Gateway Life | August 2016 by Gateway Church

AUGUST 2016

UNIFIED BY DESIGN

How we’re reaching more people with a brand new look. p. 12

HE STILL SPEAKS

YOU BELONG

LITTLE BUNDLES

Pastor Tom Lane explains why everyone needs a word from God. p. 10

The fun and unique world of Gateway Groups. p. 16

How Gateway’s baby registry ministers to families. p. 18

Annie Paul is a fifteen-year-old student at Reedy High School. Her design was inspired by the theme of transformation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Butterflies remind me of our relationship with Jesus. As we have a deeper relationship with Jesus, we become more like Him." Scripture paraphrased from the NIV version.

CALLING ALL CREATIVES!

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

CONTENTS AUGUST 2016

COMMENTS

WELCOME

PULSE OUTREACH

BOXES OF LOVE It’s more than a pro-life movement. It’s a pro-love movement. F E AT U R E S

HE STILL SPEAKS

UNIFIED BY DESIGN

SONG STORY

YOU BELONG

LITTLE BUNDLES

Pastor Tom Lane explains why everyone needs a word from God.

How we’re reaching more people with a brand new look.

Anna Byrd’s “Greatest Desire”

The fun and unique world of Gateway Groups.

How Gateway’s baby registry ministers to families.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ACTIVITIES

THE INTERSECTION

PROFILE – MARK HARRIS

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 we’re already nearing the end of summer. Most of us have enjoyed the warmer temperatures by spending time with our families and friends, barbecuing, vacationing, or just relaxing. Being with family and playing with our grandkids is truly rejuvenating for Debbie and me and much needed as we look forward to the next season of ministry. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, King Solomon wrote “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE

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

We’re entering into a new season here at Gateway, and I’m excited about some big changes that are happening! One of the biggest and most exciting changes is our new logo, which you probably noticed on the cover of Gateway Life, and it will soon be on the front of all our campuses. We also changed many of our ministry names to make it easier for people to become involved and receive the ministry they need. I know change can be difficult, but I’m thrilled about all the ways our new logo and updated ministry names are going to help us reach more people and point them to Jesus. I believe we’re going to see even more people’s lives changed as a result! You can read all about this on page 12. editorial Stacy Burnett, Managing Editor Daniel Hopkins, Senior Writer/Editor Katie Smith, Staff Writer/Editor Sydnie Shreffler, Staff Writer/Editor Georgette Shuler, Copy Editor photography Adam Fish, Photographer Cory Hale, Contributing Photographer

This issue of Gateway Life also has great stories about people whose lives are being changed through Gateway. The article about the Stillwell family is a great example of how Gateway rallies around and helps new parents (page 18). As we prepare our hearts and minds for our presbytery services (August 14–16), Pastor Tom Lane shares why we all need a word from God (page 10). You’ll also love reading about the new ways our ministry partner Embrace Grace is reaching women with unplanned pregnancies (page 8). Like many of you, our summer has been busier than normal, but we did find some time to rest, and I want to encourage you to do the same. With fall approaching, the pace of life for many of us is about to speed up, but there's still time to relax, have fun, and make lasting memories with your loved ones.

Pastor Robert Founding Senior Pastor art Shane Dennehey, Creative Director Justin Miller, Art Director/Designer Kiki Thompson, Art Director/Designer Tim Lautensack, Designer Emanuel Puscas, Designer Katrina Sirmon, Production Designer Jules Oravetz, Production Designer David Phillips, Print Coordinator project management Gena Bohl

2 AUGUST 2016

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.

“The other day I was in line at the grocery store behind a family who was purchasing their groceries for the week. I heard the Holy Spirit say, ‘Buy their groceries.’ I debated for a moment whether I heard correctly, but finally I said to them, ‘Can I bless you?’ They said, ‘Yes!’ and gave me a big hug. Two days later, I randomly received a check in the mail for the exact same amount of the groceries! I knew that blessing wasn’t in my budget, but it was in His budget!” Charissa Dantouze | via Instagram

IN RESPONSE TO DAVE ROEVER’S MESSAGE

“INCREDIBLE STORY OF GOD’S LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, AND THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS! I WAS SO INTRIGUED BY HIS INCREDIBLE STORY, SO I BOUGHT HIS BOOK AND READ IT IN ONE DAY. I JUST COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. HE IS AN AMAZING MAN OF GOD AND HAS AN INCREDIBLE CALLING, AMERICAN HERO!”

“At Wacky Week, I learned that Jesus is really more powerful than I think He is. He is more than a superhero!”

Roxanne Barraza | via Facebook

Say

WHAT?!

Defining Gateway Church Lingo

Eloise Ransom, Age 6

PRESBYTERY

DISCIPLED

Presbytery is when we come together to hear what God has to say through prophetic ministry and encouraging words.

Discipled is a condition of perpetual growth in which a Christian purposefully directs themselves to live as a follower of Christ, as a learner of the Word, in community with other believers, and in pursuit of lasting transformation through rich relationship with Jesus.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

PUL SE

“Don’t just have a heart after God, have God’s own heart. God is looking for a generation that has His heart.” Christine Caine | Gateway Student Conference

Gateway Student Conference

Dallas Campus Night of Worship

IN RESPONSE TO THE DALLAS CAMPUS NIGHT OF WORSHIP

“COMMUNITY GATEWAY STYLE: AMAZING WORSHIP AND PRAYER SERVICE FOLLOWED BY A MOVIE, GAMES, AND FOOD. NEVER HAVE I FELT SO EMBRACED BY A CHURCH FAMILY. I’M SO GRATEFUL GOD BROUGHT ME HERE.” Laura Embrirock | via Instagram

Wacky Week

“I’M 13 AND THIS IS MY LAST WACKY WEEK. BUT IT WILL BE THE BEST ONE YET BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT SUPERHEROES AND JESUS, AND I LOVE SUPERHEROES AND JESUS. JESUS IS MY SUPERHERO!” Anaya L. Salvador | via Instagram

Wacky Week

HIGH FIVE

IN RESPONSE TO THE GATEWAY YOUNG ADULTS SOUTHLAKE SHINDIG

MATT HERNANDEZ

PASTOR, GATEWAY STUDENTS

WHAT IS SOMETHING NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT YOU? I’m more introverted than people realize, and I tend to get social anxiety in group settings. IF YOU COULD GET COFFEE WITH ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE? St. Francis of Assisi or Mother Teresa because their simple way of loving Jesus has changed and shaped me for the better. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST FASCINATING? I feel like I’m the kid in church who always says “Jesus” as the go-to answer. But seriously, Jesus. I find His life incredibly fascinating: the way He disrupted systems, the way He loved the outcasts, and how He turned the whole religious world upside down. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A backup dancer for Michael Jackson. I know, I know … don’t ask. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SUPERHERO? Superman, cause he’s freaking Superman. He has a sweet red cape and good hair.

“GATEWAY YOUNG ADULTS TRYING OUT SOME OF OUR NEW TOYS. SO MUCH FUN!” Pastor James Lee | via Facebook

IN RESPONSE TO KAIROS

I CAME TO KAIROS PRIMARILY AS A SUPPORT TO MY DEAR FRIEND, BUT IT BLEW MY SOCKS OFF! GOD WANTED ME HERE AND HE HAD PLENTY TO SHOW ME. OLD DOGS CAN STILL BE TRAINED!

