Gateway Life | May 2016

MAY 2016

Rich Provision How the Niccolls family found hope and healing at Gateway. p. 12

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

THE “AND” FACTOR

DOS AND DON’TS

Gateway’s Pink Mentoring program pairs women together for short-term mentorship. p. 10

How TKU’s newest degree program is changing the therapy industry. p. 16

Tips for an awesome summer vacation. p. 18

This month, we asked our readers to submit artwork that illustrates family, belonging, and togetherness. We think Willow’s picture perfectly captures those qualities.

Willow Bohl is five years old. She loves performing songs for her family and playing UNO. She wants her own YouTube channel for her sixth birthday. When she grows up she wants to be a princess.

CALLING ALL CREATIVES!

We want to showcase your art in Gateway Life! For details, visit art.gatewaypeople.com.

CONTENTS MAY 2016

COMMENTS

2

WELCOME

3

PULSE OUTREACH

8

THE NIGHT I WENT TO PRISON A Gateway volunteer finds a spirit of freedom in an unlikely place.

F E AT U R E S

10 TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE Gateway’s Pink Mentoring program pairs women together for short-term mentorship.

12

RICH PROVISION

15

SONG STORY

16

THE “AND” FACTOR

18

How the Niccolls family found hope and healing at Gateway.

Levi Smith’s “No One Like Jesus”

How TKU’s newest degree program is changing the therapy industry.

DOS AND DON’TS

Tips for an awesome summer vacation.

20

ANNOUNCEMENTS

28

ACTIVITIES

29

THE INTERSECTION

30

PROFILE – ZACH NEESE

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

For more information, visit gatewaylifemag.com.

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

Our mission is to help people BELIEVE in Jesus, BELONG to family, BECOME a disciple, and BUILD the kingdom.

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

W e l come

WELCOME to GATEWAY LIFE SPRING IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SEASONS

because it feels like the beginning of a new year. The weather starts getting warmer and you notice gardens starting to grow in your neighborhood. My son, Harrison, however, likes spring for a different reason. The closer he gets to summer vacation, the more it feels like the end of a year. I remember feeling the same way when I was a kid, and I loved the anticipation and excitement spring always brought.

gateway life gatewaylifemag.com Thomas Miller, Senior Pastoral Oversight Lawrence Swicegood, Editor-in-Chief project management Gena Bohl

One of my absolute favorite things to do in the summer was going to church summer camp, even though we really roughed it! We didn’t have air conditioning, and we slept in sleeping bags on bunk beds with wire frames and a hint of a mattress. Yet I always looked forward to camp and making new friends. I went to camp to have fun, but it was also a place where I encountered God. It wasn’t part of my plan, but He did some powerful things in my life and spoke to me during those times. I went there with a certain expectation, but when I left, I realized God had me there for a different reason.

As we approach the end of spring, you might be looking forward to summer

editorial Stacy Burnett, Managing Editor Daniel Hopkins, Senior Writer/Editor Shea Tellefsen, Staff Writer/Editor Katie Smith, Staff Writer/Editor Sydnie Shreffler, Staff Writer/Editor Georgette Shuler, Copy Editor photography Adam Fish, Contributing Photographer Cory Hale, Contributing Photographer Abrahanny Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer Youngbong Kim, Contributing Photographer

2 MAY 2016

with a certain expectation in mind.

Maybe you’re looking forward to some vacation time and the opportunity to get away from work and reconnect with your family. Perhaps you’re just starting to plan some fun adventures or simply some time to rest. Whatever your plan is for this season, I want to encourage you to be open to what God wants to do in your life and the lives of your family members.

God is doing big things at Gateway this month. Pink Impact, Gateway’s conference for women, is about to have their biggest conference yet, and you can learn more about the Pink mentoring program on page 10. You might remember seeing our video about Rich Niccolls on Vision Weekend. You’ll love reading the whole story about how he came to the Gateway Grand Prairie Campus and how his life has changed (page 12). And if you’re making summer plans for your family, you’ll chuckle at our summer vacation field guide (page 18).

I’m excited about everything God is doing at Gateway this spring, and I hope this issue of Gateway Life inspires you and your family as we look forward to summer!

Thomas Miller Executive Senior Pastor

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

GATEWAYPEOPLE

All responses taken from Gateway Church social media. Send us your story, testimony, or feedback on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or email us at life@gatewaypeople.com.

“In January, I lost my job and then my unborn baby tested positive for Down syndrome. So while we waited for the doctors to schedule an appointment, I requested prayer on myGateway and tried not to stress. In February, we found out the test was a false positive!”

Shanese Brown | via myGateway

“I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN to play

the acoustic guitar. When I heard of the classes offered through Gateway’s Worship Team Academy (WTA), I decided to go for it. I started last week and found the atmosphere full of energy, with students of all ages and levels of experience. The instructors are really helpful and instantly made me feel that I could attain my goal— even knowing nothing about the guitar.

What’s even more amazing—WTA teaches about being a worshipper first.

I am thrilled to have found this worldclass resource ‘in my own backyard!’”

“I took the Financial Hope Workshop last February and since I’ve been on this budget, I have paid all of my credit card debt.

I should be out of debt completely in two months!”

Leila Wilson | via Email

Say

WHAT?!

Defining Gateway Church Lingo

WHAT IS FREEDOM MINISTRY? We define freedom as the ability to respond fully to God out of who He created and redeemed you to be.

Freedom ministry is a discipleship process that will yield great benefits while training you to walk and grow in the freedom Christ has provided.

Susie Whitman | via Twitter

SO WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY “MINISTER FREEDOM”?

Freedom isn’t the practice of getting rid of sin, but instead it’s welcoming the presence of God. So when we minister freedom, we’re welcoming the presence of God to work in our lives.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

PUL SE

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend

IN RESPONSE TO EASTER WEEKEND

“I attend the Frisco Campus, but even through video, I was in tears during ‘This Blood.’ The presence of God was so tangible.”

Becky Blythe Jones | via Facebook

Easter Weekend

IN RESPONSE TO THE NRH NIGHT OF WORSHIP

“WE EXPECTED GOD TO SHOW UP AND HE DID! IT WAS IMPACTFUL IN A WAY THAT STAYS WITH YOU.” Kathleen Brown via Instagram

Gateway NRH Campus Night of Worship

Gateway NRH Campus Night of Worship

Gateway NRH Campus Night of Worship

IN RESPONSE TO EASTER WEEKEND

“GOD USED PASTOR ROBERT TO DELIVER A POWERFUL AND TIMELY MESSAGE! MY HUSBAND AND I RECOMMITTED OUR LIVES TO GOD!” Vicki Groll | via Instagram

Passover Service | NRH Campus

Passover Service | NRH Campus

Passover Service | NRH Campus

HIGH FIVE

JOSH HALL

“YOU KNOW YOU’RE A GATEWAY MOM WHEN YOU HAVE MORE JEWELS IN YOUR WALLET THAN ACTUAL CASH.” Lindsay Cole Holsinger | via Instagram

PASTOR, AMAZING KIDS

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a San Diego firefighter who specialized in wildfires and surfed when he wasn’t busy saving everyone.

PROUDEST MOMENT? Seeing my wife make it to 31 weeks and 3 days while carrying quadruplets. Brooks, Sadie, Elle, and Ivy are blessed to have Anna as their mom, as are Zoe and Kaytlin (our older two).

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? I was speaking to a group of elementary kids and was attempting to say “fiery darts” while preaching from Ephesians 6.

What came out was “diery farts,” which is not in Ephesians 6, nor should it be. As you can guess, there is no recovery from this when dealing with a room full of elementary children.

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT YOU? I have kept all of my basketball shorts and jerseys from my younger days so the TV networks could use them when making documentary pieces on my NBA career. I’m still waiting on that.

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE? Kitchen cabinet doors left open.

And fake compliments. But mostly cabinet doors left open.

For more about Gateway pastors and staff, visit staff.gatewaypeople.com.

IN RESPONSE TO EASTER WEEKEND

“I grew up in India and moved to San Francisco Him so much. A few weeks ago, the pastors that to go to school. Despite being a Christian, I had a pray at the end of the service gave the invitation, rough season and my relationship with God suf- ‘Come join us for Easter!’ I booked my plane fered. Early last year, ticket right away and a friend from church attended the services told me about The at 4:00 pm, 5:45 pm, Blessed Life website. and then the next I watched Pastor Robert’s Free Indeed series, morning at 10:45. The whole experience was and the messages changed my life. I started such a blessing! My trip was so memorable and watching the Gateway services online every I will never forget my first visit to Gateway!”

