this place!”

I had been feeling like Southlake was the place we were to begin the church, and Debbie and I were driving out there to have dinner with some friends one night. Right as we were taking the exit onto Southlake Boulevard, I said to her, “I feel like the Lord gave me the name of the church.”

“Oh! What is it?” she asked.

“Gateway!” Right at that moment, we saw a huge sign that said, “Coming soon! Gateway Shopping Plaza.” (It’s the same shopping plaza that’s there now, but it wasn’t built yet. There was just a sign.)

We picked up our friends, and I began telling them about the name and seeing the sign. We drove back to show them the sign, but when we looked over to see it, there was no sign.

We thought maybe we couldn’t see it from that angle because we were driving in a different direction. So after we ate, we drove back and took the exact same exit. As we turned left to drive over the bridge, I said, “Look, you’ll be able to see it really well.” But there was no sign. We never saw that sign again.

THE FIRST SERVICE

God was equally vocal and specific about the timing of our first service.

In the early months of 2000, Debbie and I were praying about when we should have our first service. One day, I was reading a book in one part of the house, and Debbie was reading a book in another part of the house. In the book she was reading, there was a story about a church that had its first service on Easter. Instantly, the Lord spoke to her and said, “Gateway’s first service should be on Easter.” In the book I was reading, a pastor was praying for revival, and the Lord told him, “I’m going to send revival to the church on Easter.” At that moment, the Lord said to me, “Start on Easter.”

Immediately, I went into the other room and said to Debbie, “I know when we’re supposed to start the church! The Lord just spoke to me.”

And she said, “Well, the Lord just told me too.”

“What did He tell you?”

“Easter,” she said.

And of course, I agreed, “Easter.”

Right after that I was talking to Pastor Jimmy on the phone, and I told him the Lord gave us the date we were to start the church. And he said, “Well, I know when you’re supposed to start the church because He told me too.”

“Well, what did He tell you?”

I asked.

“Easter.”

A short time later, I was leading a prophetic meeting with Pastor Wayne Drain. He asked a man to stand up and started giving him a word when he suddenly stopped, turned around and said, “Robert, the Lord says, ‘Easter, Easter, Easter.’” And he turned right back around and kept giving the word to the man.

These confirmations proved what the Bible says: “‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

be established’” (Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1).

There was no dispute. Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000, would be Gateway’s first service.

CONFIRMING THE PROMISE

Three months after we planted the church, I was having my quiet time and was again reading through the Bible. I had forgotten about the scripture the Lord used to confirm the dream He gave me seven years earlier until I got to 1 Samuel 11. I read those words again, “When he numbered them … the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand.”

The Lord said to me, “I’m going to remind you what I’ve called you to do. I’m going to confirm these numbers to you again.” Right then, I remembered that when we planted the church, Trinity Fellowship gave us $30,000 to start.

Later, that same day, I had lunch with a man who had visited our church twice, and at the end of the lunch he said, “My family and I are going to join the church, and we’re excited about it! Every now and then, we have some resources we can sow into the kingdom. The Lord put an amount on my heart, and I want to give this to the church.” He handed me a check and said, “He told me to tell you this amount is going to confirm something to you.” I thanked him and told him how grateful we were.

We said goodbye, and after I got in my car, I reached into my pocket and pulled out the check—it was for $300,000! The Lord had confirmed both numbers that He had given me in a dream seven years before!

There’s no doubt in my mind these numbers are from God. He wants to do something, and my part is to passionately serve Him with all my heart. It’s up to God to accomplish His word; it’s up to me to obey! In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “I will build My church.” Another way of looking at is, “I [Jesus] will [meaning there’s no doubt] build [He’s the One doing the building; I’m not the one doing the building] My [it belongs to Him] church [it’s a body; it’s all of us; it takes all of us to do it].” I knew God was telling me if I would take care of the depth of my relationship

September 27, 1994 Pastor Robert Morris at Shady Grove Church (now the Gateway Grand Prairie Campus) writing down the vision God gave him for ministry.

with Him—by having a personal, daily, intimate, thriving relationship with Jesus Christ—He would take care of the width of my ministry. He would take care of the numbers.

HE’S STILL THE ONE

When we started Gateway, the first message I preached was about Jacob recognizing the presence of God and His presence in our lives even when we don’t know He’s there. Fifteen years later, we still see God here, and we recognize His presence. He’s here through worship, through kids ministry, through equip classes, through freedom ministry, through groups, and many more ministries! He’s the One who’s made the difference in Gateway Church for 15 years. GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 9

Happy

ANNIVERSARY Gateway Church!

A LOOK BACK ON 15 YEARS OF CHANGED LIVES GATEWAY CHURCH HAS COME A LONG WAY

in 15 years. From humble beginnings in Pastor Robert’s living room with 30 people to last year’s Easter services with more than 50,000 attendees, our church continues on a journey full of high points and important milestones.

The thousands who have come through our doors are more than numbers, they’re people with stories, and Gateway’s vision is to see people saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving. It all goes back to our motto: “we’re all about people.” Why? Because we’re all about God, and He’s all about people. Join us as we take a look back at 15 years of highlights.

1999

SEPTEMBER 16

God gave Pastor Robert the vision for Gateway.

2000

FEBRUARY

Pastor Robert began meeting with a group of 30 people in his living room to pray for the direction of the ministry.

2001

MARCH

APRIL 9

Elders of Trinity Fellowship Church released Pastor Robert to start Gateway.

Worship at Christ Our King Church.

APRIL 23

First Gateway service at the Hilton Hotel in Grapevine (180 people attended).

MAY

Gateway Kids (now Amazing Kids).

Gateway began meeting at Christ Our King Church on Saturday nights.

JULY 15

Gateway began meeting at A World of Learning preschool.

2002

FEBRUARY

2003

APRIL 18–20

Easter services (2,500 people attended).

2004

APRIL 9–11

2005

MARCH 25–27

2006

APRIL 14–16

MAY 31–JUNE 1 Presbytery service.

Easter services (5,171 people attended).

MAY 19 Move into original Southlake Campus.

Easter services (9,200 people attended).

APRIL 29

SPRING

Easter services (11,077 people attended).

SEPTEMBER 7–9

NOVEMBER Launch of Studio G magazine.

First Gateway Global Ministry Trip to Managua, Nicaragua.

Groundbreaking for Gateway’s original Southlake Campus at 2121 E Southlake Blvd.

DECEMBER

First Gateway Worship live recording (Living For You).

OCTOBER 27

Global Ministries launched its first magazine.

First Pink Impact.

Gateway’s third annual Fall Festival.

2007

FEBRUARY 17

Groundbreaking for NRH Campus.

2008

MARCH 21–23

2009

JANUARY

2010

APRIL 2–4

Easter services (16,364 people attended).

Average weekly attendance reached 10,468.

Easter services (20,733 people attended).

MAY

MARCH 26–28

APRIL 29–30

APRIL 6–8

Easter services (14,550 people attended).

SEPTEMBER 21

A weekend service at the original Southlake Campus.

Gateway Worship live recording (God Be Praised).

OCTOBER 26

JULY

2011

APRIL 22–24

Easter services (28,715 people attended).