I HAVE NEVER FELT THE PRESENCE OF GOD SO STRONGLY AS I DID DURING THE LAST TWO DAYS. IT WAS AMAZING HOW IN SUCH A SHORT TIME I FEEL ALIVE AND RENEWED LIKE I HAVE NEVER FELT.

KAIROS attendee

DEBT

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

KAIROS attendee

“I knew what the Word says about giving, but I never truly understood how to manage my finances and other possessions in a godly manner. I have learned through the Financial Hope class what the Lord expects of me and that He is here to guide me. I have

a lot of debt to pay off, but I feel encouraged because I have a plan.

Where it would have taken me 25 years to get out of debt before, I can now get out of debt in six years. Praise the Lord because He is faithful even when we are unfaithful.” Anonymous Gateway member

6 AUGUST 2016

“Your story is inspiring me with what I’m going through. The problems may be different but knowing what God did for you makes me believe even more that He will also help me.” Gina Drosdak Gillespie-Robertshaw | via Facebook

“MY HUSBAND BOYD’S SHOULDER WAS HEALED AT EQUIP ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT! WE ARE REJOICING AND SO GRATEFUL!” Pastor Mallory Bassham | via email

“What an amazing first night at Agua Viva Peru with Gateway Worship and nearly 20,000 people declaring ‘Your Love Has Found Us’ in Spanish during worship!” James Reid | via Instagram

2,742 kids attended Wacky Week. They used 3,000 balloons and 3,000 rolls of toilet paper for games, and they also made a giant pizza in a plastic pool. • In June, 23 Gateway Worship pastors and leaders, musicians, and staff went to Lima, Peru, to do a live recording of the Walls album in Spanish. More than 20,000 people attended. • At Gateway’s Night at the Rangers, Pastor Rebecca Hart sang the national anthem, and the live video received more than 110,000 views on Gateway’s Facebook page. • At the Gateway Student Conference, there were 380 volunteers serving, 19 states and 3 countries represented, and 4,000 glow sticks handed out. • This July, every issue of Gateway Life magazine included the 40-Day Prayer Challenge card in addition to the 30,000 cards printed for Gateway attendees. • 17 worship leaders and musicians were on the platform and more than 800 people attended the Dallas Campus’s Night of Worship in July.

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PUL SE

IN RESPONSE TO THE GATEWAY LIFE ARTICLE “TAKE A KNEE”

Outreach

Boxes of Love It’s more than a pro-life movement. It’s a pro-love movement. by Katie Smith

THIS YEAR, the nonprofit organization Embrace Grace began

the test run of an initiative that could change the way single moms-to-be think about their babies and about the Church. When Amy Ford cofounded Embrace Grace in 2008, she and a friend, Salina Duffy, created a small group curriculum so young girls with unplanned pregnancies and their families could turn to the Church for love and support. There are three main goals for those going through the Embrace Grace curriculum: connection with God, relationship with others, and renewed identity. Incentives like a baby shower and a day to be pampered (also known as Princess Day) draw girls who are hesitant or unsure about the group. Early on, girls found out about the life-saving ministry of Embrace Grace through word of mouth or local church advertising, but this new initiative put Embrace Grace on the front lines—in pregnancy centers. For this test run, Embrace Grace partnered with 13 pregnancy centers (12 in Texas, 1 in Idaho) to give out 500 “Love-in-a-Box” gifts to single girls who receive positive pregnancy tests. Each box includes a onesie that reads “Gift from God”; a journal that says “You are strong. You are brave. You are loved.”; a pen; a cute hair tie; a copy of Amy Ford’s book A Bump in Life: True Stories of Hope & Courage During an Unplanned Pregnancy; and a letter to the mom encouraging her to get plugged into an Embrace Grace group or local church along with an offer for another free gift. “We provide flyers to pregnancy centers, but we want to give them something more than a flyer—something visual,

8 AUGUST 2016

something to feel and touch, something that says ‘We love you,’” Amy says. Each gift is carefully put together by volunteers who wrap the items in tissue paper and tie the box with a sweet tulle bow all the while praying for the mom who may receive the box. Everything about this gift says, “We’re here for you. There’s a place for you to run to.” So far, more than 100 girls have already reached out to Embrace Grace after receiving a gift box from a pregnancy center. The Embrace Grace team was able to minister to those girls and give them information about the upcoming Embrace Grace semester and local churches that would support them. Although they won’t know the full results of this initiative until the fall when the next Embrace Grace group semester starts, the team hopes to continue this Love-in-a-Box revolution on a larger scale next year. “We know at least one baby has been saved from a possible abortion and several moms-to-be have found hope,” Amy says. “Even if those are the only numbers we get this year, it was all worth it.” There are so many ways you can help! • Pray that every mom who opens a gift box feels God’s love and comfort! • Start or lead an Embrace Grace group. • Donate to Embrace Grace or shop for cute merchandise at shop.embracegrace.com. For more information, visit embracegrace.com.

500

EMBRACE GRACE PARTNERED WITH

PREGNANCY CENTERS ( 12 I N TE X A S , 1 I N I D AH O )

T O G I V E O UT

“LOVE-IN-A-BOX” GIFTS TO S I N G L E G I R L S W H O RECE I V E P O S I T I V E P RE G N A N C Y TE S T S

PRO-LOVE: A MOVEMENT COINED BY AMY FORD AND EMBRACE GRACE. PRO-LOVE IS A STEP ABOVE PRO-LIFE. THE PRO-LOVE MOVEMENT CALLS FOR PEOPLE TO SAVE THE BABIES AND THE MOMMIES WITH UNPLANNED PREGNANCIES.

228 41

E M B R A C E G R A C E I S C U R R E N T LY O P E R AT I N G I N

STATES

COUNTRIES

S TAT E S

CHURCHES

UNITED STATES CANADA UGANDA TANZANIA

HE STILL SPEAKS

WHY EVERYONE NEEDS A WORD FROM GOD by PASTOR TOM LANE

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO HEAR FROM GOD OR NEEDED A WORD

from the Lord? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. As you pursue a deeper, more intimate relationship with God you’ll undoubtedly come to a place where you need to hear from Him. He speaks in a variety of ways, whether it be from His Word as you read it, directly to you as you communicate with Him, or prophetically through another person. When it comes to hearing a prophetic word from God in a corporate setting, I have found that most people feel like I did initially … fearful. Although there’s nothing more wonderful than to know God knows me, loves me, and actually wants to talk with me like He would a friend, many of us have the impression God is always frustrated and angry with us. We feel like if He were to talk with us, He would be harsh, corrective, and impatient. That’s certainly the way I believed, and most prophetic words I had heard in church up until that point only served to reinforce my belief. When I was in my 20s, I was involved in a church whose senior pastor had a prophetic gift. He would speak a prophetic word over every person joining the church as he welcomed them into membership. Although his prophetic words were never harsh or personally embarrassing to anyone, I just knew I’d be the first to experience harsh correction or personal embarrassment in front of the whole congregation. As a result, I waited several years to join the church.