Sunday and they helped my relationship with Maria Joseph | via email

“My daughter, Payton, took several packs of the Easter invite cards and handed a couple to each of her 1st grade friends at lunch. By that afternoon, they became the hottest asset on the playground—all the kids were huddled in groups trading them with one another. I know at least a couple of kids that came because of those cards. Great invite tool!”

David Messersmith | via email

6 MAY 2016

“ONE SERVICE WAS NOT ENOUGH— I HAD TO COME BACK FOR A SECOND ONE.” Brad Downey | via Facebook

“I SPENT SOME TIME TODAY PRAYING AND BUDGETING FOR HEART FOR THE KINGDOM, AND I’M EXCITED TO SEE WHAT GOD DOES THROUGH GATEWAY CHURCH THIS YEAR!”

Randy Miller | via Facebook

Andy Walters | via Twitter

HEART FOR THE KINGDOM

IN RESPONSE TO THE DALLAS CAMPUS

“MY HUSBAND AND I VISITED THE DALLAS CAMPUS TODAY AND HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE IT OUR CHURCH HOME. EVERYONE WAS SO WARM AND FRIENDLY!” DAL

Jim and Frances Naeve | via Facebook

“These Gateway Students at the NRH Campus were determined to keep our campus bookstore manager dry on the way to her car.”

Pastor Kyle Fox | via Facebook

“I did not know when God led Joyce and me to Gateway Frisco that my old Hillcrest Church family was about to be brought back together at the Gateway Dallas Campus! I cried so hard during the first service ... God is so good!”

Ken Flo | via Facebook

Nearly 3,700 people attended services for our Dallas Campus launch. · 2,360 people at Gateway registered to vote through our Vote Under God initiative. · 17,800 copies of Gateway Life are printed each month. · 8 worship leaders are featured on Gateway’s first-ever, all-female worship album, Gateway Worship Voices, which releases at Pink Impact this month. · 53,150 people attended Gateway’s Easter services, and 1,490 volunteers served. · 100,000 Easter trading card invitations were printed. · The Pink Team ordered 5,000 glow necklaces and 5,000 glow bracelets for the Pink Impact after party.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 7

PUL SE

“I am so glad our friends invited us to Gateway. I had not been to church since I was a kid, so I was afraid of not fitting in. But with each passing week, I feel closer and closer to God. I cannot wait to see where this journey takes my family.”

O utreach

8  MAY 2016

I WENT TO PRISON. I know what you’re

thinking. It’s the same thing I was thinking: What am I doing? As the doors of the Bridgeport Correctional Center locked behind me, my fight-or-flight instinct began to kick in. Although this feeling made me want to run, I understood I was there for a reason, and I knew there was no turning back.

I was with a team of volunteers from Gateway Church, along with our partner G3 Prison Ministries, to share the gospel with female inmates. They were different from what I was expecting. I thought they would be like inmates I watched on TV shows—a group of hardened criminals, ready to prey on the next victim who walked through the door. But even still, it wasn’t the inmates who scared me. It was the locked doors behind me.

I wondered how long some of them had been there and how they could even smile.

Where did their sense of hope come from, and how could they keep going when their own choices and actions caused their freedom to be taken away? Yet lurking in the shadows of this captivity, in these dark places where most people fear to tread, is serenity unlike anything I have experienced before.

As the prison officers led our team into the faith-based unit, my fear dissipated into the peace that was present there. We walked into a concrete room that held 50 bunks, and my focus quickly went to the smiles on each woman’s face. These women aren’t serving life sentences.

They’ll one day regain their worldly freedom but will likely struggle as they learn to become a wife, mother, and employee again.

A couple of the volunteers began to lead praise and worship.

Their voices were overwhelmed by a choir of female inmates as they clasped hands and raised them together in surrender. They wept together and

consoled one another. One of the women belted the lyrics loudly and out of tune, but the cry of her heart resonated much louder than her voice.

After praise and worship, my husband, Jacob, and I got up to share with the inmates. As we looked out into a sea of khaki garb, we weren’t expecting the warm reception we received. In this place of brokenness and desperation, there was an overwhelming sense of hope.

The plan was that I would do all the talking. But as our story began to unravel, Jacob’s heart began to unravel as well. My sweet husband, who in the past was one of the hardest and most disturbed men that I’ve known, realized these women were desperate for the change God had brought him. He received a standing ovation when I announced he had been sober for eight and a half years; something most people would barely give a thumbs-up for caused these women to burst into applause.

My perspective began to change as I looked deeper into the heart of God. We regularly see people who secretly struggle with abuse, neglect, addiction, or shame, and we consider them free. However, despite being removed from the “free” world, the inmates I encountered at Bridgeport carried an astounding spirit of freedom.

I can recall times throughout my life when I was desolate, despondent, and devoid of life. It was in those times I have grown the most and understood God’s heart for the broken and hurting. It’s easy to become complacent in our day-to-day routines, but sometimes it’s in the darkness that we fully understand God’s promises.

While these women may not have physical freedom, it is in their captivity—in their place of desperation and solitude where they must be held accountable for their transgressions—that they are able to find the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. It’s not only in the house of God that we find His presence—it’s in the heart of every believer where God’s Spirit resides. And, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 9

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

GATEWAY’S PINK MENTORING PROGRAM PAIRS WOMEN TOGETHER FOR SHORT-TERM MENTORSHIP

by Katie Smith

M

ENTORING IS NOT A NEW THING.

Although the word “mentor” was never explicitly used in the Bible, there are many situations in Scripture where an older, more seasoned person encouraged, guided, and prayed for a younger

10 MAY 2016

person. (Think about Eli and Samuel or Elijah and Elisha.) Titus 2:3–5 even encourages older women to teach and guide younger women. In biblical days, this usually happened organically, but in today’s society where it’s easy to slip through the cracks of

community, sometimes some intentionality is needed. Hence, Gateway’s Pink Mentoring ministry, which was created to provide an easy way for a woman to connect with another woman who can encourage her, provide accountability, and pray for her.

A typical mentorship usually lasts four months, and you’ll have weekly meetings to connect, pray, and perhaps do an applicable book study. There are mentors of all ages, and anyone, in any stage of life, can be mentored, whether you’re experiencing traumatic circumstances or just want someone older and more experienced in the Lord come alongside you for encouragement and accountability. Because we all know that sometimes two is better than one.

helped me stay focused and see God’s hand in all of it. I now feel confident and significant—not just another face in the crowd!”

“BY THE TIME I WAS 22, I had had an abor-

tion, a miscarriage, and two children.

So in June of 2013, I answered a call the Lord placed on my heart and moved to Texas from Minnesota. As a young, broke, single mother of two small girls and no friends or family, I knew this act of faith would save my life and shift the outcome of my children’s future. After BELOW ARE SOME EXCITING TESTIMONIES learning about the Pink Mentoring FROM WOMEN WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH program, God gifted me with a mentor THE PINK MENTORING PROGRAM AND HAVE who was everything I needed in this SEEN SIGNIFICANT AND MEASURABLE season of my life. She encouraged me CHANGE OCCUR IN THEIR LIVES. to spend daily time with the Lord, and I experienced the significant difference “WHEN I SIGNED UP FOR THE PROGRAM, I was it made in my life when I stayed close not sure what to expect. I have served to Him. I learned to trust His voice in ministry for some time. I was a little over my emotions. I’m so thankful God apprehensive because I am usually gave me the boldness and courage to on the mentor side, say yes to this program not the mentee, but What does mentoring because I now have the I had been attending even mean anyway? best spiritual family ever, Gateway for about and I am walka year and had ing into my third Isn’t the process yet to build any Is it weird? year of complete super intense? strong relationpurity as I hope ships. So I filled for a ChristI just don’t out the applicaWhat if I get centered marriage understand tion to request a paired with in the future.

I have how it all someone I mentor, and Pink works. grown more than don’t like?

Mentoring did I could have ever an amazing job imagined in my relationship with the of assigning the perfect mentor for Lord, and I am raising fearless, free, me. About halfway through our time God-loving kids.” together, I lost my job. I then understood why the Lord had been prompt“PRIOR TO MY MENTORSHIP, my new maring me to sign up for the program. riage disintegrated and my brother Normally this would have been a very nearly lost his life in a drug overdifficult thing for me, but she was dose. These two situations left my such a blessing and provided wisdom, heart in pieces and left me hopeless, discernment, insight, and a whole lot overwhelmed, and feeling immense of encouragement and prayer! She loss. My coping mechanisms were no

longer working for me. I struggled to trust others and allow them into my brokenness. I needed to grow and heal, and I knew an important step toward these things was to ask for a mentor.