MAY 12–14

Pink Impact.

Gateway Worship live recording (Wake Up the World).

APRIL 10–12

NOVEMBER 17–18

Frisco Campus opened.

NOVEMBER

First Alpha Summit (now Men’s Summit) at the current Southlake Campus.

NOVEMBER NRH Campus opened.

Groundbreaking for the current Southlake Campus.

Easter services (20,078 people attended).

First service in current Southlake Campus.

Habitation service.

2012

APRIL 6–8

Easter services (32,856 people attended).

MAY 4

SEPTEMBER

Gateway launched our first church plant in Scottsdale, Arizona.

OCTOBER 15–16 Gateway Worship live recording (Forever Yours).

JULY

Launch of our bimonthly magazine, Gateway Life.

2013

FEBRUARY

Average weekly attendance reached 17,094.

DECEMBER

North Fort Worth Campus started meeting in the Fossil Ridge High School auditorium.

2015

APRIL 3–5

Gateway celebrates Easter with 43 services across five campuses.

APRIL 25–26 Easter services (50,605 people attended).

Grand Prairie Campus opened.

Easter services (39,513 people attended).

JULY

Gateway Life became a monthly, campusspecific publication.

DECEMBER 12–14

JULY

AUGUST Gateway’s Christmas production It’s a Life … and It’s Wonderful drew more than 40,000 people with 545 salvations.

APRIL 18–20

MARCH

MARCH 29–31

Inaugural Gateway Conference (2,432 people attended).

2014

North Fort Worth Campus opened.

Gateway’s Christmas production Truthical drew more than 41,000 people with 819 salvations.

Gateway celebrates 15 years of ministry.

The Gateway Worship team leads the congregation in April 2008.

BEHIND THE MUSIC THE STORY OF GATEWAY WORSHIP

by Daniel Hopkins WHEN PASTOR THOMAS MILLER was hired to be Gateway’s worship pastor 15 years ago, he made a list of all the things he hoped to do through Gateway Worship. On this list, he held nothing back—the sky was the limit.

It was a rather unorthodox approach to taking the job because at the time, Gateway’s attendance was around 100 people, and his list included highlevel musical productions, album releases, choirs, a songwriting community, and a training program for worship team members. “The Lord told me to write these things down,”

12 APRIL 2015

he says, “but I wasn’t sure what was going to happen or how it was going to look in the end.”

He set up a meeting with Pastor Robert and presented his grand vision for Gateway Worship. “That sounds great—let’s do it,” Pastor Robert responded simply. And with that, Gateway Worship was born.

Now, on Gateway’s 15th anniversary, every huge goal on Thomas’s list has been reached—and exceeded.

There have been many key moments along the way—including the first time he led worship at Gateway.

“Pastor Robert was on his knees with his hands raised, pouring his heart out,” says Thomas. “It confirmed to me that he’s the worship leader. And I knew that because of his heart we would see God give Gateway a strong culture of worship.”

Through the years, powerful times of worship have become synonymous with Gateway Church.

Much of that has to do with Thomas’s vision to develop leaders who have a heart for worship—a vision he’s had since there were only a few leaders to develop. “I remember when the worship team would gather together

for family time each weekend and all of us were able to fit into a small room,” says Tim Sheppard, executive pastor of worship artistry. Nowadays, you would need a warehouse to hold all of Gateway’s worship leaders and musicians. Gateway has expanded to five campuses with services being held almost daily, and the worship department is able to draw from more than 400 committed worship leaders and musicians.

As Gateway has grown, each campus worship team started developing their own unique style and sound.

They all contain Gateway Worship’s DNA, and they all have the same goal in mind: to experience God

in the greatest way possible. “It’s about unity, not uniformity,” says Thomas. Over the years, strong leaders began to emerge, contributing songs that have now been heard around the world. Gateway Worship has released five live worship albums

THE MANY FACETS OF GATEWAY WORSHIP is more than just a band on the platform during Gateway’s services and events. It has become a multifaceted ministry, and it all goes back to the original vision Pastor Thomas Miller wrote GATEWAY WORSHIP

along with a myriad of singles and studio recordings.

That’s one of the things Thomas wrote down when he started at Gateway, but he could not have predicted just how much of a global impact these songs would go on

down when he started at Gateway.

From children’s worship to theatrical productions, each of Gateway Worship’s departments is focused on the same thing: giving people the opportunity to experience God in the greatest way possible.

WORSHIP TEAMS Gateway Worship provides worship teams for almost all of the events at the five Gateway campuses. From weekend services to Equip classes, each singer and musician on the platform has gone through a thorough process of skill evaluations, coaching, and discipleship. With Gateway Worship, character comes before talent, so our worshippers take classes that focus on character, the theology of worship, and their craft. It’s an important part of Gateway DNA.

PERFORMING ARTS “Doing theatrical productions is like throwing the net on the other side of the boat,” says Walker Beach, executive pastor of worship production. “It’s about reaching people who normally wouldn’t come to church.”

The 2014 production of Truthical drew 41,885 people, and of those people, 819 made professions of faith in Jesus. “The reason our musicals are so important is because they

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

to have. “It’s funny because when the Lord told me to write that list, I was trying to figure out how we were going to put a band together,” he says. “I had a lot of dreams, but I never thought it would be what it is today.”

reach a part of the demographic that doesn’t respond to other methods of outreach,” says Walker. “I know because years ago I prayed to receive the Lord during an evangelistic show.”

WORSHIP ARTISTRY Headed up by Pastor Tim Sheppard, Gateway’s Worship Artistry community includes Kari Jobe, Mark Harris, Rita Springer, and a number of other artists who call Gateway home. “It’s amazing to see the artists that are being drawn here,” says Pastor Tim. “We’re just beginning to see a significant influx of artists.”

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GATEWAY GENERATE AND GATEWAYNEXT

The reason so many artists are joining Gateway’s artist community is because of the vision behind the Worship Artistry program. “We want to draw the heart of the artist back to the church and draw the heart of the church to the artist,” says Pastor Thomas. “We want our church to be a place where they can find like-minded people, love, safety, validation, encouragement, covering, and protection, because we believe in what these artists are doing.”

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Gateway invests many resources into teaching our kids about worship and discipling them from a young age. “Our desire for worship permeates from birth all through the life of a believer,” says Pastor Thomas.

Ministries like Gateway Generate and GatewayNext not only provide worship for Gateway Students and Amazing Kids, they disciple kids and begin the process of raising up the next generation of worship leaders.

WORSHIP TEAM ACADEMY

Part of the vision of Gateway Church is to equip people, and for Gateway Worship that includes hands-on training. From the beginning, Gateway Worship has sought to develop highly influential Godworshippers, and the newly launched Worship Team Academy is the next

step in fulfilling that vision. “Worship Team Academy is training for the worshipping musician. It’s not just music lessons and theology classes, we hope to inspire a lifestyle of worship,” says Pastor Walker Beach, who teaches some of the classes and helps lead the program which had more 160 students in its inaugural semester. “We are trying to raise up others who can be a vital part of the worship ministry.” This heart for training extends all the way to The King’s University, which offers an associate of worship leadership degree, one of the first of its kind. GL To learn more about Gateway Worship, visit worship.gatewaypeople.com.