10 AUGUST 2016

Finally, the day came when I decided I wanted to formalize my membership with the church. I knew that meant receiving a prophetic word from my pastor. As I wrestled with my decision, I determined if joining the church meant I was to be corrected and embarrassed, then so be it. I was one of about 15 people receiving their membership. My pastor made his way through the line of people and then he came to me. He paused for a moment looking intently into my eyes. His look was penetrating. I knew he was seeing deep into my soul and was about to dredge up all my ugliness for everyone to see. I wasn’t living sinfully and my heart was turned to God, but I wasn’t sure that would matter. I knew I wasn’t good enough, and I felt God was barely tolerating me. I was convinced that this event was going to draw His ire because it was focusing His attention on me. So I braced myself for a portion of His wrath.

ALL MINISTRY FOR GOD SHOULD ACCURATELY REFLECT HIS LOVING CARE TO THE PEOPLE IT IMPACTS.

After what seemed like an eternity, my pastor said, “The Lord is not giving me anything for you,” and then he moved on to the next person. There was a mixture of relief and frustration. I waited three years for this?! Every one of my fellow new members received a prophetic word that day except for me. They were encouraged, affirmed, and loved as our pastor shared words from God’s heart to each person … except me. In fact, no one had ever not been given a word in all the years I had attended the church! I was the first! That afternoon, I received a call from my pastor. He comforted me and told me he hadn’t felt any sense of sin or God’s displeasure over my life. He said he hadn’t sensed there was anything that might prevent God from speaking to me through a prophetic word. He went on to say he was quite puzzled and really couldn’t explain why he wasn’t given a word for me that morning. But deep down inside I knew why. While my pastor shared his thoughts with me, the Lord began to quietly speak to my heart: I will never embarrass you. If you don’t want Me to speak to you, I won’t. God was gently correcting a misperception I had of Him as He revealed His loving nature to me. That day, I learned He isn’t out to hurt or embarrass me. He deals with His children in a loving and private manner. When I began to understand that God wouldn’t embarrass me by outing my sins, something happened in my heart that deepened my relationship with Him. I felt more loved by Him that day than I ever had in my whole life. Over the years as God has allowed me to minister to people through prophetic words, I have never forgotten this experience. I’m always aware of the fear I felt in anticipation of receiving a word from God. All ministry for God should accurately reflect His loving care to the people it impacts. The reality is that people inside and outside the church need a loving encounter with God. Imagine if we were to give someone a life-giving word from God at Walmart or the grocery store or the gym. Imagine if we were to give our children or a close family member a word that expressed God’s love or brought hope to a troubling situation or even provided direction, affirmation, and encouragement from God’s heart to theirs. When the Apostle Paul was talking to the men of Athens, he said, “Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for ‘in Him we live and move and have our being’” (Acts 17:27–28, ESV). The Bible is the foundation for all of God’s revelation to us. No word or revelation from God will ever be inconsistent

with the principles and precepts of the Bible. There are many daily life decisions that aren’t specifically addressed in the Bible—where to live, what car to buy, the answer to a family or business dilemma—all these life situations, and many others, require God’s wisdom and direction. Everyone needs a word from God! They need to know He cares for them and is aware of the needs and situations in their lives.

WHEN IT COMES TO HEARING A PROPHETIC WORD FROM GOD IN A CORPORATE SETTING, I HAVE FOUND THAT MOST PEOPLE FEEL LIKE I DID INITIALLY…FEARFUL. You can be God’s delivery agent of a message of encouragement and love to someone He cares for deeply. As you allow God to use you in this way to minister His love to people, my prayer is you’ll be challenged and encouraged to step out in faith. And as you do, the Holy Spirit will fill you and use you as His “ministry agent” to help people. Also, it’s my prayer you’ll realize prophetic ministry can be “weird free” when done in an orderly and life-giving manner. Finally, my hope is you’ll gain the perspective that while the prophetic is most often practiced and developed within the context of a church and its ministries, it can also be practiced within the daily context of our lives to encourage, help, and comfort people wherever we meet them. GL Adapted from He Still Speaks: Embracing the Prophetic Today, by Tom Lane and Wayne Drain, available at the Gateway Bookstore. Gateway’s Presbytery will be on August 14–16 at all campuses. Come prepared to receive a word from God!

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 11

UNIFIED BY

DESIGN

How we’re reaching more people with a brand new look by Daniel Hopkins

We see it more often than we realize. It’s on the outer wall of each Gateway Church campus, all of our social media pages, and nearly every printed piece we produce. It’s our logo, a symbol designed to help you identify Gateway in a split second—before you even have a chance to read the name. That type of recognition is priceless, and as of this month, Gateway has a new, cleaner logo that will help us reach more people than ever before.

white designs. However, Thomas says the reason behind the change goes even deeper. “We simplified the design because Gateway is a church that embraces simplicity,” he says. “Life is complex, but our life with Jesus is a simple relationship of love. I think our new logo speaks to that idea.” The idea of redesigning Gateway’s logo begs the question, Why do we need one in the first place? “A logo is a way for us to visually communicate who we are without saying a word,” says Shane Dennehey, Gateway’s senior creative director who oversaw the redesign project. “People remember a much higher percentage of what they see “We changed the logo because we wanted to have some- rather than what they hear, and this logo makes it easy for thing that represents who we are as a church and be able to them to recognize Gateway Church in an instant.” Think of use it in multiple ways,” says Pastor Thomas Miller, exec- the McDonald’s golden arches or the Nike “swoosh.” Simply utive senior pastor. “With the previous logo, because of its seeing designs elicits feelings about the organizations they complexity, we haven’t been able to use it on all applications.” represent. We want people to see our logo and think of the The previous logo required an intricate design as well as a life and community they experience at Gateway.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

In addition to the logo redesign, Gateway is revamping the names of a number of its ministries. For example, Seven, the name of Gateway’s ministry for young adults, is now Gateway Young Adults; Pink, Gateway’s women’s ministry, is now Gateway Women; and Amazing Kids is now Gateway Kids. The reason we’re shifting from complex, creative ministry names to more self-descriptive names is simple: We’re all about people, so we want to provide easy access to our ministries. Imagine a scenario in which a first-time visitor walks to the information center and is quickly able to find a place to become involved or receive the ministry they need. That is one of the goals in updating the ministry names. “We want to empower people by communicating as concisely as possible,” says Thomas. “We don’t want people to have to look it up or go to a website to find out what a ministry does.”

“LIFE IS COMPLEX, BUT OUR LIFE WITH JESUS IS A SIMPLE RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE. I THINK OUR NEW LOGO SPEAKS TO THAT IDEA.” All of Gateway’s ministries will be affected by the logo redesign. It will reflect our church’s unity in a deeper way. “Instead of having many different logos, we now have one logo that serves all of our ministries,” says Shane. “We have so many more people to communicate to than we did 16 years ago, and doing so in a clear way will allow us to reach more people than ever before.” GL

Want to see the new ministry names and looks? Take a look at all the ways Gateway is improving the way we communicate.