As a person who prides herself with independence and has control issues, the entire process leading up to the first meeting with my mentor was frightening: first I had to ask for help, and then I had to wait and trust God to pair me with the right mentor. But meeting her was a defining moment in my life. She showed me an incredible amount of grace and understanding, challenged me in every single area of my life, and was a huge part of my healing process. Simply put, she was an answer to many prayers.” GL

WANT TO BE A PART OF PINK MENTORING? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MENTOR? 1. Email pinkmentoring@gatewaypeople.com.

2. You’ll receive a questionnaire to fill out. You’ll be asked to describe where you are in your life and what you’d like to learn or accomplish from having a mentor.

3. Wait. Mentors and mentees are paired with much care, thought, and prayer. The Pink Mentoring team lets the Holy Spirit guide each pairing.

4. Start meeting!

DO YOU WANT TO BE A MENTOR? 1. Email pinkmentoring@gatewaypeople.com.

2. You’ll receive a questionnaire to fill out. You need to be a member of Gateway Church to be considered.

3. Someone will contact you for an interview and next steps!

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 11

Rich Provision How the Niccolls family found hope and healing at Gateway.

by Shea Tellefsen

RICH NICCOLLS AND HIS WIFE, TRACI, stand in Guest Central at the Grand Prairie Campus greeting visitors between services. But not long ago, they were on the other side of the handshake.

Rich and his family’s path to Gateway started in 2013.

For years, their friends attended the Southlake Campus, while the Niccolls family was happily serving at another church. But God spoke to Rich and said, “It’s time to go.” He listened but didn’t know where God was leading them next.

Around that same time, their friends who attended Gateway were struck by tragedy. Their 10-year-old daughter passed away. The Niccolls attended her funeral, which happened to be at the NRH Campus. “That was the first time I had actually been in a Gateway building. I saw the way the church came around their family, and I was really blown away,” Rich says.

Rich’s interest in Gateway was piqued at this point, but he and his family still weren’t sure where God was leading them. Rich grew up in a church of 500 people and had been attending a 1,200-member church—so a church the size of Gateway seemed massive.

“I pictured an arena of people, like at a convention center, where it’s cold and impersonal,” Rich says. He was also very hesitant that the senior pastor wouldn’t be speaking live at his campus.

With all of that in mind, Rich and Traci visited the Grand Prairie Campus a few months after the funeral. They arrived 15 minutes early to the 9:00 am service, and it was empty.

A handful of people arrived, and then worship began. Rich completely forgot he was supposed to be in a “big church,” until he turned around halfway through and saw that the auditorium had filled up with people. At that moment, he knew God had strategically brought him—and his family—to

the right place. When he walked out, he also realized he’d been completely unaware he was watching the message on a screen via simulcast.

God directed the Niccolls family to the right place, but what they didn’t know was that hard times were coming for their family and being at Gateway was part of God’s plan.

In October that year, Rich’s search-engine marketing business of 12 years was struggling. His job was to help businesses get their websites ranked highly in search engines such as Google so they could be on the first page, but that

“God just brought us money from strange places to help take care of us during that time.”

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 13

Left to right: Rich, Josh, Traci, Lauren, and Leah Niccolls.

stopped happening. “I was at a complete loss,” says Rich.

“Our income went from a decent amount of money to zero.”

So after being at Gateway a month, Rich went to the altar for prayer about his financial situation and failing business, but God had something else in mind. The altar minister said God had spoken to him and asked if he could share some things with Rich. “He started talking to me about tithing.

And up to that point, I had rarely tithed. It had been my

“The more we got plugged in, the smaller Gateway got.” personal theology that tithing was really not a part of the New Testament church. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that my dad had left the church over money,” Rich says. “I realized that my personal theology was not accurate. In fact it was wrong, really wrong. I was blown away by the fact that God cared enough to reveal that to me.”

Rich and Traci immediately began tithing and watched God continually, little by little, provide for their family.

Rich’s son, Josh, won season passes to Hurricane Harbor, a small blessing in itself. They went on the last day of the season, only to have their keys, cell phones, and wallets stolen right out of a locker. They tracked down the thief that day and got their car keys back, but everything else was gone. In the end, the young thief’s parents wanted to

14 MAY 2016

make financial restitution for their losses, and they received checks in the mail that allowed them to pay their bills. The phone company even replaced Rich’s phone! “Something bad happened, but something better came out of it,” Rich says. “God just brought us money from strange places to help take care of us during that time.”

By the time December 2013 rolled around, another tragedy struck. Rich got a call at the end of his 25th wedding anniversary trip to Disney World that his mother passed away after dealing with an ongoing illness. “Even though we were not making as much as before, we had saved enough for this trip,” Rich says. Traci called Gateway for prayer and to let them know what was happening. When they learned about their financial situation, Gateway responded by helping the family out with gas cards and other needs so they could drive overnight to Illinois. “They didn’t even know who we were. We weren’t members yet, but they took care of us,” Rich says.

God didn’t just provide financially during Rich’s time of need—He also provided relationally. At Gateway, Rich met Don, a man who had lost a business in the past and really connected with him. Rich also got to know Pastor Mark Jobe, whose mother was going through an illness at the same time as Rich’s mother. “He understood what we were going through, and he was also praying for us,” Rich says.

While struggles may keep some people away from church, the Niccolls family fully immersed themselves in Gateway.

After becoming members, Rich and Traci started their own Gateway Group and began serving at Guest Central. Their son, Josh, became very involved with Gateway Students (he even serves on the Next Level Internship program now), and their daughter, Lauren, attends The King’s University.

Leah, their oldest daughter, has also volunteered at many events, including Fall Festival. “The more we got plugged in, the smaller Gateway got,” Rich says. “And we’ve made some great friendships.”

Everything isn’t perfect, but God has continually provided for their family. Rich has been able to find odd jobs on the side while looking for his next career move. Last April, he wrote a blog post about his family’s first 18 months at Gateway. When a prospective employer read about them, he ended up having the perfect job for Traci!

“It doesn’t feel like a story at all. It’s just my life,” Rich says. “It’s a riches to rags story that led us to getting plugged in. It’s a story about God’s grace and mercy.” GL The Niccolls family attends the Gateway Grand Prairie Campus.

LEVI SMITH’S

“NO ONE LIKE JESUS”

BY DANIEL HOPKINS

Pastor Levi Smith was in the middle of leading a worship service several years ago, and it was clear the band and the congregation were having an encounter with God’s presence. In a quiet moment, he began to sing a spontaneous lyric and melody, which would go on to become the chorus for his song “No One Like Jesus.” “Typically, I’ll forget a spontaneous song like that, but this one stuck with me,” says Levi. “I felt like I was supposed to turn it into a congregational worship song.”

He wanted to write a simple song. One of the hallmarks of a great worship song is the ability to connect with people of all walks and various stages of life, and this song is able to do just that. With its folk-bordering-on-country style and memorable melody, “No One Like Jesus” feels humble and grandiose, traditional and fresh all in the same moment. Adding to its Americana style is a banjo, which propels the mid-tempo gait of the bridge, as well as the pedal steel guitar and violin, which send it gliding into a mellow chorus.

“Not every song has to be explosive,” says Levi. “Sometimes it’s nice just to let a song be simple and quiet. It’s nice to stay in a moment of peace during worship.” He holds moments like that dear to his heart because of their significance to him. More than 20 years ago, he gave his life to Jesus after encountering Him during a peaceful, quiet moment in a worship service. And “No One Like Jesus” reflects his gratitude.

When he realized there was something special about the spontaneous chorus, he decided to build the rest of the song around it.

His inspiration came from the Jewish background of our Christian faith. “We had been talking a lot at church about Israel and how we’ve been grafted into Jewish roots,” he says. “I love the idea that we’ve been adopted into a family of faith.”

That inspiration is introduced right away in the lyrics of the first verse: “Adopted in, You won us over / Carried in, upon Your shoulder / Our broken hearts, our wounded Savior / Resurrected by Your love.” While the verse talks about the cost of our salvation—a free gift from God purchased by Jesus’ death and resurrection—the bridge explores the cost of following Him. “Lord, we want to see you face-to-face / But we know it costs us everything / Lord, we give you everything.”

“I was thinking about the story of the rich young ruler,” says Levi.

“Jesus told him to sell everything and follow Him, but he walked away with a heavy heart because he couldn’t do it.” The cost of following Jesus is something all believers must come to terms with while they grow deeper in their walk with God. “For me, this song is a healthy reminder,” says Levi. “It’s another way of saying, ‘God, I know the cost and I’m willing to follow You.” GL

Levi Smith is the worship pastor at Gateway’s Grand Prairie Campus.