Gateway Generate Night of Worship

THE GATEWAY WORSHIP LIVE RECORDING COLLECTION AS GATEWAY WORSHIP PREPARES for

another live recording (May 15 at the Southlake Campus), it’s a great time to look back on its previous albums. Here, Pastor Thomas shares his favorite memories of each of Gateway’s live recordings.

FOREVER YOURS (2012) “This was the biggest production we’ve done to date. We threaded a story throughout most of the album about what it’s like to be truly free.

Even when we mess up, God loves us and sees us as beautiful, so that idea was reflected in this record. One of my favorite lyrics on this record is ‘You made me free to be forever Yours’ from the song ‘Forever Yours.’”

GREAT GREAT GOD (2011) “We had just moved into our new Southlake Campus on Highway 114, and I felt like we had some strong songs. I thought it was important to chronicle that moment in the life of Gateway.

This album was recorded during weekend services, and soon after, the church entered another season of growth.”

GOD BE PRAISED (2010) “This was the last album we recorded in the Southlake Campus on Southlake Blvd., and I felt like we were just becoming confident in ‘our’ sound. ‘O the Blood’ was the last song to make it on God Be Praised. For months, I struggled with the lyrics and melody. About a week before the recording, my wife, Mary Beth, and I finished the song, and it went on to be a significant song for our church.”

WAKE UP THE WORLD (2008) “We had written more songs that were making an impact on our church, and we wanted to capture the moment. In some ways we were still trying to figure out what we were doing.

The heart behind the album was taking the love God has given us out to the world.”

LIVING FOR YOU (2006)

To see Gateway Worship’s entire discography, visit gatewayworship.com.

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

“It was the first live recording we ever did, and we were trying to figure things out. We had written these songs, so we wanted to record them to capture what God was doing in Gateway at the time. ‘Revelation Song’ and ‘The More I Seek You’ both became significant songs for our church.”

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 15

GATEWAY TODAY

WE’RE ALL ABOUT PEOPLE has changed and grown exponentially in 15 years, but one thing has remained the same: we’re all about people. Not just some people. All people. We know that God has a plan and a purpose for each person, and that’s why, over the past 15 years, we’ve continually sought to create and maintain a variety of ministries to serve each person who steps through our doors. No matter what phase of life you’re in, we have a place for you to learn, grow, serve, connect with others, and hear from God. With five campuses, Gateway might seem like a pretty big place, but we have a place for you. Use this guide to discover where God might be calling you to serve or attend.

GATEWAY CHURCH

KIDS AND STUDENTS If you’re a kid or student at Gateway, there are weekly services just for you! Our kids learn about the Bible in a fun and dynamic way, and our students hear a relevant message each week.

Amazing Kids (Birth–4th Grade) kids.gatewaypeople.com Mix56 (5th & 6th Grade) mix56.gatewaypeople.com Gateway Students (7th–12th Grade) students.gatewaypeople.com

Seven (Young Adults, 18–Early 30s) seven.gatewaypeople.com Gateway Men men.gatewaypeople.com Pink (Gateway Women) pink.gatewaypeople.com Flourish (Gateway Widows) flourish.gatewaypeople.com

FAMILY LIFE The Family Life Ministry focuses on strengthening and empowering the whole family. familylife.gatewaypeople.com

ADULTS The kids don’t get to have all the fun!

Here at Gateway, we have several ministries for adults based on age and gender.

Married Life marriedlife.gatewaypeople.com Premarried Life premarriedlife.gatewaypeople.com Intimate Life intimatelife.gatewaypeople.com Parenting Life parentinglife.gatewaypeople.com Single Parent Life singleparentlife.gatewaypeople.com

16 APRIL 2015

Blended Family Life blendedfamilylife.gatewaypeople.com Gateway Student Life gwslife.gatewaypeople.com Single Life singlelife.gatewaypeople.com Fifty-Plus Life fiftypluslife.gatewaypeople.com

SPIRITUAL GROWTH Gateway is committed to spiritual growth through freedom, healing, and prayer ministries. Gateway Groups cultivates community, and our financial and equipping ministries provide practical teaching on stewardship and more.

WORSHIP One of the main goals at Gateway is for every person who attends our services to experience God through worship. The Gateway Worship team, Gateway Worship Choir, GatewayNext (kids worship team), and Gateway Generate (students worship team) provide worship for every weekend and weekday service as well as many conferences and special events. The Performing Arts Ministry puts on elaborate musical productions. worship.gatewaypeople.com

Healing Ministry healing.gatewaypeople.com

Gateway Equip equip.gatewaypeople.com

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

ONE CHURCH. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS.

>> SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS >> FRISCO CAMPUS

Prayer & Intercession prayer.gatewaypeople.com

Gateway Groups groups.gatewaypeople.com

Bless! (Global Ministries) bless.gatewaypeople.com GL

Become a member of Gateway by attending Catch the Vision at any one of our five campuses.

Freedom Ministries freedom.gatewaypeople.com

Generous Life (Financial Stewardship) generouslife.gatewaypeople.com

V! (Volunteer Ministry) volunteer.gatewaypeople.com

>> GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS >> NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS

SERVING AND OUTREACH

>> NRH CAMPUS

V!, our volunteer ministry, provides opportunities to serve the church, and Bless! serves the Jewish community, our neighbors, and the world.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM  17

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY FRISCO

EQUIP

EQUIP FIRST MONDAYS

Monday, Apr 6 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Join us for Equip First Mondays to experience God in a deeper way! Each month will have a different focus and follow-up materials as we take you on a discipleship journey through 2015. Contact: Mark O’Bryan, 682.223.6137, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

INTERMEDIATE FREEDOM MINISTRY TRAINING

Thursday–Saturday, May 28–30 | Auditorium

We’re offering the final part of a training process to equip people to effectively minister freedom. The training is open to anyone at Gateway (who has completed Basic Freedom Ministry Training) and any outside churches or ministries.

Contact: Mark O’Bryan, 682.223.6137, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP KINGDOM ADVISORS LUNCHEON

Thursday, Apr 9 | 11:45 am | The Mix If you’re a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, banker, or real estate or mortgage professional, join us for our monthly luncheon. Register at generouslife.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Yoana Sampayo, 817.552.7428, generouslife@gatewaypeople.com

JOIN OR LEAD A GROUP!

If you’re looking for a way to get connected and make new friends, join a group!

We’re also looking for group leaders.

Register at groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, groupsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE REVOLUTION GROUPS

We’re recruiting leaders for our new Marriage Revolution Groups. If you’re interested in leading or attending a group, email us to sign up. Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, groupsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING MINISTRY HEALING MINISTRY

ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

Monday, Apr 6 | 5:00–6:45 pm | Lobby Sunday, Apr 12 | Before Habitation | 3:30–5:00 pm | Lobby

Learn how to create a will and build an estate plan through a biblical perspective.

Register at generouslife.gatewaypeople.com.

Children’s ministry is not available.