→

CURRENT MINISTRY NAME

NEW MINISTRY NAME

Amazing Kids → Gateway Kids Bless! (Gateway Global) → Gateway Outreach Fifty-Plus Life → Gateway Fifty-Plus Flourish → Gateway Widows Ministry Freedom Ministries → Gateway Freedom Fresh Start → Gateway New Believers Gateway Generate → Gateway Students’ Worship Gateway Prayer & Intercession → Gateway Prayer GatewayNEXT → Gateway Kids’ Worship Married Life Parenting Life → Gateway Marriage & Family Intimate Life Pink (Gateway Women) → Gateway Women Pink Groups → Gateway Women’s Groups Relational Care → Gateway Care Seven → Gateway Young Adults Single Life → Gateway Single Adults

14 AUGUST 2016

Single Parent Life → Gateway Single Parent Families

SONG STORY

“Greatest Desire” ANNA BYRD’S

by Katie Smith

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Anna Byrd visited Pikes Peak in Colorado.

As she took in the sight of the vast mountains around her, she felt so small but so cherished by the God who made it all. It gave new meaning to a song she was writing. Before her visit to Colorado, she and her husband, Chad, had their friends Josh and Ali Alltop over one night, and Josh suggested they write a song together. “I was in a season of wanting to write, and I had a melody on my heart,” says Josh. “Anna is never one to turn down an idea, so we just went for it.” He grabbed a guitar and started humming a melody, singing the word “mountaintop” at the end of a phrase. Right away, they knew exactly what the song needed to be about—the wonder and vastness of God’s love and desire to be close to us, even though we’re so small by comparison. That night, they wrote the first verse of the song, and Anna couldn’t get the melody out of her head. “I kept singing and different lyrics kept coming out. It felt so easy,” she says. Over the next few weeks, they all tried to make time to write more of the song including a chorus, but nothing was really clicking. Anna’s original thought about this being an easy song to put together started to dwindle. “It became more and more difficult the more we tried to move forward, and I just kept asking God, ‘What is going on?’ ” the present,” Anna says. “We wrote it so long ago, but they she says. “It turns out that God wanted more people to brought it up to date with what God was doing at Gateway impart into the song.” right now.” Anna brought the pieces of the song to popular songWith their input, the number of writers on the song writers and friends of hers, Ed and Scott Cash, who jumped went up to seven people, which is somewhat unusual and right in with their guitars and voices. Ed sang a few lines could’ve resulted in a disjointed vision. “Having so many that included the lyrics, “The cross declares your greatest awesome people write on this song actually morphed it desire,” and Anna knew right away that was the new chorus. into something so much bigger than we originally imag“They took what was on my heart for this song—that we are ined,” Josh says. And like Proverbs says, there is wisdom God’s greatest creation and greatest desire—and actually in many advisers. That was the perfect path for this song. put it into play,” she says. They recorded a demo version “Every person sees God in a different way, and as each of us they all loved—but then, nothing. came together creatively, it was almost like we were piecFor about a year and a half, the song sat on the shelf. ing together different parts of God for people to see,” Anna Then Anna, who lent her voice to the song for the demo, says. “That’s how this song feels to me, like a giant picture felt like she should send the song in to see if it would be a of God’s love for us.” GL good fit for the Gateway Worship Voices album. That’s when Pastor Mark Harris and his son, Matthew, got a chance to “Greatest Desire” is on Gateway Worship Voices, available at the Gateway Bookstore and on iTunes. speak into the song. “They really brought the song into

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YOU BELONG

THE FUN AND UNIQUE WORLD OF GATEWAY GROUPS.

by Katie Smith

PEOPLE COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. SO DO GROUPS.

Whether you call them your people, tribe, squad, or community, we know finding that special group of friends is a huge factor in making you feel at home here at Gateway. And if you can share an activity, hobby, or talent with those people, that just makes life more fun! You’ve probably heard about the more traditional groups we offer for men, women, young adults, and married couples, but there’s more than meets the eye. Here are some Gateway Groups that break the mold and connect people in unique ways! FISHING GROUP

of fitness. Based out of the Southlake, Grand Prairie, North Fort Worth, and NRH Campuses, they all come ready to learn, sweat, and have some fun. KNITTING GROUP

This knitting and crocheting group gathers near the North Fort Worth Campus for fellowship and crafting. They also frequently make items for Embrace Grace, a ministry dedicated to supporting single moms-to-be and their babies. Spinning wheels, knitting looms, your own personal projects, and all levels of skill are welcome! (There’s also a quilting group at the Frisco Campus!)

This group of guys enjoys bass fishing and hanging out with each other! This NRH Campus group also reads and discusses great faith-building books and has a friendly tournament-style fishing competition each month.

This group brings classic vehicles to the Frisco Campus parking lot on a weekly basis, and they always have a good time talking about and admiring the cool cars!

FITNESS GROUPS

CO-ED BICYCLING GROUP

These groups focus on stewarding their health and bodies for the Lord’s purposes through fun and encouraging weekly group workouts geared toward ladies of every level

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CAR ENTHUSIAST GROUP

This adventurous group cycles together every week near the Frisco Campus. Anyone with a bicycle and some free time on a Saturday is welcome to join!

GATEWAY GROUPS MYTHS—BUSTED! CREATIVE BIBLE JOURNALING GROUP

This is a creative women’s group in the Southlake Campus area that focuses on the art of Bible journaling! Bring your Bible, and they provide markers, pens, and colored pencils to help you create your artwork. MEN’S BURGER GROUP

This Grand Prairie Campus men’s group meets once a month at different burger joints. It’s a great time of community that helps men become better husbands, fathers, leaders, and foodies. SHABBAT GROUPS

These Jewish ministry groups get together to share a meal or challah bread, light Shabbat candles, and build relationships while connecting to the Jewish roots of our faith. It’s a great way to extend the ministry from the Messianic Service into the rest of the month!

WE BELIEVE EVERYONE AT GATEWAY BELONGS IN A GROUP! Do you and your friends have an interest or hobby and want to connect with others? Check out our groups page to learn about groups in your area or think about starting your own Gateway Group! GL To find a group that’s right for you, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com.

1. If I lead a group, I have to know the answers to everything. Not true! We provide group leader training that helps you manage a group setting and deal with any situations you’re not sure about, but we don’t expect you to be an expert in anything! 2. My group has to be on the website and open to everyone. While we love it when people are willing to open their group up to anyone, you are able to have a closed group if you desire. That means your group information would not appear on the website, and joining would be by invitation only. 3. The group has to discuss super theological topics like the book of Revelation and pray a lot. If your group wants to go there, more power to you! But it’s not required. There is no standard group curriculum or expectation other than to facilitate community. That may look like an in-depth Bible study or it may look like a weekly trip to get ice cream and chat—as long as people are connecting! 4. If I start to attend a group, I am committed to going to that group forever. We definitely have a return policy. We know that sometimes you may not click with the first group you attend, so it’s a common thing for people to shop around a bit before settling on a group. One of the best ways to do that is attend the Gateway Groups Block Party at your campus. There, you can meet group leaders from many different groups to see which one you might click with. For more information, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com. 5. I already hang out with an unofficial group, there’s no reason for us to become official with Gateway Groups. There are so many benefits to signing up as an official group with Gateway Groups including childcare options, leader training, content resources, support from seasoned group leaders, and a prayer covering.