“No One Like Jesus” is on The God I Never Knew: Songs from Gateway Devotions and is available at the Gateway Bookstore and iTunes.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 15

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by Katie Smith

studying economics, she took a basic psychology course. As an + + church, + Virginian + + Spirit-filled + of her + member active West Cassie was also learning about Spirit-led inner healing at the+same time, when that + + + an epiphany + she had + + and that’s changed everything. This past January, 17 years after Cassie’s epiphany moment, one of the most innovative and unique + + at The + launched + country + + programs + therapy degree in the King’s University (TKU).

“I remember watching a video about therapy for schizo+ + + + + + + phrenics and saying, ‘Wow, that’s freedom ministry! There’s WHEN CASSIE REID WAS A FRESHMAN IN COLLEGE

a spiritual root,’” Cassie says. “I wanted to learn more, and I felt like the Lord told me to get all the tools in my tool belt, + + getting + that meant + doors.”+She knew + open the and+He would several advanced degrees, but in obedience, she switched her major in+several counseling + + +classes. Throughout + + + and enrolled her education, Cassie thought constantly about combining clinical theory and Spirit-led inner healing to further + + disparity + + + her clients, help but+she kept+encountering the and “either/or” mentality between the two wherever she went. After a two-year stint as a school counselor in the + + + + + + + Keller ISD (where she won Counselor of the Year but at the

+ + + +

same time was reprimanded for being too helpful), Cassie One of the cornerstone classes within this marriage and family master’s degree program is a class titled, Personal felt the Lord call her to open her own practice where she could freely blend the two methodologies for her clients. Identity: The Self as Counselor, where the students pursue “Whether I have an atheist, Buddhist, or Muslim come into their own personal freedom and healing while also learnmy practice, I’m still hearing the Holy Spirit,” she says. “I ing how to walk someone else through it. Where most, if may not say it overtly, but I’m still operating from that place not all, counseling degrees encourage the counselor to of hearing the Lord about where to go next.” shut down their personal experiences and operate out of While working at her practice, Cassie also taught a place of objectivity, Cassie believes that vulnerability, classes periodically at Gateway and TKU, and one day Dr. knowing yourself, and remembering how you received John Spurling, president of TKU, gave her an opportunity healing positively impact the way you counsel someone to turn her combination therapy techniques into a new, else toward healing. The class incorporates a lot of content Spirit-led and fully accredited counseling degree. She and from Gateway’s Freedom Ministry classes and encourages several others started envisioning what this new marriage the students to be transparent. No other counseling degree and family therapy master’s degree program would look program in the United States has a class like this, and it is like. Their first step was to do their research. They looked one of the many reasons The King’s University has become at 12 other counseling degree programs for a basis, and a place of distinct and exceptional education. with Cassie at the wheel, they asked themselves what they Yet, the road to this degree has not been easy. The actual wanted to emulate and what they wanted to change. They launch of the program was two years in the making as they definitely wanted their students to obtain a license in the state of Texas upon graduation, and they knew they wanted to produce quality therapists who are passionate and can navigate a secular state exam but also know how to look at a situation spiritually. “If you go to a secular school, you’re going to learn theory, a medical model, how to act while in session, and how to be ethical. Yes, we need all that,” Cassie says. “But what’s missing is trusting yourself and what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. That can be incorporated, waited for the state’s certificate of authorization to proand it can be taught.” A team of several people, including ceed. “In the waiting, we were able to make sure we were Dr. Bobbi Stringer at TKU, spent a lot of time researching extremely ready and ahead of the game when the green light came,” Cassie says. Now that it is up and running, it state requirements and making sure the degree program was fully approved and accredited before it launched in is expected to grow quickly. The first semester already has January of 2016.

30 students enrolled—some students even switched to this Cassie also wanted to make sure the students had plenty degree mid-semester! of real life experience, so the degree program includes three When The King’s University at Gateway was launched semesters of seeing clients and plenty of group practice ses- in 2012, the goal was to blend education and ministry to sions, which Cassie likes to call “tag team therapy.” Within produce experienced and quality leaders. Just four years this first semester, she has already started implementing later, they are blending things again with a master’s degree that will reinvent the education of the next generation of this technique in addition to bringing real-life cases* into her classrooms so her students can hear about current therapists. “It’s always been ‘either/or.’ Either you believe situations and discuss how to approach someone if they that the Lord can heal everything or you believe that theory, medicine, and hard work are key. It’s never and,” Cassie says. were to walk through their door today. “I didn’t sit across from a client until I was out of my master’s degree,” she “The and is what The King’s degree is really all about.” GL says. “If you wait that long, how do you know you love it?

You don’t. I want these students to know.” The students Dr. Cassie Reid is the director of the Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy not only get to practice therapy theory with their peers degree at The King’s University and founder/lead counselor of Cassie Reid during class, but the mock sessions have inadvertently Counseling. Cassie and her husband, James, have two daughters, Londi and Emerson. opened up opportunities for them to encourage one another For more information about the Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy degree in the Lord and develop deep relationships. This kind of or about The King’s University, visit www.tku.edu. camaraderie is unique, especially in a field that can be extremely competitive. *Case studies used in the classroom altered patients’ identities to protect their privacy.

“Whether I have an atheist, Buddhist, or Muslim come into my practice, I’m still hearing the Holy Spirit.”

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 17

Tips for an awesome summer vacation

by Daniel Hopkins

May is when many people start planning their summer vacations. Whether you’re camping, going to the beach, or taking the great American road trip, preparation is key. These handy tips will help make your summer vacation safe, fun, and memorable for the whole family.

Do keep a safe distance from bears and other wildlife while camping.

Do use matches and kindling to start a campfire.

Do use a GPS travel app to navigate your road trip.

18 MAY 2016

Don’t use a gallon of gasoline to start a campfire.

Don’t hug the cute bear cub while camping.

Do wear sturdy hiking boots while exploring the outdoors.

Don’t use your Facebook app while driving on your road trip.

Don’t go barefoot to “get in touch with nature.”

Do use bug repellent to keep pests away.

Do pack only the things you need.

Don’t use your Mixed Martial Arts skills to keep the pests away.

Don’t pack everything you own.

Do take plenty of games for the car ride.

Don’t cover the driver’s eyes in a game of “Guess Who” for the car ride.

Do get some Mickey Mouse ears at Disney World.

Don’t wear your Mickey

Mouse ears when

you return to work.

Do watch Finding Nemo before a trip to the beach.

Don’t watch Jaws before a trip to the beach.

If you haven’t made your summer plans yet,

check out these upcoming activities at Gateway for you and your entire family.

If you’d like to take a summer ministry trip, Gateway has several exciting trips planned.

June 13–18

August 9–24

AMAZING KIDS CAMP Contact Melanie Baley: 817.552.3685, kidscamp@gatewaypeople.com, kids.gatewaypeople.com

June 24

GATEWAY NIGHT AT THE RANGERS

Contact Melanie Baley: 817.552.3685, rangers@gatewaypeople.com

July 7­–10

GATEWAY NRH CAMPUS MARRIAGE VISION RETREAT TO HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Contact Alicia Osgood: 682.223.6144, marriagenrh@gatewaypeople.com, nrh.gatewaypeople.com

SPORTS TRIP TO CAIRO, EGYPT

September 2–12

GATEWAY NRH CAMPUS TRIP TO BERLIN, GERMANY

August 5–14

September 9–11

Tickets will be available in early June.

gatewaychurch.mymissionsapp.com

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF GATEWAY DALLAS CAMPUS

GATEWAY NRH CAMPUS TRIP TO SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 19

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GATEWAY DALLAS

NEW BELIEVERS

MIX ONE NIGHT

FRESH START

GROUPS

GATEWAYDALLAS

KIDS Friday, May 20 | 4:00–9:30 pm | Auditorium

If you’ve recently given your life to the Lord for the first time or as a recommitment, visit our Fresh Start Booth in the Lobby. We’d love to meet you, answer any of your questions, and give you a free devotional to help you begin your new life as a believer! Contact: Jesse Kramer, 817.552.5818, freshstart@gatewaypeople.com

Stay connected with us!

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES GRP

Join us as 4th through 6th graders from all campuses come together under one roof. We’ll have the Mix56 band, pizza, and games! We will provide transportation from the Dallas Campus to the Grand Prairie Campus. Register at mix56.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Victoria Latta, 817.552.3600, mix56@gatewaypeople.com

AMAZING KIDS PAID & VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them! We have part-time paid and volunteer positions available. Contact: Anne Hardin, 817.552.7475, kidsjobs@gatewaypeople.com

MEN

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

Are you looking to get involved and be part of a team? We need people to be Guest Central and Welcome Center hosts, ushers, and greeters. For more information, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 469.801.7222, servedal@gatewaypeople.com

PARKING LOT ATTENDANTS

We are looking for people who love to be outside and want to serve. Bring your sunscreen and help us welcome people to the Dallas Campus! For more information, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Lamar Slay, 817.552.7212, gxpdal@gatewaypeople.com

HEARTLINE MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS

YOU BELONG IN A GATEWAY GROUP!