Contact: Yoana Sampayo, 817.552.7428, generouslife@gatewaypeople.com

We now have healing rooms open before Equip First Mondays and before the monthly Habitation nights! The process takes about 30 minutes and includes an introduction video, communion, individual prayer, and a follow-up class. Contact: Mark O’Bryan, 682.223.6137, healingfrs@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM

MEMBERSHIP

Saturday, Apr 18 | 9:00 am | Auditorium

BASIC FREEDOM MINISTRY TRAINING

Thursday–Saturday, May 7–9 | Auditorium

We offer a training process to equip people to effectively minister freedom. The training is open to anyone at Gateway (who has completed the Foundations of Freedom classes and KAIROS) and any outside churches or ministries.

Contact: Mark O’Bryan, 682.223.6137, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

18 APRIL 2015

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 am | Lobby We hope to see you at our next breakfast where men in our community come together to connect and hear from the Lord. Contact: Hannah Nelson, 817.552.7346, menfrs@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

EQUIP TOPICAL CLASSES

Saturdays 5:45 pm & Sundays 9:00 am | Classroom B Join us for a variety of Equip classes now offered during weekend services, such as our Foundations of Stewardship class!

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Mark O’Bryan, 682.223.6137, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

MEN

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

GUEST EXPERIENCE ORIENTATION

Saturday, Apr 11 | 4:00 pm | Classroom B

If you have recently joined or would like to join our team as a greeter, usher, Welcome Center or Guest Central host, parking lot attendant, or Gateway Safety Unit member, come hear the vision behind serving and receive additional training!

Contact: Stefanie Urquidez, 817.328.2074, volunteerfrs@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS SEVEN COLLECTIVE

Saturday, Apr 4 | 5:45 pm | Auditorium Are you between the ages of 18 and early 30s and looking to get plugged in?

Join other young adults for Gateway’s Saturday night service and dinner after!

Contact: Benjamin Gilmore, 817.552.7614, sevenfrs@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

Thursday, May 7 | 6:30 pm | Lobby

This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history and gives you an opportunity to become a member! Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Stefanie Urquidez, 827.328.2074, ctvfrs@gatewaypeople.com

SUNDAYS »» Equip Topical Classes | 9:00 am | Classroom B WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SATURDAYS »» Equip Topical Classes | 5:45 pm Classroom B

Visit gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY GRAND PRAIRIE

EQUIP

EQUIP SPRING SEMESTER

Prayer Center

This semester, we’re offering classes to help you revolutionize your walk with the Lord and your relationships with others.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Amanda Cheatham, 972.314.9084, equipgrp@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING MINISTRY HEALING MINISTRY

Mondays | 7:00–8:30 pm | Prayer Center Whether you’re sick, hurting, or suffering, our desire is to pray for your physical and emotional well-being. We minister to people of all ages and all conditions.

Contact: Aaron Cheuvront, 972.314.9077, healinggrp@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S SUMMER SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Thursdays, May 21–Aug 20 | 7:00 pm | Mike Lewis Park Join us on Thursday nights for our very own Gateway Grand Prairie Men’s Softball League.

Cost: $50 a player. Ages 16 and up may join. Register at sports.gatewaypeople.com.

Registration closes Sunday, April 12.

Contact: Andrew Stevens, 682.223.6947, sports@gatewaypeople.com

MYGATEWAY

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES GATEWAY STUDENTS

Wednesdays | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Come be a part of what God is doing at Gateway Students Grand Prairie! As we grow, we need volunteers to help serve, disciple, and mentor the next generation.

Contact: James Gadberry, 972.314.9078, studentsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GUEST EXPERIENCE

Saturdays | 5:00 pm

GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS ON MYGATEWAY

Discover exclusive teaching videos and content that can only be found on the app! Visit my.gatewaypeople.com to download the app today. Contact: Niles Holsinger, 972.314.9000, mygatewaygrp@gatewaypeople.com

OUTREACH

As we continue to grow, we need more volunteers to help prepare hearts for worship.

We have opportunities for you to volunteer as an usher, greeter, or parking lot attendant as well as other opportunities throughout the service. Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, gxpgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GUEST EXPERIENCE ORIENTATION

Sunday, Apr 26 | 9:00 am | V! Lounge

If you’d like to join a Guest Experience team for weekend services, come to orientation to find out what it takes to serve with us!

Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, gxpgrp@gatewaypeople.com

MEMBERSHIP

BLESS! LOCAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Sunday, Apr 19 | 10:45 am | Prayer Center

This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history and gives you an opportunity to become a member! Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Amanda Cheatham, 972.314.9084, ctvgrp@gatewaypeople.com

MEN

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:00 am–2:00 pm First Saturday of the Month | 9:00 am–2:00 pm People That Care Center Come use your gift to serve and minister God’s grace to families in need at our local food pantry. People That Care (PTC) Center is located at 2129 Galveston Street in Grand Prairie. Contact: Leigh Anne Uribe, 972.262.8318, leighanne@ptccenter.org

PRAYER

MEN’S BREAKFAST & VISION MEETING

MONDAYS »» Healing Ministry | 7:00 pm | Prayer Center

Saturday, May 30 | 9:00 am | Prayer Center

We are so excited about 2015 and everything that God is doing in Gateway Men at our campus. Join us as we present a picture of this ministry’s future on our campus and how you can help us see it happen. Email us to register. Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, mengrp@gatewaypeople.com

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

WEEKLY EVENTS

PRAY FIRST

Wednesdays, Beginning Apr 8 | 7:00 am | Prayer Center This month, Pray First will be changing days. Now, join us every Wednesday morning to connect to God’s heart in worship and to partner with Him in prayer.

Contact: Aaron Cheuvront, 972.314.9077, prayergrp@gatewaypeople.com

TUESDAYS »» Seven (Young Adults, 18–Early 30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | Prayer Center »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium »» Men’s Bible Study | 7:00 pm Prayer Center Lounge

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NORTH FORT WORTH

DIVORCE CARE DIVORCE CARE CLASS

MEMBERSHIP CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Mondays Through May 18 | 7:00 pm | Compass B

Saturday, Apr 4 | 4:00–5:30 pm | Compass A

If you’re experiencing the pain of separation or divorce, you don’t have to go through it alone. Learn how to deal with the pain of your past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Cost: $25 for materials. Register at spf.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Christian Lee, 817.552.7545, spf@gatewaypeople.com

Our Catch the Vision class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history as well as our vision for the future. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople. com.

Contact: Meredith Tilton, 817.328.2075, ctvnfw@gatewaypeople.com

EQUIP

NEW BELIEVERS FRESH START GATHERING

Third Saturday of Every Month, Apr 18 4:00–5:30 pm | Compass A

EQUIP SPRING SESSION 4

Thursdays, Apr 9 & 16 | 7:00 pm Get equipped to fulfill your calling with classes in spiritual life, marriage and family, financial stewardship, freedom, and worship!

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jeannie Ware, 817.552.5801, equipnfw@gatewaypeople.com

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP ESTATE PLANNING

Sunday, Apr 26 | 8:30–10:30 am | Compass A & B Learn how to create a will and build an estate plan through a biblical perspective.

Register at generouslife.gatewaypeople.com.

Children’s ministry is not available.