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HOW GATEWAY’S BABY REGISTRY MINISTERS TO FAMILIES. by KATIE SMITH IN MARCH OF 2015, Bethany and Satchel Stillwell, new parents to twins Lucy and Landon, were on their way to the hospital … again. A few weeks earlier, their son, Landon, had been born pale and lifeless. They couldn’t even find a heartbeat. Doctors miraculously revived him, but the complications surrounding his birth posed the potential for long-term brain damage, and he remained in the NICU fighting for his life. Bethany and Satchel made the long drive to the hospital in Dallas every day to see him, and on one particular morning, Bethany received a phone call. It was Marie Brown, associate pastor with Gateway Care at the NRH Campus, and she had called Bethany to check in. “She prayed with me and told me the Lord loved to heal babies,” Bethany says. Her call made a big difference. What happened behind the scenes before that phone call is something Gateway has been doing for nearly six years. Because having a baby is one of the most life-changing things to happen to a couple, Gateway wanted to make sure families received all the support possible. That’s when the Baby Registry ministry was born, and since then, hundreds of families have received personalized prayer, encouragement, gifts, and dedicated attention as they face the challenges that come with bringing a child into the world. “We love babies, and we love to celebrate with people,” says Rebecca Freed, coordinator with Gateway Care at the Southlake Campus. “But we also want to connect growing families to helpful resources and support.” Sometimes that includes pointing families toward other ministries at Gateway that are designed to meet other needs they might have, including opportunities to be mentored by experienced parents. Here’s how it works: whenever you receive the exciting news that you are pregnant or adopting, sign up with the Baby Registry. Then look for some fun and helpful gifts in the mail! The Baby Registry, which is mostly run by Gateway volunteers, sends resources including books, such as Sacred Parenting; a sweet lullaby CD; and Pastor Tom Lane’s The Influence of a Father teaching on DVD. These resources are great for first-time parents as well as existing parents. We also check in periodically to see how things are going, especially during the third trimester.

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When your baby is born or the adoption is complete, we celebrate! We send a small gift and offer additional prayer and support throughout the baby’s first year. But if things don’t go as planned, like with the Stillwell family, that’s when the Baby Registry and Gateway Care ministries rally and rise to the occasion. If at any point in this timeline there’s a challenge or problem, we notify the Gateway Care team for someone to reach out immediately. “If there’s a complication or extended hospital stay, we send encouraging gifts and a pastor to visit, and we pray. If there’s a miscarriage or a death, we minister to you and can arrange grief counseling and memorial services,” Rebecca says. “We walk with you through that whole process, however long it takes.” That’s where the Stillwells found themselves after the team learned about Landon’s condition, and the prayers and resources given to this family went a long way.

“WE LOVE BABIES, AND WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE WITH PEOPLE.” Both Lucy and Landon are now a year and a half old and perfectly healthy. “The doctor told me recently that at Landon’s next neurology appointment we’ll have to talk about the weather because there is nothing wrong with my boy,” Bethany says. Landon is hitting all the milestones for children his age and until he can tell his own miraculous story, Bethany and Satchel do it for him, always pointing to Christ. But Bethany will never forget that phone call from Pastor Marie and the world of difference it made in the midst of her darkest days. “The Baby Registry was a blessing for us not just because of what they gifted us with but because it opened the door to us receiving prayer, support, and just sweet love from our church,” Bethany says. “It truly let me know how much they cared about me and my babies.” GL For more information, to sign up for the Baby Registry, or to volunteer with Gateway Care, visit care.gatewaypeople.com.

GATEWAY DALLAS

Stay connected with us! GATEWAYDALLAS

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Aug 5–14 | The Great Hall Gateway Performing Arts is excited to announce our summer musical, Fiddler on the Roof. This beloved Broadway and film classic is a witty and poignant tale about one father’s struggle to maintain his religious convictions in the face of a changing world. To purchase tickets, visit showtickets.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Emily Thomas, 817.552.7597, performingarts@gatewaypeople.com

REACH4HOPE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BACKPACK DRIVE & BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, Aug 6 | 10:00 am–3:00 pm Reach4Hope Homework Center | 2017 S Ervay St, Dallas Join us as we serve the Dallas community together and bless children with school supplies and new backpacks to start the school year. Children’s ministry is not available, but your children are welcome to serve with you! Contact: Marc Bolling, 817.552.7237, outreachdal@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, Aug 27 | 5:30–7:30 pm Are you looking for a way to make friends and get connected but don’t know where to start? The Gateway Groups Block Party is a fun night where you can meet all of our different Gateway Groups in a relaxed environment, face-to-face! Contact: Jacqueline Marciante, 469.801.7221, groupsdal@gatewaypeople.com

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, prayerdal@gatewaypeople.com

FIFTY-PLUS BIBLE STUDY

Sundays | 9:00 am | Classroom 2A Fifty-Plus is a ministry to help individuals and couples, ages 50 and up, build community through relationships. If you’re part of the 50+ crowd, then you’re invited to join us for Bible study and fellowship! Contact: Kim Schmied, 469.801.7228, fiftyplusdal@gatewaypeople.com

TECH ARTS LIVE PRODUCTION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Sunday, Aug 21 | 2:00–3:00 pm

Are you looking to meet new people and be part of a team? You can get involved in live audio, video, or lighting production with Tech Arts. Training is provided (no prior experience required)! Contact: Debbie Kramer, 682.223.6939, avl@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH Saturday, Aug 27 | 5:30–8:00 pm

All students entering 5th or 6th grades are invited for this great back-to-school party! Contact: Donna Hunt, 469.801.7231, kidsdal@gatewaypeople.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, Sep 10 9:00–11:45 am | Classroom 2A Our Catch the Vision membership class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, and history as well as our vision for the future. You'll also be given the opportunity to become a member of Gateway. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Kelly O’Briant, 469.801.7222, ctvdal@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE

GATEWAY GROUP LEADERS

If you like bringing people together and helping them grow, consider leading a Gateway Group! Register at groups.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Rachel Kevil, 817.552.7486, groups@gatewaypeople.com

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

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

GATEWAY EQUIP

Sundays, Sep 11–Oct 2 | 9:00 am We have a great semester coming up! Join us for classes in freedom and stewardship. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Melynda Blackburn, 469.801.7209, equipdal@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATIONS

Sep 17–18 | Before Weekend Services | Auditorium A baby dedication ceremony is where parents make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child according to God’s Word and God’s ways. To register your child to be dedicated, visit kids.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Donna Hunt, 469.801.7231, kidsdal@gatewaypeople.com

MINISTRY TRIP TO ISRAEL

Dec 9–20

Join us on this amazing outreach trip to Israel as we partner with Bridges for Peace to do service projects in homes and the community. For more information, visit trips.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Laura Luce, luce13@verizon.net

GATEWAY 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

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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: Dustin Sample, 469.801.7219, mendal@gatewaypeople.com

NEW BELIEVERS

If you’ve recently given your life to the Lord for the first time or as a recommitment, visit the Welcome Center 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, newbelievers@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

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY FRISCO

Stay connected with us! GATEWAYFRISCO

EXPECTANT COUPLES CLASSES

Sundays Through Aug 21 | 12:30 pm | Classroom B Our goal is to prepare first-time expectant couples for the first year of their child’s life—as parents and as a couple. You’ll learn about adjustments you may face as well as general health issues and tips. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5878, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

PRAYER FOUNDATIONS

Sundays, Aug 7–21 | 9:00 am | Classroom B Gateway Church considers prayer our highest priority. This series will introduce you to six key principles of prayer that will help you lay the foundation of a house of prayer. Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5868, equipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

WORSHIP TEAM ACADEMY

Session Begins Thursday, August 18 Worship Team Academy is our exciting 12-week, video-based curriculum (for piano, guitar, or vocals) to train musicians in worship theology and musical craft. For more information, visit wta.gatewaypeople.com.