If you want to get connected and make new friends in the Dallas area, join a group! To find a group, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Rachel Kevil, 817.552.7486, groups@gatewaypeople.com

JEWISH HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

Wednesday, May 4 | 7:00 pm

Join us on Holocaust Remembrance Day for an incredible opportunity to hear from an actual Holocaust survivor. You’ll also get to hear from a local rabbi and two members of Israeli parliament. Contact: Jenny Swanwick, 469.801.7209, jewishdal@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S MINISTRY

Our vision is to see men seek God first in every area of their lives by providing opportunities that bring men into a more direct relationship with God and each other. To learn about Men’s Nights, Men’s Brigade, small groups, prayer times, and more, visit men.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: David Rivera, 817.552.3631, men@gatewaypeople.com

Do you love connecting with people? Then help us make phone calls from home to follow up with our first-time visitors. Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 469.801.7222, servedal@gatewaypeople.com

PRAYER

PRAY FIRST

Thursdays | 7:00–8:00 am | Prayer Suite Join us as we gather to worship and pray!

Come ready to connect with God and release His kingdom on earth through prayer.

Contact: Tracey Newcomer, 469.801.7206, dallas@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium THURSDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Prayer Suite SUNDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 9:00 am | Classroom 2A

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 21

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY FRISCO

EQUIP

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYFRISCO

HEALING

OUTREACH

HEALING MINISTRY

LIVING THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE

Sundays, Apr 24–May 8 | 12:30 pm | Classroom B Join us for this three-week series as we learn about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and how to be led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.522.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

RAISING STUDENT ATHLETES

Sunday, May 1 | 9:00 am | Classroom B Join as we discuss the spiritual, emotional, and academic challenges of playing sports, the primary reasons your child plays sports, and ways to steward your children’s gifts. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.522.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

RAISING ADULTS

Sundays, May 8 & 15 | 9:00 am | Classroom B Come learn how to start parenting your children to become mature, empowered, competent adults who love their children and their families. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.522.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

BLESS A LIFE SERVE DAY

Tuesdays | 6:30 pm | The Mix

Saturday, Jun 25 | 8:00 am–1:00 pm

Whether you’re sick, hurting, or suffering, our desire is to pray for your physical and emotional well-being. Children’s ministry is available. Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5878, healingfrs@gatewaypeople.com

Are you looking for a way to serve in the Frisco area? This is a great opportunity for Gateway Groups, families, and individuals to serve together in our community! Contact: Jana Mason, 817.552.3705, outreachfrs@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

MIX ONE NIGHT

Friday, May 20 | 4:00–9:30 pm | Auditorium

GUEST EXPERIENCE ORIENTATION

Saturday, May 21 | 4:00 pm | Classroom B

GRP

Join us as 4th through 6th graders from all campuses come together under one roof. We’ll have the Mix56 band, pizza, and games! We will provide transportation from the Frisco Campus to the Grand Prairie Campus. Register at mix56.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Victoria Latta, 817.552.3600, mix56@gatewaypeople.com

Help us create an atmosphere for people to encounter the Lord. Come to Guest Experience Orientation to learn more about serving with us! Contact: Leigh-Taylor Hester, 817.552.3638, gxpfrs@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS KAIROS

All Frisco volunteers are invited to our Serve Night Out event. Come enjoy entertainment, Serve awards, and an after party.

Register at serve.gatewaypeople.com.

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

Tuesday, Jun 21 | 9:00 am–4:00 pm Kids KAIROS is an opportunity to allow God to show kids who He says they are and what He has planned for them! One parent needs to have attended KAIROS before registering their child (ages 8–12).

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5878, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE NIGHT OUT

Thursday, Jun 9 | 7:00 pm

WOMEN PINK SUMMER DAYS

Wednesdays, Jun 8–Jul 20 | 10:00–11:45 am | Auditorium

MEMBERSHIP

Ladies, join us this summer for a time of worship, the Word, and fellowship. Children’s ministry is available. Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, pinkfrs@gatewaypeople.com

LIVING THE SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE: GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Sunday, May 15 | 12:30 pm | Classroom B Join us as we learn about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how He leads us daily. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Connie Brown, 817.522.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM UNDERSTANDING ADDICTIONS

Saturday, May 7 | 5:45 pm | Classroom B Addiction is a broad term that covers multiple experiences. Come learn the root of addiction and the keys to being set free.

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5878, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

HURTS AND TRAUMA

Saturday, May 14 | 5:45 pm | Classroom B Come learn how to be free from the effects of confusing life experiences and emotional pain. Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5878, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

22 MAY 2016

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP)

Thursday, May 12 | 6:30 pm | Lobby

Come learn more about Gateway’s purpose, values, and history and explore how to get involved. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Vernita Lovett, 817.552.7517, ctvfrs@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Healing Ministry | 6:30 pm | The Mix WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium

MEN GATEWAY MEN’S SPRING GOLF LEAGUE

Mondays, May 2–16 | 6:00 pm | Trails of Frisco Golf Club

We’ll play nine holes each week, and you’ll have the opportunity to compete for fun prizes and get to know other guys from your campus! Register at men.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Doyle Duran, 214.707.8323, golffrs@gatewaypeople.com

FRIDAYS »» Men’s Prayer Meeting | 6:00 am | Lobby SATURDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 5:45 pm | Classroom B SUNDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 9:00 am & 12:30 pm Classroom B

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY GRAND PRAIRIE

FREEDOM

KIDS

Stay connected with us!

GATEWAYGRP

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

BABY DEDICATION SERVICES

May 7–8 | Weekend Services | Auditorium If you would like to dedicate your child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Courtney Watkins, 972.314.9099, babiesgrp@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM BASICS

Sundays, Apr 10–May 1 | 9:00 am | Classroom 2A These classes are designed to set the stage for you to begin your journey toward true freedom in Christ.

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jackie Alexander, 972.314.9076, caregrp@gatewaypeople.com

TOPICAL FREEDOM CLASSES

Sundays, May 8–29 | 9:00 am | Classroom 2A

This month we are offering a wide range of topical freedom classes! For more information or to register, visit freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jackie Alexander, 972.314.9076, caregrp@gatewaypeople.com

HEALING

AMAZING KIDS JEWEL STORE WEEKEND

May 7–8 | After Each Weekend Service | The Mix Attention all Amazing Kids! Don’t forget to bring your jewels for our next store weekend. Contact: Ashley Butts, 972.314.9082, kidsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

MIX ONE NIGHT

Friday, May 20 | 4:00–9:30 pm | Auditorium Join us as 4th through 6th graders from all campuses come together under one roof. We’ll have the Mix56 band, pizza, and games! Register at mix56.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Victoria Latta, 817.552.3600, mix56@gatewaypeople.com

MIX56 GRAND OPENING

May 21–22 | Weekend Services | The Mix Attention all 5th and 6th graders! We are excited to announce the grand opening weekend of Mix56 at the Grand Prairie Campus! For more information, visit mix56.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: John Newton, 972.314.9081, mix56grp@gatewaypeople.com

AMAZING KIDS VOLUNTEER & PAID POSITIONS

HEALING MINISTRY

Sundays | 12:00–1:00 pm | Classroom 2D If you need prayer for physical or emotional healing, we would love for you to join us. Contact: Jackie Alexander, 972.314.9076, healinggrp@gatewaypeople.com

We’re looking for Amazing Kids team members to help us shape the next generation for the future God has planned for them! We have volunteer and paid positions available for all ages at our campus. Contact: Courtney Watkins, 972.314.9099, kidsjobsgrp@gatewaystaff.com

OUTREACH

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

Are you looking to get involved and be a part of a team? We are looking for people to be Guest Central and Welcome Center hosts, parking lot attendants, ushers, and greeters. Contact: Joel Maldonado, 972.314.9108, gxpgrp@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS

Tuesdays | 6:30 pm | Auditorium We need volunteers to be an essential part in helping others meet Jesus and facilitate our growing community of young adults! Contact: Zach Faught, 972.314.4725, youngadultsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY STUDENTS FIRST LOOK

First Wednesday of the Month | 6:30 pm If you’re interested in serving with Gateway Students, come visit a service, meet our staff, shadow another leader, and hear our heart and vision for the next generation. Registration is not required. Contact: Abby Fernandez, 972.314.9107, studentsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN PINK IMPACT

Friday–Saturday, May 13–14 Fort Worth Convention Center Pink Impact is this month, and we’d love for you to join us! To learn more and to register, visit pinkimpact.com. Contact: Bri Kramer, 972.314.9000, pinkgrp@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

Sundays | 9:30 am | Ministry Center (2410 N Carrier Pkwy) Is your marriage struggling? We provide scriptural equipping, encouragement, and prayer support. No registration required. Contact: Bri Kramer, 972.314.9000, marriagegrp@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS BLESS! LOCAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

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: Mack Barron, 972.262.8318, mack.barron@ptccenter.org

TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am Ministry Center, 2410 N Carrier Pkwy (Canceled on Holiday Weekends)

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 23

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY NORTH FORT WORTH

EQUIP EQUIP SPRING SESSION 4

Jun 4–5 | Weekend Services

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

Come get discipled and equipped to fulfill your calling! We have classes on spiritual life, marriage & family, stewardship, and freedom. Children’s ministry is available. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.558.5801, equipnfw@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM

Sundays | 9:30 am | North Fort Worth Offices (7451 N Beach St | Suite 100) Is your marriage struggling or under attack?