Contact: Katie Rushing, 817.328.2087, generouslife@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM

Saturdays, Apr 11–May 9 | 4:00 pm | Compass B Join us for the next set of Foundations of Freedom classes and learn how to live freely.

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Debbie Rhodes, 817.552.7325, pastoralcarenfw@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING MINISTRY HEALING MINISTRY

Sunday, Apr 12 | Before Habitation 4:00–5:30 pm | Compass A & B We now have healing rooms open before the monthly Habitation nights! The process takes about 30 minutes and includes an introduction video, communion, and individual prayer.

Contact: Debbie Rhodes, 817.552.7325, pastoralcarenfw@gatewaypeople.com

20 APRIL 2015

Join other new believers in all stages of life to receive support and encouragement as you nurture and grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Register at freshstart.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Meredith Tilton, 817.328.2075, freshstartnfw@gatewaypeople.com

PRAYER PRAYER WALK

Saturday, Apr 11 | 9:00 am | Compass A & B Come join us as we walk around the parking lot and campus to pray for our congregation and intercede for our church and our community. Contact: Tagi Takape, 817.328.2061, prayernfw@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES SERVE!

Second Saturday of Every Month (Apr 11) 4:00–5:30 pm | Compass A Looking for a place to serve at the North Fort Worth Campus? Every month, you can receive information on ways to serve as a greeter, usher, parking attendant, tech arts volunteer, or group leader!

Contact: Meredith Tilton, 817.328.2075, volunteernfw@gatewaypeople.com

COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS

Apr 11–12 | Weekend Services We’re looking for communion volunteers! If you’d like to serve, visit the Welcome Center 30 minutes before the service you attend for instructions. Attire is business casual.

Contact: Meredith Tilton 817.328.2075, communionnfw@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN TITUS 2 (T2)

Wednesdays Through May 27 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Compass A & B This class helps women learn how to hear the voice of God and follow His voice in everyday life. To get started, join one of our T2 groups at groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Children’s ministry is available.

Contact: Shannon Tolliver, 817.552.7469, pinknfw@gatewaypeople.com

HIGH NOON PRAYER

Wednesdays, Apr 1–29 | 12:00 pm | Guest Central All are invited to lift up our staff members, their families, and the ministries of Gateway Church. Contact: Tagi Takape, 817.328.2061, prayernfw@gatewaypeople.com

RELATIONAL CARE GRIEFSHARE CLASS

Tuesdays Through May 12 | 7:00–8:30 pm | Compass A If you’re experiencing heartache from the death of a loved one or friend, you don’t have to go through it alone. This class is dedicated to helping people through the grieving process. Cost: $25 for materials.

Register at care.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Debbie Rhodes, 817.552.7325, carenfw@gatewaypeople.com

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES SINGLE PARENT LIFE

Mondays | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

Join us for weekly teachings about relevant topics for single parents and monthly nights of worship. Every Monday night, we offer classes including Divorce Care, Embrace Grace, and Embrace Life. Contact: Peggy Thomas, 817.552.3752, spf@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS »» Single Parent Life | 7:00 pm | Auditorium TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | Auditorium »» Seven (Young Adults, 18–Early 30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» High Noon Prayer | 12:00 pm | Auditorium »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SATURDAYS »» Morning Prayer | 8:00 am | Parking Lot SUNDAYS »» Preservice Prayer | 8:00 am | Compass A

Visit gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NRH

ADULTS 50+

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

PRIMETIME

CPA CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION EVENT

Tuesdays | 10:00 am | Hospitality Room Are you in the prime of your life and looking to connect with others? NRH has a fantastic group of adults 50+ who have events, go on trips, and hold study groups! Contact: Kate Panza, 682.223.6144, primetimenrh@gatewaypeople.com

EQUIP

Thursday, May 14 | 8:00 am–4:30 pm | Auditorium Join us for a fun day of high-impact, low-cost continuing professional education with lunch, refreshments, and great speakers. Cost: $55.

Register at gatewaycpacpe.eventbrite.com.

Contact: Katie Rushing, 817.328.2087, generouslife@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS

MEN ENTRY POINT

Wednesdays | 7:00–8:00 am | The Mix Saturdays | 7:00–9:00 am | Hospitality Room Enter into a brotherhood of men that will make you a better husband, father, and leader while taking your spiritual walk to the next level. We’ll have worship, prayer, practical teaching, and on Saturdays, breakout sessions. Free breakfast is served.

Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, mennrh@gatewaypeople.com

OUTREACH BARABBAS FREEDOM MINISTRY

Sundays | 7:00 pm | Chat Room

LEAVING A LEGACY

Sunday, Apr 12 | 10:45 am | Classroom A In this special class, Pastor Olen Griffing will teach on leaving a legacy for those we love.

He will also share about his own experiences that have inspired him to leave hope for the next generation long after life on earth is done. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Ana Rodriquez, 817.552.7619, equipnrh@gatewaypeople.com

TOPICAL FREEDOM: OVERCOMING ADDICTION Sunday, Apr 19 | 10:45 am | Classroom A

Addiction is a broad term that covers multiple experiences. Come learn about the root of certain patterns of behavior and the keys to being set free.

Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Ana Rodriquez, 817.552.7619, equipnrh@gatewaypeople.com

UNDERSTANDING AND MEETING YOUR SPOUSE’S NEEDS

Sunday, Apr 19 | 9:00 am | Classroom A

Once you understand your role as a spouse and how to fulfill it, it becomes attractive to your spouse and releases greater potential in them. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Ana Rodriquez, 817.552.7619, equipnrh@gatewaypeople.com

FAMILY FAMILY NIGHT WITH THE RANGERS

Rangers vs. Red Sox | Friday, May 29 | 7:05 pm Mark your calendars—we are going to the ballpark! We have a limited number of discounted tickets. Cost: $25 per person, including a food voucher. Registration opens mid-April. Contact: Kate Panza, 682.223.6144, familynrh@gatewaypeople.com

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

JOIN OR LEAD A GROUP!

If you’re looking for a way to get connected at NRH, join a group! We’re also looking for group leaders. Register at groups.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Saphrin Pediford, 817.552.7326, groupsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING HEALING IN WORSHIP NIGHT

Monday, Apr 27 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Join us for a night of worship with Rita Springer as we lay down our pains, illnesses, and injuries before the Lord.

Ministry teams will be available to pray with you. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

Contact: Buddy Atkinson 817.328.2084, healing@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS BABY DEDICATION SERVICES

May 9–10 | Before Weekend Services | Auditorium If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com by May 4. Space is limited! Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, babiesnrh@gatewaypeople.com

AMAZING KIDS JEWEL STORE

May 16–17 | Before and After Weekend Services Court Room Bring your jewels and have a blast shopping!

Earn jewels all year by returning Replay Sheets, bringing your Bible to class, and participating in games. Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, kidsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

This ministry is for men and women (18+) who have been incarcerated or struggle with addictions. Discover how to find new life through faith in Jesus.

Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

RELATIONAL CARE RELATIONAL CARE

Relational Care offers encouragement to people who are experiencing hospitalization, critical illness, birth, adoption, or loss of a loved one. For after-hours crises, call 817.328.1000. Contact: Marie Brown, 817.552.7437, carenrh@gatewaypeople.com

STUDENTS SENIOR HIGH COOKOUT

Sunday, Apr 12

If you’re currently in 9th–12th grade, join us for food, games, and a time to connect with other students and leaders! More details available at the Gateway Students weekly services.

Contact: Saphrin Pediford, 817.552.7326, studentsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS »» Healing Ministry | 7:00 pm | Lobby (CANCELED on Apr 6) TUESDAYS »» PrimeTime (Adults 50+) | 10:00 am Hospitality Room WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY SOUTHLAKE

EQUIP

KIDS

EQUIP WINTER/SPRING SESSION 4

BABY DEDICATION SERVICE

Apr 1–19

Sunday, May 24 | 2:30 pm | Auditorium

Whether you attend a weekend class or prefer Wednesday nights, Equip offers dynamic teaching in areas like worship, leadership, stewardship, and freedom. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Nicole Grey, 817.552.3686, equip@gatewaypeople.com

If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com by Monday, May 18.

Space is limited! Contact: Paula Williams, 817.552.7569, babies@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE

FAMILY

BECOMING ONE (PREMARRIAGE CLASS)

FAMILY LIFE NIGHT

Mondays | 7:00 pm | Auditorium & Classrooms April’s featured speakers are Pastor Tom and Jan Lane and Lee Cummings. We also have two new class tracks starting this month!

For more information and to register, visit familylife.gatewaypeople.com. Children’s ministry (registration required) and student ministry are available. Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 817.552.3684, familylife@gatewaypeople.com

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL FITNESS

Sunday, Apr 26 | 9:00 am | Classroom 1C This monthly coaching event provides hands-on financial management help and is a great follow-up to any of our classes! You must have previously attended a Generous Life class and have a current, written budget.

Register at generouslife.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Yoana Sampayo, 817.552.7428, generouslife@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS JOIN OR LEAD A GROUP!

If you’re looking for a way to get connected, join a group or become a group leader! To find a group, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jana Mason, 817.552.3705, groups@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING IN WORSHIP NIGHT

MEMBERSHIP CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, May 16 | 4:00–7:00 pm | Classroom 2D This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history and gives you an opportunity to become a member! Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Lizette Harbour, 817.552.7483, ctv@gatewaypeople.com

MEN SPRING AND SUMMER SPORTS

We have men’s and co-ed softball (register by April 30) and men’s golf (registration opens May 1) leagues you can join! It’s a great way to connect with your Gateway community.

Register at sports.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Andrew Stevens, 682.223.6947, sports@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES Apr 18–19 | Weekend Services

NRH

Join us for a night of worship with Rita Springer as we lay down our pains, illnesses, and injuries before the Lord. Ministry teams will be available to pray with you. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Contact: Buddy Atkinson 817.328.2084, healing@gatewaypeople.com

22 APRIL 2015

Learn how to build a strong foundation for marriage while navigating the realities of life. Cost: $45 per couple. Register at becomingone.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Carol Johnson, 817.552.7481, becomingone@gatewaypeople.com

CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM

HEALING Monday, Apr 27 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

Mondays, Apr 6–May 18 | 7:00–9:00 pm | Classroom 2C

Assist with guest check-in, manage changing areas, and celebrate with and pray for those getting baptized.

Register at baptism.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Lizette Harbour, 817.552.7483, baptism@gatewaypeople.com

FRESH START

We need people who can occasionally take time before or after a weekend service to have coffee and chat with those who have just come to the Lord. You don’t need to have coffee, just a passion for new believers!

Contact: Jesse Kramer, 817.552.5818, freshstart@gatewaypeople.com

GUEST EXPERIENCE

Want to get involved, meet new people, and be part of a team? We are looking for ushers and greeters but offer several other volunteer opportunities as well. To find out more, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jim Mayher, 817.552.7566, gxp@gatewaypeople.com

PINK IMPACT

Apr 23–25 & Apr 30–May 2 This year, we are hosting Pink Impact live for two weekends, and we need your help!

Volunteers pay only $75 per ticket to attend the conference. To learn more and to register, visit pinkimpact.com/volunteer.

STUDENTS SENIOR PROPHETIC NIGHT

Thursday, May 21 | 7:00 pm | The Mix To celebrate the high school graduating class of 2015, we are offering a special night of prophetic ministry with the Gateway Prophetic Team. Space is limited.

Register at students.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Laura George, 817.552.3768, studentpropheticslk@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS »» Family Life Night | 7:00 pm TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | The Mix »» DayTime Bible Study (Senior Adults) 10:00 am | Classroom 2C »» Seven (Young Adults, 18–Early 30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students | 7:00 pm University Campus Auditorium »» Gateway Equip | 6:56 pm | Auditorium THURSDAYS »» Men’s Prayer Meeting | 5:30 am | Lobby SATURDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 4:00 pm | Classroom 2B SUNDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 9:00 am & 10:45 am Classrooms 2B & 2C »» Foundations of Freedom | 9:00 am Classroom 2D »» Corporate Prayer for the Nation | 10:40 am

Visit gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

CHURCHWIDE ADULTS (50+) FIFTY-PLUS LIFE DINNER & DANCE

Sunday, Apr 19 | 6:00 pm | DFW Airport Marriott South We are excited to present an event just for Fifty-Plus Life! The people, music, food, and great fun will make this a memorable night.

Register at familylife.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 817.552.3684, fiftyplus@gatewaypeople.com

JEWISH MINISTRY PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

Tuesday, Apr 14 | 7:00 pm | The Mix

SLK

Join us this month as we meet to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the salvation of all Israel. We worship, pray, and intercede for God’s purposes on behalf of Israel. All are welcome! Contact: Mark Anthony, 817.552.3789, israelprayer@gatewaypeople.com

MESSIANIC SERVICE

Friday, Apr 10 | 7:30 pm | Auditorium

NRH

Join us for our Messianic Service with Greg Stone, the new associate pastor of Jewish Ministries. We’ll hear his testimony and have a communion service to commemorate Passover. Children’s ministry is available.

Registration is not required. Contact: Oli Snyder, 817.552.7452, jewish@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS WACKY WEEK VOLUNTEERS

Jun 23–25

SLK

| Jul 28–30

FRS

WANTED: Volunteers 13 years and older to corral boys and girls in the Wild Wacky West! REWARD: Helping kids grow.

Wacky Week is for kids 6 years old–6th grade. Register at kids.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kathleen Lopez, 817.552.7600, wackyweekvolunteers@gatewaypeople.com

AMAZING KIDS PAID POSITIONS

We’re looking for team members to help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them! We have paid positions at all campuses, especially at our Grand Prairie Campus as we prepare for the grand opening of our new facility.

Contact: Anne Hardin, 817.552.7475, kidsjobs@gatewaypeople.com

OUTREACH CHOSEN ONES INFORMATIONAL MEETING

Sunday, Apr 19 | 12:15 pm | Classroom B FRS Sunday, May 3 | 12:00 pm | Classroom 1C SLK Have you felt the Lord leading you to foster or adopt a child? Join us as we explore this process together. Agency representatives will be on hand. Contact: Audrey Wells, 817.552.3704, chosenones@gatewaypeople.com

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

PERFORMING ARTS STAGEDOOR CLASSES SUMMER SESSION

Jun 1–Jul 15

SLK

We offer weekly classes for acting, dancing, singing, and playwriting. Space is limited.