Contact: Ashley Jackson, 817.552.7541, worshipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, Aug 20 | 7:00 am | Lobby

YOUNG ADULTS COLLECTIVE

Saturday, Aug 6 | 5:45 pm | Auditorium

Are you in your 20s or 30s and looking to get plugged in? Join other young adults for Gateway’s Saturday night service—and dinner after! We also meet every second and fourth Tuesday night for worship, fun, and the Gateway Young Adult message simulcast from the Southlake Campus. Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, youngadultsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

FREEDOM BASICS CLASSES

Saturdays, Aug 6–20 | 5:45 pm | Classroom B These exciting classes are designed to set the stage for you to begin your journey toward true freedom in Christ and lay the ground work for you to hear who God made you to be. Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Connie Brown, 817.552.5878, freedomfrs@gatewaypeople.com

We hope to see you at our next breakfast where men in our community come together to connect and hear from the Lord. Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.328.2088, menfrs@gatewaypeople.com

CAMPUS TEAM NIGHT

Thursday, Aug 11 7:00–8:30 pm | Auditorium

Are you part of or interested in getting involved in worship, prayer, or Technical Arts at the Frisco Campus? Join some of our leaders and team members for a night of connection and community! Contact: Ashley Jackson, 817.552.7541, worshipfrs@gatewaypeople.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Thursday, Sep 1 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

GATEWAY GROUP LEADERS NEEDED

If you like bringing people together and helping them grow, consider leading a Gateway Group! Register at groups.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, groupsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

PARKING TEAM

We are looking for people to serve as parking lot attendants as we welcome people to our campus! Contact: Leigh-Taylor Hester, 817.552.3638, servefrs@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN'S MENTORING

Mentors serve as godly role models and come alongside their mentees with love and acceptance, pointing them to Jesus. Contact us if you’re interested in becoming a mentor or mentee! Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, womenmentoringfrs@gatewaypeople.com

TECH ARTS LIVE PRODUCTION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Sunday, Aug 21 | 2:00–3:00 pm

GATEWAY GROUPS BLOCK PARTY

Sunday, Aug 28 | 6:00–8:00 pm | Lobby Our Block Party is the easiest way to get connected to a Gateway Group! This is a fun event where you can meet all of our different Gateway Groups in a relaxed environment. Contact: Kelly Hamilton, 817.552.7301, groupsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY STUDENTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Gateway Students, our ministry for junior and high school students, is looking for volunteers! If you have a heart for the next generation and are looking for a place to serve, we have many ways you can get involved. Contact: Michelle Mueller, 817.552.7334, studentsfrs@gatewaypeople.com

22 AUGUST 2016

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY GRAND PRAIRIE

Stay connected with us! GATEWAYGRP

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

MEN’S SUMMER SOFTBALL

Thursdays Through Aug 18 | 7:00 pm | Mike Lewis Park Join us every week for a time of community. Invite your friends and family! Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, mengrp@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATION SERVICES

Aug 6–7 | Weekend Services | Auditorium If you would like to dedicate your child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Neesy Brooks, 972.314.9101, babiesgrp@gatewaypeople.com

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

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

GATEWAY GROUPS BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, Aug 27 | 5:00–7:00 pm Sunday, Aug 28 | 9:00 am–2:00 pm Our Block Party is the easiest way to get connected to a Gateway Group! This is a fun event where you can meet all of our different Gateway Groups in a relaxed environment. Contact: Rachel Sandefur, 972.314.9088, groupsgrp@gatewaypeople.com

LOCAL OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | 9:00 am–2:00 pm First Saturday of the Month | 9:00 am–2:00 pm The Joseph Storehouse Emergency Relief Center Come use your gift to serve and minister God’s grace to families in need at our local food pantry. Contact: Steve Taylor, 972.262.8318, staylor@tjsercenter.org

YOUNG ADULTS VOLUNTEERS

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

TECH ARTS LIVE PRODUCTION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Sunday, Aug 21 | 2:00–3:00 pm

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FREEDOM BASICS

Sundays Through Aug 21 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, freedomgrp@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS VOLUNTEER & PAID POSITIONS

We’re looking for Gateway 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@gatewaypeople.com

WISE WOMEN OF THE WORD

Thursday, Aug 25 | 10:30 am | Classroom 2A If you are widowed, single, and 60+ years of age, come join us for a teaching and lunch with Pastors Mark and Sandy Jobe. Contact us to register. Contact: Bri Kramer, 972.314.9098, womengrp@gatewaypeople.com

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, Sep 10 | 5:00 pm | Classroom 2A

This class connects you to Gateway Church and explains our purpose, values, vision, and history and gives you the opportunity to become a member of Gateway. Register at ctv.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Joel Maldonado, 972.314.9108, ctvgrp@gatewaypeople.com

BABIES, BIBLES, BROWN BAGS

Wednesdays, Beginning Sep 14 10:00 am–1:00 pm | Classroom 2A

EQUIP FALL SEMESTER

This fall, bring your babies, Bibles, and brown bags (packed lunch) for a morning of the Word, fellowship, and small groups (including a fitness group)! Registration coming soon. Contact: Bri Kramer, 972.314.9098, womengrp@gatewaypeople.com

This fall we are offering a wide range of Equip classes featuring Jewish Equip, Topical Freedom Classes, Stewardship, Spiritual Life, and Marriage & Family. To register, visit equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Angela Wescott, 972.314.9106, equipgrp@gatewaypeople.com

Are you looking to get involved and be 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

Sundays, Sep 11–Nov 13 | 9:00 am & 10:45 am

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WEEKEND GUEST EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERS

WEEKLY EVENTS 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)

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY NORTH FORT WORTH

Stay connected with us! GATEWAYNFW

MARRIAGE CHALLENGE

Sundays | 9:30 am | North Fort Worth Offices (7451 N Beach St | Suite 100) Is your marriage struggling or under attack? We provide scriptural equipping, encouragement, and prayer support. No registration required. We also need Spanish-speaking leaders willing to minister to those in hurting marriages! Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.552.5801, marriagenfw@gatewaypeople.com

PRAYER WALK

Saturday, Aug 13 | 9:00 am | Serve Lounge Join us as we seek God together and prepare for Him to meet with us at our weekend services. Contact: Tagi Takape, 817.328.2061, prayernfw@gatewaypeople.com