Are you having difficulty communicating?

We provide scriptural equipping, encouragement, and prayer support. No registration required. We are also looking for leaders willing to minister to those with hurting marriages. Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.552.5801, marriagenfw@gatewaypeople.com

SUMMER SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Men: Tuesday Nights | Co-ed: Friday Nights

Saturdays, Apr 30–May 21 English 4:00 pm & Spanish 5:45 pm These four classes were designed to set the stage for you to begin your journey toward true freedom in Christ. Contact: Meredith Tilton, 817.328.2075, freedomnfw@gatewaypeople.com

Softball is a great way to make new friends and have some friendly competition! Men and women (ages 16+) are welcome to play with us this summer. Register (May 15–June 11) at sports.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Collin Elliott, 682.223.6016, softball@gatwaypeople.com

Get involved in live audio, video, or lighting production with Tech Arts, or assist the IT team with website support, ministry tech support, or help desk support. Training is provided (no prior experience required)! Contact: Debbie Kramer, 682.223.6939, avl@gatewaypeople.com

MEMBERSHIP GATEWAY GROWTH TRACK

Come let us agree with you and God in prayer for your physical healing! Contact: Meredith Tilton, 817.328.2075, freedomnfw@gatewaypeople.com

Explore your next steps.

Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, gxpnfw@gatewaypeople.com

MIX ONE NIGHT

Friday, May 20 | 4:00–9:30 pm | Auditorium

Join us as 4th through 6th graders from all campuses come together under one roof. We’ll have the Mix56 band, pizza, and games! We will provide transportation from the North Fort Worth Campus to the Grand Prairie Campus. Register at mix56.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Victoria Latta, 817.552.3600, mix56@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS KAIROS

Tuesday, Jul 12 | Auditorium This is an appointed time for children (ages 8–12) to connect with God and hear Him speak to them about their identities. One parent is required to attend KAIROS prior to registering their child for Kids KAIROS. Register at kairos.gatewaypeople.com.

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

24 MAY 2016

Fresh Start | Second Saturday of Every Month

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS »» Gateway Equip & Single Parent Life 7:00 pm | Auditorium

OUTREACH GRP

LAUNDRY PROJECT

Saturday, Jun 4 | 8:00 am–2:00 pm North Fort Worth Area We are partnering with LaundrybyCurrent.org to assist low-income families by meeting a basic need—washing clothes and linens! Register at bless.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Matt Osgood, 817.552.7581, outreachnfw@gatewaypeople.com

LOCAL OUTREACH

Do you have a heart for local outreach? If you’re looking for ways to become involved with outreach, email outreachnfw@gatewaypeople.com.

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

Mondays Through May 23 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

LIVE PRODUCTION & IT VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Learn about Gateway’s history and vision at our membership class.

KIDS

SINGLE PARENT LIFE NIGHT

Sunday, May 15 | 2:00 pm

HEALING MINISTRY

1st & 3rd Mondays | 7:00–8:30 pm

SINGLE PARENT LIFE

TECH ARTS

Saturdays, 4:00–5:30 pm | Compass A Catch the Vision | First Saturday of Every Month

HEALING

We’re looking for communion volunteers!

If you’d like to serve, visit the Welcome Center for instructions 30 minutes before the service you attend. Attire is business casual. Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, communionnfw@gatewaypeople.com

Join us for weekly teachings and classes about relevant topics for single parents. Children’s ministry is available. For more information, visit singleparentlife.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Velory Latham, 817.552.3684, singleparentlife@gatewaypeople.com

MEN

FREEDOM BASICS

GATEWAYNFW

COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

Mondays, May 2–23 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

Stay connected with us!

We have several opportunities available to serve as ushers, greeters, parking lot attendants, or Guest Central or Welcome Center hosts. For more information, visit gxp.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, gxpnfw@gatewaypeople.com

TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Auditorium »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Titus 2 Women’s Groups 10:00 am | Compass A & B »» High Noon Prayer | 12:00 pm »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium THURSDAYS »» Men’s Promise Principle Groups 6:30 am | Guest Central SATURDAYS »» Morning Prayer | 8:00 am | Parking Lot SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge 9:30 am | North Fort Worth Offices

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY NRH

EQUIP

GATEWAYNRH

MEN MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, May 21 | 8:00–10:00 am Gateway Men desire to seek God first in everything that we do. Join us for a great time of putting on a few pounds with an awesome breakfast, engaging in worship, and hearing from the Lord. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, mennrh@gatewaypeople.com

EQUIP CLASSES

This month we are offering a wide range of Equip classes, featuring Jewish Equip, Home Buyer’s Education, topical freedom classes, and Money & Marriage. For more information, visit the Equip booth in the Lobby or visit equip.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Crystal Molinar, 817.552.7619, equipnrh@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS

If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com by Monday, May 2. Space is limited! Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, babiesnrh@gatewaypeople.com

MIX ONE NIGHT

Gateway Men gather every Wednesday morning with a mission to pray for the men of our church. We worship and pray for men to turn their hearts toward God and effectively lead their homes, businesses, and communities. Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, mennrh@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GOLF LEAGUE

May 7–8 | 10 Minutes Before Each Weekend Service Auditorium

Friday, May 20 | 4:00–9:30 pm | Auditorium

MEN’S PRAYER

Wednesdays | 6:30–7:30 am | Lobby

Wednesdays | Sky Creek Ranch

BABY DEDICATIONS

GRP

Join us as 4th through 6th graders from all campuses come together under one roof. We’ll have the Mix56 band, pizza, and games! We will provide transportation from the NRH Campus to the Grand Prairie Campus. Register at mix56.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Victoria Latta, 817.552.3600, mix56@gatewaypeople.com

AMAZING KIDS JEWEL STORE

May 21–22 | After Each Weekend Service | Court Room Bring your jewels to spend at the Jewel Store! Jewels can be earned by bringing your Bible to class, returning Replay sheets, and more. Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, kidsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

Stay connected with us!

This summer, join us for eight weeks of competition in campus-specific leagues, and then we’ll play for campus bragging rights at the Gateway Cup Championship! For information about the NRH Campus league or to register, visit sports.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, mennrh@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S SUMMER SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Thursdays, Beginning Jun 9 | Northfield Park Softball is a great way to make new friends and have some friendly competition. Everyone (ages 16+) is welcome to play. Register by May 15. For information about the NRH Campus league or to register, visit sports.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, mennrh@gatewaypeople.com

OUTREACH

BLESS A LIFE SERVE DAY

Saturday, Jun 11 | 8:00 am–1:00 pm Are you looking for a way to serve in the North Richland Hills area? This is a great opportunity for Gateway Groups, families, and individuals to serve together in our community! Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, outreachnrh@gatewaystaff.com

PRAYER PRAYER TEAM

If you’re interested in being on the NRH Prayer Team and receiving weekly prayer requests from the NRH Campus congregation, email prayernrh@gatewaypeople.com.

PRAY FIRST

Monday, Jun 6 | 7:00 am | Auditorium On the first Monday of every month, we come together as a congregation to start the month off with a time of worship and prayer.