Cost: $80 for entire session. Registration opens Monday, April 20. Register at performingarts.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rachel Turner, 682.223.6918, performingarts@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES SAFETY SERVICES MINISTRY LAUNCH Beginning Monday, Jun 1

We are looking for servant-hearted people to serve as Level II noncommissioned security and basic first aid personnel.

Training provided prior to launch.

Contact: Debbie Provost, 817.328.2097, safetyservices@gatewaypeople.com

SPECIAL EVENTS Apr 18–19 | Weekend Services | All Campuses We want to stand with you as you publicly declare your decision to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior through water baptism. Register at baptism.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Lizette Harbour, 817.552.7483, baptism@gatewaypeople.com

HABITATION

SERVICE TIMES SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS SLK 700 Blessed Way · Southlake, TX 76092 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm FRISCO CAMPUS FRS 7125 Legacy Dr · Frisco, TX 75034 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS GRP 2404 N Carrier Pkwy · Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Sat 5:00 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS NFW 4209 Basswood Blvd · Fort Worth, TX 76137 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

CHURCHWIDE BAPTISM

Sunday, Apr 12 | 6:00 pm | Auditorium

LOCATIONS &

NRH CAMPUS NRH 7501 Davis Blvd · North Richland Hills, TX 76182 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

SLK FRS NFW

Come experience God’s presence, increase your faith, and believe for miracles during special times of ministry and extended worship. Prayer begins at 5:15 pm.

Contact: Amanda Wise, 817.552.7578, habitation@gatewaypeople.com

MINISTRY CENTER MIN 540 S Nolen · Southlake, TX 76092 UNIVERSITY CAMPUS UC 2121 E Southlake Blvd · Southlake, TX 76092

ID SEMINAR

Friday, May 8 | 6:30–9:30 pm | Classroom 2D SLK Saturday, May 9 | 8:30 am–3:45 pm | Classroom 2D

SLK

Come to the ID Seminar to discover your destiny and life mission as you explore your strengths and spiritual giftings! Cost: $25. Space is limited.

Register at id.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Sarah Thomas, 817.552.3774, id@gatewaypeople.com

TRULY FREE BY ROBERT MORRIS

WEEKLY EVENTS

Available May 12

Pastor Robert’s new book, Truly Free, shares the glorious truth that although we might live in a pattern of recurring sin—even as believers—Jesus promises to set us completely free. This powerful message has life-changing impact on all who hear it.

Preorder your copy today at your favorite local or online bookseller!

SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am MIN (Canceled on holiday weekends) MONDAYS »» Family Life Night | 7:00 pm »» Healing Ministry | 7:00 pm (Canceled on Apr 6)

SLK GRP NRH

TUESDAYS »» Seven (Young Adults, 18–Early 30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SLK GRP NFW

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 23

15 YEARS OF STORIES GATEWAY STAFF SHARE FROM THE HEART TO CELEBRATE OUR 15TH ANNIVERSARY, we asked some longtime staffers to share their favorite personal

memories or testimonies from the Gateway family, along with their first staff photos.

JAMES MORRIS

Associate Pastor, Financial Stewardship Start date: May 2000

“Every year, I meet so many people who have moved here from other states because God has called them to Gateway. They don’t relocate because of a job—they move for the church.

Once they’re here, they start looking for work, and I’ve seen God bless them over and over again. It’s awesome because Scripture says, ‘Seek first the kingdom of heaven.’ It doesn’t say, ‘Seek first a good job and find the kingdom of heaven when you get there.’ It takes a lot of faith to do that, and I love meeting people who have stepped out and obeyed.”

JD SPIVEY

Creative Director, Video Post Production Start date: June 2004

“When I started at Gateway, there were already several thousand members here, but it was still relatively small.

If you told me back then it would grow to what it is today, it wouldn’t have surprised me at all. Pastor Robert’s vision is easy to follow, and I knew without a doubt that God was going to do something here with this man and this church. It’s mind-boggling

24 APRIL 2015

to think of how much influence God continues to give this place and how, time and time again, people are finding relationships here, they’re letting go of their religion, and they’re affecting their community.”

JOSH MORRIS

Pastor, Freedom Ministries Start date: December 2003

“I have a stack of forms on my desk that contain feedback from people who went through the most recent KAIROS. This was Gateway’s 36th KAIROS and nearly 1,000 people came to receive freedom. After working on so many of these events, it can become a routine. But when I stop to look at those forms on my desk, and I see stories from individuals saying ‘I’ve been carrying this burden for 35 years, and in one day God took it away,’ it makes me proud to be a part of what God is doing here. Sometimes Gateway can seem like a big machine, but the truth is we haven’t lost sight of our focus, and that’s people. We don’t celebrate the fact that 1,000 people came to KAIROS—we celebrate when just one person comes and God takes a burden they’ve been carrying for a long time. That’s why I’m proud of our church.”

MARCUS BRECHEEN

Executive Pastor, North Fort Worth Campus Start date: April 2002

“One of my favorite memories was when we had a large baptism service with more than 200 people being baptized. I was baptized before I was saved, so I decided I needed to do it again. In fact, it was the same with several staff members. I’ll never forget it—Pastor Thomas Miller was the first one in line and I think he was the only one who thought ahead. You should’ve seen how murky the water was after 200 people were baptized!”

KAM HUNT

Associate Pastor, Bless! (Local & National Outreach) Start date: March 2004

“If you have great leaders with great character, then you can build anything. Back when I started coming to Gateway 11 years ago, you could tell by the genuineness of our leaders that something special was happening here.

One example of that is when Pastor Robert came to the hospital when my son was born. He didn’t have to come, and he didn’t have to stay as long as he did, but it showed my family and me that our church leaders care about us. Now things are different and he

can’t do that for everyone anymore.

But the cool thing is that because of his example, I feel empowered to reciprocate that to others. That’s how Gateway DNA works.”

KATRINA SIRMON

Associate Creative Director, Graphic Design Start date: June 2004

“There’s something really cool about our worship services. There have been many times at Gateway when I sit in my chair at church and just allow myself to worship. Hearing the music and all the voices singing really changes the atmosphere in the room.

It’s in those moments I have felt the Holy Spirit more than any other time.”

KEVIN SCHREIBER

Associate Creative Director, Video Post Production Start date: January 2005

“I’ve been at Gateway for 12 years, but one of my favorite moments happened at one of our Christmas services just a few months ago. The past few years, I’ve been doing volunteer work at Baylor Hospital, and I’ve gotten to meet people from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Two of those people—one is a devout Buddhist from India and the other a Muslim from Pakistan—came with me to Gateway’s Family Candlelight Service. In less than 10 minutes, Pastor Robert gave the most amazing message and my friends heard the gospel for the first time. I’ve been praying for a way to communicate the gospel to them, and in just a few minutes, Pastor Robert did it in a way that they could understand. It was a powerful experience for them and for me.”