WOMEN'S NIGHT OF PRAYER & WORSHIP

Thursday, Aug 25 | 7:00 pm | Compass A & B Come join us for a time of corporate worship and prayer and fellowship with the ladies of our campus. Contact: Christy Atkinson, 817.552.3657, womennfw@gatewaypeople.com

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

1st Saturday of Every Month | 4:00 pm | Compass A 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: Donya Allen, 817.552.5899, gxpnfw@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS JEWEL STORE

Aug 6–7 | After Each Weekend Service | The Gathering Hey Gateway Kids, be sure to bring your jewels for our next Jewel Store! Contact: TJ Allen, 817.552.5852, kidsnfw@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS BLOCK PARTY

Monday, Aug 29 | 6:30–9:00 pm

Gateway Groups is hosting its fourth annual Block Party! Come see a wide variety of small groups for all ages and locations. Be sure to stay for the After Party! Contact: Byna Terndrup, 682.223.6072, groupsnfw@gatewaypeople.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATEWAY MARRIAGE NIGHT: A LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS

Friday, Sep 9 | 5:30–9:00 pm Join us for a truly memorable night of teachings from Pastor Marcus & Lexa Brecheen, Pastor Mondoe & Lisa Davis, and Pastor Mike & Judy Brisky. There will be food, fun, and time to connect with others. Cost: $25 per couple. Register at marriage.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Shannon Tolliver, 817.552.7469, marriagenfw@gatewaypeople.com

GRIEFSHARE

Tuesdays, Aug 16–Nov 22 | 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. Register at care.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Debbie Rhodes, 817.552.7325, carenfw@gatewaypeople.com

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES FALL SEMESTER Mondays, Sep 12–Nov 14 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium

Join us weekly for a complimentary dinner at 5:30 pm and then Nights of Worship or teachings about relevant topics for single parents. Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.552.5801, spfnfw@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY EQUIP FALL SEMESTER

WOMEN'S GROUPS

Mondays & Saturdays, Sep 10–Nov 12

If you are looking to connect and grow with other women, we have fitness, creative, Bible study, mentoring, Propel, and many more groups! To find a group, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Christy Atkinson, 817.552.3657, womennfw@gatewaypeople.com

Come meet new people, grow spiritually, and get equipped to fulfill your calling! We have classes on Spiritual Life, Marriage & Family, Stewardship, and Freedom. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Denise Edwards, 817.558.5801, equipnfw@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00–8:00 am | Auditorium »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium

TECH ARTS LIVE PRODUCTION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Sunday, Aug 21 | 2:00–3:00 pm

COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS

Aug 27–28 | Weekend Services 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

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MEN’S BREAKFAST

Saturday, Sep 17 | 8:00–9:30 am Men of the North Fort Worth Campus, join us for an incredible breakfast! This is a great place to bring your boys, meet other men, and hear an encouraging message! Register at men.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Matt Osgood, 817.552.5846, mennfw@gatewaypeople.com

LOCAL OUTREACH | SCHOOL MENTORS

Do you desire to invest in the next generation? If you have a heart for mentoring at-risk youth at your local elementary school, join us as a school mentor! Contact: Matt Osgood, 817.552.5846, outreachnfw@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY NRH

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TECH ARTS LIVE PRODUCTION VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Sunday, Aug 21 | 2:00–3:00 pm

WOMEN'S MENTORING

Mentoring is a powerful one-on-one relationship that offers a way to connect with another woman through instruction and accountability.

Contact: Rachel Sabo, 817.552.5885, womennrh@gatewaypeople.com

GROUPS LEADERSHIP KICKOFF

Friday, Aug 12 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium If you’re a group leader, this training is for you! Join our pastors and groups leadership team for a night of worship, teaching, and equipping. Contact: Rachel Sabo, 817.552.5885, groupsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY KIDS JEWEL STORE

Aug 13–14 | After Each Weekend Service | Court Room

MARRIAGE REVOLUTION

Saturdays Through Sep 17 | 5:45 pm | Classroom A Marriage Revolution is an eight-week course designed to grow, strengthen, and empower your marriage. Whatever the condition of your marriage, God will do abundantly more than you can imagine. Register at marriage.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, marriagenrh@gatewaypeople.com

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: Joseph Chirico, 682.223.6917, kidsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

CROSSFIRE TRAINING

Sunday, Aug 21 | 12:30 pm | Classroom A If you’re between the ages of 5th grade and 15 years old, you can serve with Gateway Kids! To get started, attend our training. Contact: Joseph Chirico, 682.223.6917, crossfirenrh@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY GROUPS BLOCK PARTY

Monday, Aug 29 | 6:30–9:00 pm

Are you looking for a way to make friends, and get connected, but don’t know where to start? This is a fun night where you can meet all of our different Gateway Groups in a relaxed environment! Contact: Rachel Sabo, 817.552.5885, groupsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL OUTREACH

Friday, Aug 19 | 6:30–8:30 pm ACFT Elementary School We will be throwing a back-to-school carnival bash for the students, parents, and faculty of ACFT Elementary School in North Richland Hills. We need volunteers willing to help us out with our bounce houses, games, and giveaways that night. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

ACFT SCHOOL MENTORING

September–May | ACFT Elementary School Do you desire to invest in the next generation? By giving just one hour a week you can become a part of our mentoring program! For more information, visit outreach.gatewaypeople.com or email outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144

FALL SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Thursdays & Fridays, Beginning Friday, Sep 9 Northfield Park, North Richland Hills Softball is a great way to make new friends and have some friendly competition! Men and women ages 16+ are welcome to play. Registration ends August 21 (early-bird registration ends August 14). For information or to register, visit sports.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, sportsnrh@gatewaypeople.com

NRH CAMPUS NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK Friday, Sep 2 | 7:05 pm | Globe Life Park in Arlington

Join us as we cheer for the Texas Rangers as they take on the Houston Astros! We’ll have prizes, a competition for the best homemade poster, and fireworks following the game! Tickets: $20 (includes admission and a food voucher). To purchase tickets, email familynrh@gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144

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.

VOLUNTEER CREATIVE & SOCIAL MEDIA TEAMS

We have two exciting teams you can get involved in! The creative team helps set up and decorate at our events, and the social media team needs people who are passionate about photography and would like to see their photos on NRH Campus social media! Contact: Katherine Hesami, 817.552.3600, creativenrh@gatewaypeople.com

BLESSED MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT RETREAT

Oct 27–30 | The Inn on Lake Granbury

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

Saturday, Sep 10 | 4:00 pm | Chat Room

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: Christina Newton, 817.552.5870, ctvnrh@gatewaypeople.com

BABY DEDICATIONS

Sep 10–11 | 10 Minutes Before Every Service | Auditorium If you would like to dedicate your baby or child to the Lord, register at kids.gatewaypeople.com by Monday, September 5. Space is limited! Contact: Amy Sellars, 817.552.7342, babiesnrh@gatewaypeople.com

28 AUGUST 2016

Join us this fall for a journey to increase the intimacy in your marriage! Pastor Stan and Mandy Dennis and Pastor Wendell and Stacey DePrang will speak on our theme, Return to Intimacy. Cost: $390 per couple. Space is limited. Contact: Alicia Osgood, 682.223.6144, marriagenrh@gatewaypeople.com

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

LEAD AN OUTREACH GROUP!