Contact: Katherine Hesami, 817.552.3600, prayernrh@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM

Join our social media team and have your photography featured on our NRH Campus social media page! If you have a passion for photography and would like a place to volunteer at the campus, contact us! Contact: Katherine Hesami, 817.552.3600, prayernrh@gatewaypeople.com

YOUNG ADULTS GATEWAY YOUNG ADULTS

If you are in your 20s or 30s and interested in being a part of our young adults gatherings, let us know! Contact: Brian McNabb, 817.552.7318, youngadultsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE & FAMILY MARRIAGE REVOLUTION

Saturdays, Jun 4–Jul 23 | 5:45 pm | Classroom A Marriage Revolution is an eight-week course designed to grow, strengthen, and empower your marriage. Register at marriedlife.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, marriagenrh@gatewaypeople.com

BARABBAS FREEDOM MINISTRY

Sundays | 7:00 pm | Chat Room

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

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» DayTime Bible Study (Senior Adults) 10:00 am | Chat Room WEDNESDAYS »» Men’s Prayer | 6:30–7:30 am | Lobby »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 25

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

GATEWAY SOUTHLAKE

JEWISH PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

Join us as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the salvation of Israel, and divine protection for the Jewish people. Contact: Mark Anthony, 817.552.3789, israelprayer@gatewaypeople.com

JEWISH ROOTS | HAVDALAH FELLOWSHIP Saturdays, Jun 4–26 | 5:30 pm | Classroom 2D

Join us for this special Havdalah Fellowship and Equip class! Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Oli Snyder, 817.552.7452, jewish@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS MIX ONE NIGHT

GRP

Join us as 4th through 6th graders from all campuses come together under one roof. We’ll have the Mix56 band, pizza, and games! We will provide transportation from the Southlake Campus to the Grand Prairie Campus. Register at mix56.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Victoria Latta, 817.552.3600, mix56@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATION SERVICE

Sunday, Jun 5 | 2:30 pm | Auditorium If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com by Monday, May 30. Space is limited! Contact: Cheryl Morgan, 817.552.7431, babies@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS KAIROS

Jul 11 & 25

Kids KAIROS shows kids who God says they are and what He has planned for them! One parent needs to have attended KAIROS before registering their child (ages 8–12).

Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Jennifer Stracener, 817.552.7446, kairos@gatewaypeople.com

MEMBERSHIP CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

1st Saturday of Every Month | 4:00 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: Bree Vasquez, 817.552.7483, ctvslk@gatewaypeople.com

MEN MEN’S PRAYER

Thursdays | 5:30–6:30 am | Lobby Join Gateway Men as we pray for the men of our church. Contact: David Rivera, 817.552.3631, men@gatewaypeople.com

26 MAY 2016

GATEWAYPEOPLE

SUMMER GOLF LEAGUE

WOMEN

Join us for friendly competition in campusspecific leagues, and then in June we’ll play for campus bragging rights at the Gateway Cup Championship! For information about the Southlake Campus league or to register, visit sports.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Justin Greene, 817.552.5887, golf@gatewaypeople.com

June–July

PERFORMING ARTS

Sundays, Beginning Jun 5 | 6:00–8:00 pm Parr Park, Grapevine

STAGEDOOR CLASSES & NIGHT OF SCENES

If you and your kids are looking for some fun this summer, join one of our summer playgroups where your kids can make lifelong, godly friends and moms can connect. Contact: Christy Linder, 682.223.6935, pinkgroups@gatewaypeople.com

Tuesdays/Thursdays | May 5–31 Trophy Club Country Club

Tuesday, May 17 | 7:00 pm | The Mix

Friday, May 20 | 4:00–9:30 pm | Auditorium

Stay connected with us!

Register by May 31

We offer weekly StageDoor classes for acting, dancing, and singing. (Summer Session: Jun 6–Aug 15.

Cost: $25) We also have performance opportunities for adults with our all-new Night of Scenes.

For class registration and audition information, visit performingarts.gatewaypeople.com.

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

RELATIONAL CARE RELATIONAL CARE

We’re looking for volunteers to assist with general office tasks and help us minister to those experiencing life-changing circumstances. Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

SERVE OPPORTUNITIES GUEST EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Saturday, May 21 | 5:45 pm | Classroom 1B Sunday, May 22 | 12:30 pm | Classroom 2B

Come find out what it takes to get involved as a greeter, usher, parking lot attendant, Guest Central host, or any of our other volunteer roles!

Register at gxp.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jim Mayher, 817.552.7566, gxp@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM MINISTRIES VOLUNTEER INFO NIGHT

Wednesday, May 18 | 7:15 pm | Ministry Center

Join us to learn more about how to serve in Freedom classes, groups, sessions, and more! Contact: Elizabeth Settle, 817.552.7368, freedomslk@gatewaypeople.com

TECH ARTS LIVE PRODUCTION & IT VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Sunday, May 1 | 2:00 pm | Serve Lounge

Get involved in live audio, video, or lighting production with Tech Arts, or assist the IT team with website support, ministry tech support, or help desk support. Training is provided (no prior experience required)! Contact: Debbie Kramer, 682.223.6939, avl@gatewaypeople.com

PINK GROUPS SUMMER CLASSES

Stay connected during the summer! Pink Groups will have five weeks of classes based on two tracks: Practical Parenting and Leadership.

Contact: Christy Linder, 682.223.6935, pinkgroups@gatewaypeople.com

SUMMER PLAYGROUPS

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAYS »» Single Parent Family Meal 5:30 pm | Gateway Café »» Single Parent Family Night 7:00 pm | Classrooms 1A, 1B & 2A TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | The Mix »» DayTime (Senior Adult Bible Study) 10:00 am | Classroom 2C »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium »» Healing Ministry | 6:30 pm | Second Floor WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Equip | June 8–22 6:56 pm | Auditorium »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium [UC] THURSDAYS »» Men’s Prayer Meeting | 5:30 am | Lobby SATURDAYS »» Gateway Equip | June 4–26 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm »» The Connection (Adults 50+) 5:30 pm | Classroom 2C SUNDAYS »» Freedom Basics | 9:00 am | Classroom 2D »» Prayer Tools | 9:00 am | Classroom 2C »» Gateway Equip | 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm »» Corporate Prayer for the Nation | 10:40 am

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

SINGLE PARENT LIFE

JEWISH

Join us as we celebrate parents! Cost: $3/person (includes admission and lunch). The first 100 to sign up will also receive a pass for fountain drinks. Contact: Velory Latham, 817.552.3684, singleparentlife@gatewaypeople.com

PARENT APPRECIATION DAY

Saturday, Jun 4 | Hawaiian Falls

MESSIANIC SERVICE

Friday, May 6 | 7:30 pm | Auditorium

SLK

Pastor Wayne Wilks Jr. will share a powerful message, and we’ll celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. Preservice prayer begins at 7:00 pm. Contact: Oli Snyder, 817.552.7452, jewish@gatewaypeople.com

KIDS WACKY WEEK

Tuesday–Thursday, Jun 28–30

SLK

Kids, join us for an action-packed week as we learn about THE Superhero! Wacky Week is for kids 6 years old–6th grade. We also need volunteers (ages 13+) to join forces with us! Register at kids.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Julie Stockenberg, 817.552.7433, wackyweek@gatewaypeople.com or wackyweekvolunteers@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE & FAMILY PURE DESIRE UNIVERSITY SEMINAR

Thursday–Friday, Jun 23–24

NFW

Join us for a two-day conference designed to help you understand what creates addictive sexual behavior and equip you to minister healing and freedom. Cost: $65 ($89 after May 24).

Register at intimatelife.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Monica Bates, 817.552.7363, intimatelife@gatewaypeople.com

PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER MUSICAL AUDITIONS

Thursday–Saturday, May 19–21

SLK

Calling all actors and musicians! We’re excited to present Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof with a live orchestra this summer (August 5–14) at the Dallas Campus! For audition materials, registration, and orchestra opportunities, visit performingarts.gatewaypeople.com.

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

RELATIONAL CARE OUR JOURNEY OF HOPE

Thursdays, Beginning May 26 7:00–9:00 pm | Classroom 1B

SLK

This support ministry offers care, prayer, and support for those battling cancer or caring for a loved one. Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

SPECIAL EVENTS HABITATION

Sunday, May 22 | 6:00 pm | Auditorium SLK FRS GRP NFW

Join us for a special time of worship, testimonies, and ministry. Prayer starts at 5:15 pm. Contact: Hayley Holmes, 817.552.5893, habitation@gatewaypeople.com

ID SEMINAR

Friday–Saturday, May 20–21

UC

LOCATIONS &

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 DALLAS CAMPUS DAL 12123 Hillcrest Rd · Dallas, TX 75230 Sat 4:00 pm Sun 9:00 am & 10:45 am 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

Discover your destiny and life mission as you explore your strengths and spiritual giftings.

Cost: $25. Register at id.gatewaypeople.com.