15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

BEN HAAKE

Pastor, Worship Start date: December 2003

“My favorite Gateway memories have to do with camaraderie. In the worship department, everyone had an ‘all hands on deck’ attitude. We were meeting in places that required us to set up all of the equipment before the services and take it down after.

Everyone on the team learned to roll microphone cables. In one meeting place, we would gather to pray before services in a small laundry room right next to a washer and dryer! Afterward, we’d all go out to dinner. It seems like such a long time ago, but the relationships we developed during those times are still strong today.”

BROOKE BRYANT

Associate Pastor, Seven Start date: June 2003

“I came to Dallas in 2000 to be a teacher, and I had planned on visiting different churches to see where I could serve. My parents had heard that a new church called Gateway was starting in Dallas and told me to check it out. I was a little reluctant because I had been a part of some unsuccessful small startup churches while in college. But the first time I visited, I could feel the presence of the Lord and there was just something different about it.

One of my favorite moments happened the first time Pastor Robert taught on The Blessed Life. He invited people to give an extravagant offering. Seeing people catch his vision about blessing and giving was amazing.”

BYRON COPELAND

Executive Pastor, NRH Campus Start date: 2003

“One of the most moving experiences I’ve had at Gateway was when we bought the NRH Campus. The building had been abandoned for years, and there were vulgar images and graffiti all over the walls. Before construction began, we had a groundbreaking ceremony. Afterward, several hundred Gateway members went into the building and began covering the walls with scriptures, crosses, and beautiful images to prepare the building for the presence of God. I have pictures of those walls hanging in my office.

I’ll never forget the way folks were praying and proclaiming this place as God’s House!”

STACY BURNETT

Communications Director Start date: September 2003

“One of my favorite memories happened during a staff worship service when Pastor Brady Boyd had a prophetic word for me. He said, ‘You’ve been praying and asking God for something. He heard your prayers and the answer has already been sent down from heaven.’ I knew he was talking about my future husband. About a year later, I was hosting a class at church for our singles ministry when I saw a really tall guy with long, curly red hair sitting on a barstool. I decided to go over and introduce myself and asked him what he did for a living. He was trying to be funny by giving me a sarcastic answer, but I just thought he was rude. A few months later, I was hosting a Gateway Group at my house. Worship had already started

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 25

when I heard a knock on my front door.

I opened it and there he was, but this time he had cut his hair. I looked up at him and was mesmerized by how handsome he was (and his gorgeous blue eyes!). I was smitten from that moment on. He likes to say that when he walked into my life, we were singing praises to the Lord. I think he’s right.”

GINA HENRY

Senior Staff Accountant Start date: February 2004

Men’s Summit, Pastor Robert came to the stage and said, ‘A lot of men here can’t afford to go to Men’s Summit this year. But because men tend to have a lot of pride, we don’t want to go to the table and say, “I don’t have money; I don’t have a job, but I still want to go.”’ Then he started talking to the kids in the room. ‘If you know your dad wants to go to Men’s Summit, go sign him up, and we will pay his way.’ That really touched my heart because it shows we really are all about people.”

KEN JACKSON

“My husband and I became Gateway members in 2002 but first learned about Gateway long before that. We were members of Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas, when Pastor Robert came and shared his vision for a new church he was starting called Gateway. I told my husband, ‘If we ever visit Dallas, we need to go to that church.’ Shortly after that, my husband’s company transferred him to Dallas, and we started attending Gateway as soon as we got here. Ever since I joined the staff in the accounting department, I’ve been amazed to see the heart our members have for generosity. I know firsthand that Gateway truly is a giving church.”

JASON TAM

Pastor, Worship Connection Start date: January 2003

“When I think back on my time here at Gateway, what stands out to me the most is what a giving church we are.

One of my favorite memories is from 2008 when the financial downturn happened. People were losing their jobs and a lot of people didn’t have money. One Sunday leading up to

26 APRIL 2015

Executive Pastor, Amazing Kids Start date: July 2003

“One of my favorite stories that has come out of Gateway has to do with a deaf boy named Jackson. In 2005, when he was nine or ten years old, his parents had just gotten saved and his family began attending Gateway. We had a lesson one Sunday in Jackson’s class, and we had the kids write their name on a nametag sticker. After the message, there was an invitation for them to put the sticker on a big wooden cross set up at the front of the room. Jackson sat in the back of the room, and he crumpled up his nametag because he didn’t understand the instructions. I went and got him a new one and tried my best to communicate with him, but by the time he understood all the other kids had already finished and returned to their seats. Suddenly, Jackson got up and walked to the front of the room while we all just watched as he kneeled down and kissed the foot of the cross. He stayed there for about four minutes.

There was not one sound in the room.

I’ll never forget it. It reminds me why we do what we do. He’s 19 now and his family attends the North Fort Worth Campus.”

MARY JACKSON

Pastor, Amazing Kids Start date: December 2001

“I got to witness God using a young boy to change his entire family. From the very beginning, Pastor Robert’s vision for Gateway’s kids was for them to have fun and learn about God. When the church was starting, a family put their son in the two- to five-year-old class. We didn’t know it at the time, but his parents were planning to divorce, but they were still living together. They tried out Gateway that Sunday, but they didn’t like it at all. But every morning for the next week, the son woke up and said, ‘Can we go to the fun church today?’

They came back just for the boy, but over time God ministered to them and their marriage was restored. To this day, they attend and serve here at Gateway.”

JUAN CONSTANTINO

Pastor, Global Ministries Start date: June 2004

“The first time my wife and I visited Gateway was on Mother’s Day in 2000. It was during a short time when we held services in a movie theater, and some unusual things happened that day. The guy who had the keys to the building didn’t show up and so right before service was supposed to start, one of our founding members jumped the fence and broke into the back of the building to let us all in.

As visitors, we had no idea what had happened, and it wasn’t until years later that I found out. It still makes me laugh today!” GL

F

N O TU R N I N G B A C K

2015

Join us for the 2015

GATEWAY STUDENT CONFERENCE JULY 22–24 | GATEWAY CHURCH SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

Charlotte Gambill

Chad Veach

Robert Madu

Brian Cromer

Kari Jobe

Gateway Generate

FEATURING REGISTER TODAY!

gatewaystudentconference.com

Tim Ross

Jason Laird

— LIVE AT THREE CAMPUSES! —

CONFERENCE A

CONFERENCE B

SOUTHLAKE & FRISCO CAMPUSES

SOUTHLAKE & NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUSES

Thursday–Saturday

Thursday–Saturday

April 23–25

April 30–May 2

fea�urin�

Debbie Morris

Missy Robertson

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Jimmy Evans

Conference Host, Executive Pastor of Pink Gateway Church

A&E's Duck Dynasty Wife, Fashion Designer, Speaker

International Speaker, Cognitive Neuroscientist

Founder and CEO MarriageToday

Tim Ross

Elaine Fisher

Blynda Lane

Executive Pastor Gateway Church

Speaker Gateway Church

Speaker Gateway Church

�o��hi� with Kari Jobe

Gateway Worship

David & Alena Moore

Gateway Generate

Register today at pinkimpact.com. To register as a volunteer, visit pinkimpact.com/volunteer.

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