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

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

THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT LIVE SIMULCAST

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

Thursday–Friday, Aug 11–12

SLK GRP

Come learn from world-class leadership experts, including Bill Hybels, Patrick Lencioni, John Maxwell, and many more! Register at gls.gatewaypeople.com using promo code PREMIER16. Contact: Jaclyn Welch, 817.552.3629, gls@gatewaypeople.com

SPORTS GATEWAY NIGHT AT THE RANGERS

Friday, Jun 24 | 7:05 pm | Globe Life Park, Arlington You’re invited to watch the Texas Rangers take on the Boston Red Sox! Gateway has reserved a couple sections of seats behind first base for $15–$30 per ticket. Register at rangers.gatewaypeople.com. Space is limited! Contact: Melanie Baley, 817.552.3685, rangers@gatewaypeople.com

Friday–Saturday, Jun 17–18

MINISTRY CENTER MIN 540 S Nolen · Southlake, TX 76092 UNIVERSITY CAMPUS UC 2121 E Southlake Blvd · Southlake, TX 76092 817.328.1000

WEEKLY EVENTS

STUDENTS TEEN KAIROS

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

UC

If you’re 13–18 years old, join us as we encounter God through worship, teaching, and ministry exercises! Contact: Benjamin Gilmore, 817.552.7614, teenkairos@gatewaypeople.com

WORSHIP GATEWAY WORSHIP VOICES ALBUM

Available May 13

This new album features Gateway worship leaders Rebecca Hart, Anna Byrd, Kari Jobe, Rita Springer, and more! Available at iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Gateway Bookstore.

MONDAYS »» Single Parent Life Night | Meal 5:30 pm | Classes 7:00 pm SLK NFW TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SLK GRP

NFW

WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Equip | 6:56 pm | Auditorium »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium

SLK

UC FRS GRP NFW NRH

SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am MIN (Canceled on Holiday Weekends)

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 27

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCHWIDE

ACTIVITIES

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Fill out this card, color it in, and give it to your mom!

28 MAY 2016

SUDOKU

Fill the 9×9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3×3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.

3

5

1

9

8

7

4

FAITH + POP

CULTURE

MEET

X-MEN: Aliens in a Strange Land

by S. George Thomas and Katie Smith

6

5

3

6 2

9

8

6 4

3

5 2

7

4 1

5 9

WHERE

5

6

©1998 Mark Parisi | offthemark.com

1

3 4

2

8

THIS MONTH BRINGS US THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RELEASE of X-Men: Apocalypse. The X-Men films go beyond the typical superhero tropes to tackle much deeper issues as these “mutants” struggle with staying in their safe-haven community or venturing out to save a world of people who despise, fear, and reject them.

As Christians, we face a similar struggle. 1 Peter 2:11 describes those of us who believe in Christ as “foreigners and exiles.” And on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for us saying: “The world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. … Just as You sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”

All too often, believers repeat the mantra “in, but not of,” thinking we have to endure life here on earth until we go to heaven and avoid becoming too worldly. However, if you take a closer look at Jesus’ prayer for us, a better way to say it is, “not of, but sent into.” Our mission isn’t to disassociate ourselves from the world; it’s to go into the world and share the good news with others.

Like the X-Men characters, we have a choice too. Do we stay inside our safe Christian bubble waging a war on culture from afar, or do we do whatever it takes to save those around us? Cultural warfare is not the same as spiritual warfare.

Until we, as followers of Jesus, learn to distinguish the two, our outward posture toward unbelievers will continue to be “attack, attack, attack.” It’s virtually impossible to seek the redemption of people who are the ongoing recipients of our most inflammatory, damning rhetoric.

Until we stop viewing those who are lost as the enemy, and start loving them with the same love we’ve received, we’ll never fulfill our mission to be “salt and light.” We’ve been rescued from darkness and given the light not just so we can flee the darkness, but so we can use the light to guide our steps as we go back to rescue others from darkness.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 29

PROFILE

like a priest or talk like one. He had the ugliest church with the worst sound system, but the people flocked to him because he pointed to Jesus. People came to John to find the Messiah. That’s what people are still coming to find.

IF THERE’S ONE THING I wish Christians could understand, it’s the depth of God’s love for them.

That’s how I got saved. God had been chasing me, but I loved an atheist girl so much I was ready to follow her to hell if I had to. I was lying in the grass outside an art museum and God showed up and told me that was how much He loved me: He’d follow me to hell. In fact, He told me He had already done it on the cross, and when He was done I said, “I’ll do anything You want me to for the rest of my life.” It was my Road to Damascus experience. I got the gospel straight from God.

ZACH NEESE ZACH NEESE IS THE CAMPUS WORSHIP PASTOR AT THE NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS. HE AND HIS WIFE, JEN, HAVE TWO SONS AND FOUR DAUGHTERS. WHEN I CAME TO GATEWAY, I was looking for revival.

My wife, Jen, and the kids really loved it, but the worship time during the weekend service wasn’t long enough for me. I wanted to get into wild places and spend a lot of time in the presence of God. After graduating from Christ For The Nations Institute, I took a job leading worship at a church in Alabama. A few months later, Pastors Thomas Miller and Walker Beach began talking to me about joining the staff at Gateway to teach about worship. It was clear God was calling us back, and even though I answered the call, I was still reluctant. That soon changed in an elders’ meeting. As I started strumming on the guitar, Pastor Robert and the elders got out of their chairs and onto their knees and started praying, “God, we can’t do this without you.” I knew I could serve men like this.

30 MAY 2016

I LOVE THE OUTDOORS. I love spending time in the mountains, woods, and in the desert. What I enjoy most about being outside is I can hear clearly. There’s so much competition for our attention, and our culture is so media noisy that it’s difficult to hear the whispers of God. When you step out and look at the scenery, it’s like looking at a stained-glass window that stretches across the sky. God speaks in the cathedral of His creation.

BEFORE I BECAME A PASTOR, I was a warehouse man at a chemical company, I sold jewelry at James Avery, and I was a teacher. I finished college by getting my teacher’s certification and got a job as an autism therapist. It was a great job and education. Everyone who works in ministry should work with emotionally disabled and autistic kids because to some degree, we all have some kind of emotional disability. When you’re pastoring people, it really helps to know how to understand broken souls.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE characters in the Bible is John the Baptist. Most people don’t realize he was a priest.

He was the priest you didn’t see coming because he didn’t work where the priests worked. He didn’t dress

THE FIRST TIME I ever led worship was right after I was saved. I had been a heavy metal musician, but I got rid of my guitar because I didn’t know how to play anything that wasn’t Metallica, Iron Maiden, or Judas Priest. So I holed up in a room with an acoustic guitar and just started singing to God. I didn’t consider myself a singer at the time. When some people in my church found out I played, they asked me to lead worship for a service. I was intimidated, so I asked everyone to turn their chairs around and face the back wall. I broke two strings and my guitar was out of tune. It was awful, and I told myself I’d never do it again. But people kept telling me how powerful the presence of God was during worship. They asked me back again the next week, and that’s how I started leading worship.

SOMETIMES I GROWL during worship. Do you ever get so excited about the power of God’s presence that there just aren’t words to express it? There are times during worship when a hoop or holler just won’t do it.

That’s when an unintentional growl comes out. Once after a worship service, I was with Pastor Robert and I said, “My voice is shot.” He said, “You seem to lose your voice a lot. Do you think you might be singing wrong?” I said, “No, I’m yelling wrong.”

For more about our Gateway pastors and staff, visit staff.gatewaypeople.com.

GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS

Monday, June 6

DESTINATION GATEWAY CHURCH > SERVE NIGHT OUT

7 : 00–9 : 00 PM

FRISCO CAMPUS

Thursday, June 9 7 : 00–9 : 00 PM

NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS

Thursday, June 9

CELEBRATI NG GATEWAY VO LUNTEERS

6 : 30–9 : 30 PM

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

Friday, June 10

Calling all Gateway volunteers! Join us for an unforgettable night at your campus as we honor you.

7 : 30–9 : 30 PM

NRH CAMPUS

Thursday, June 16 7 : 00–9 : 30 PM

Register at serve.gatewaypeople.com.

GATEWAY STUDENT CONFERENCE 2016 July 20–22 | Gateway Church Southlake Campus FEATURING

CHRISTINE CAINE The A21 Campaign

JOHN GRAY

Lakewood Church

LEVI LUSKO

Fresh Life Church

gwstudents #GWSC16

MARK PETTUS Church of the Highlands

RICH WILKERSON JR. Vous Church

JASON LAIRD

Gateway Church

BRIAN CROMER Gateway Church

KARI JOBE & CODY CARNES Gateway Church

ANDY MINEO Hip-Hop Artist

gatewaystudentconference.com

DESTINATION

Friday–Saturday, May 13–14 Fort Worth Convention Center 1201 Houston Street | Fort Worth, TX

Right in our own backyard.

Featuring

Host, Debbie Morris

Christine Caine

Charlotte Gambill

Priscilla Shirer

Worship with Kari Jobe

Robert Morris

Blynda Lane

Elaine Fisher

Special Guests

Moriah Peters

Michael Jr.

Amena Brown

Dance Revolution

Register and learn more at pinkimpact.com!

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G AT E W AY L I F E M A G . C O M

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