If you are looking for a way to get connected while serving our community at the NRH Campus, lead an outreach group! Contact: Matt Lankenau, 817.552.5802, outreachnrh@gatewaypeople.com

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

GATEWAY SOUTHLAKE

Stay connected with us! GATEWAYPEOPLE

DIVORCE CARE

Saturdays, Aug 6–Sep 10 | 5:30–7:00 pm | Classroom 2A Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. Divorce Care is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Cost: $25 for materials. Register at singles.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Peggy Thomas, 817.552.3752, singles@gatewaypeople.com

KINGDOM ADVISORS’ LUNCHEON

Monday, Aug 8 | 11:45 am–1:00 pm | Serve Lounge We offer in-depth training and a tight-knit community for Christian financial professionals who want to integrate their faith with their practice. Lunch is provided. Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jacquelyn Bushnell, 817.552.7428, stewardship@gatewaypeople.com

CAREER MINISTRY SEMINAR

Saturdays, August 20 & 27 8:30–11:30 am | Classroom 2C

GATEWAY GROUPS BLOCK PARTY

This interactive two-day course will cover topics such as job transition, discovering biblical calling and purpose, highquality résumé writing, effective networking, and the art of interviewing. Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jacquelyn Bushnell, 817.552.7428, stewardship@gatewaypeople.com

Monday, Aug 29 | 6:30–8:00 pm Are you looking for a way to make friends and get connected but don’t know where to start? The Gateway Groups Block Party is a fun night where you can meet all of our different Gateway Groups in a safe environment, face-to-face! Contact: Vanessa Daniels, 817.552.5803, groups@gatewaypeople.com

FAMILY CLASSES

Wednesday Nights

We are excited to announce Gateway Equip will be including Family classes this fall! We are going to offer a variety of classes for singles, single parent families, parents, and engaged/married couples! For more information, visit equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Kristine Lopez, 817.328.2030, family@gatewaypeople.com

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

FREEDOM BASICS

Sundays, Aug 7, 14 & Sep 4 9:00 am | Classroom 2D These exciting classes are designed to set the stage for you to begin your journey toward true freedom in Christ and lay the ground work for you to hear who God made you to be. Register at freedom.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Benjamin Gilmore, 817.552.7614, freedomslk@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 29

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MEN’S BREAKFAST BE. GIVE. GO.

Saturday, Aug 20 7:30–9:00 am | The Mix Learn how you can be the hands and feet of Christ! Come hang out with other guys and also find out how you can get plugged in at Gateway Church. Register at men.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Dustin Herron, 817.552.5809, menslk@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY EQUIP

Wednesdays & Weekends, Aug 31–Nov 20 This fall, in addition to our regular Wednesday and weekend classes, we are excited to announce our newest class, #SquareUp. Pastor Jan Greenwood will share how God called her to fight the good fight. Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Karen Hageman, 817.552.7462, equip@gatewaypeople.com

FAMILY CLASSES

Wednesday Nights

CATCH THE VISION (MEMBERSHIP CLASS)

DIVORCE CARE

KINGDOM ADVISORS’ LUNCHEON

Monday, Aug 8 | 11:45 am–1:00 pm | Serve Lounge

30 AUGUST 2016

We offer in-depth training and a tight-knit community for Christian financial professionals who want to integrate their faith with their practice. Lunch is provided. Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jacquelyn Bushnell, 817.552.7428, stewardship@gatewaypeople.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

CAREER MINISTRY SEMINAR

Saturdays, August 20 & 27 8:30–11:30 am | Classroom 2C

TUESDAYS »» Pray First | 7:00 am | The Mix »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium [UC]

GUEST EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

Saturday–Sunday, Aug 20–21

Come find out what it takes to get involved as a greeter, usher, parking lot attendant, guest host, or any of our other volunteer roles! Register at gxp.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jim Mayher, 817.552.7566, gxp@gatewaypeople.com

FINANCIAL FITNESS

Sunday, Aug 21 | 12:00 pm | Classroom 1C This class is a great follow-up to any of our Gateway Stewardship classes

and provides ongoing accountability to ensure long-term success. Register at stewardship.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jacquelyn Bushnell, 817.552.7428, stewardship@gatewaypeople.com

THURSDAYS »» Men’s Prayer Meeting | 5:30 am | Lobby SATURDAYS »» Fifty-Plus Bible Study (Adults 50+) 5:30 pm | Classroom 2C SUNDAYS »» Freedom Basics | 9:00 am | Classroom 2D »» Prayer Tools | 9:00 am | Classroom 2C »» Corporate Prayer for the Nation | 10:40 am

Visit events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT SIMULCAST

Thursday–Friday, Aug 11–12

SLK GRP

The Global Leadership Summit helps you improve your leadership skills and embrace God’s vision for your life. Register at gls.gatewaypeople.com. Promo Code: PREMIER16. Contact: Jaclyn Bowe, 817.552.3629, gls@gatewaypeople.com

ID SEMINAR

Friday–Saturday, Aug 12–13 | 6:30–9:30 pm Come 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 Weaver, 817.552.3774, id@gatewaypeople.com

ALL-CHURCH PRESBYTERY

Sunday, August 14 | 6:00 pm Monday, August 15 | 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 16 | 10:00 am All Campuses This year’s presbytery services kick off at Habitation and continue through the week! Join us for worship and prophetic words as we seek to encourage and build up the church. For more information, visit prophetic.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Sarah Tiemann, 817.552.7580, presbytery@gatewaypeople.com

HEART SCHOOL UNITED NIGHT

Thursday, Aug 18 | 6:00 pm Flying Ferris Wheel Room SLK

Does your child (in 3rd–6th grade) love to worship God and desire to have a deeper relationship with Him? If so, the Gateway Kids Worship Heart School is the place for them! Contact us to register. Contact: Niki Fredricks, 817.328.1000 ext 4620, heartschool@gatewaypeople.com

GATEWAY STUDENTS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH

Wednesday, Aug 24 | All Campuses

Join us for an incredible message, tons of surprises, and an After Party you won’t want to miss! This will also be the first night Gateway Students meets at the Dallas Campus! Contact: Jasmine Kea, 817.552.3719, students@gatewaypeople.com

OUR JOURNEY OF HOPE

Thursday, Aug 25 | 7:00–9:00 pm Our Journey of Hope is a cancer support ministry designed to offer care, prayer, and support for those who are battling cancer or caring for a loved one. Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, care@gatewaypeople.com

KAIROS

Thursday–Friday, Aug 25–26 9:00 am–5:00 pm | Auditorium

SLK

KAIROS is a time for you to experience God in a deeper and more intimate way through worship, teaching, and ministry. Register at kairos.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Jennifer Stracener, 817.552.7446, kairos@gatewaypeople.com

LOCATIONS &

SERVICE TIMES GRIEFSHARE

Saturdays, Sep 3–Dec 3 | 2:30 pm

SLK

You don’t have to go through the painful experience of losing a family member or friend alone. In this class, you’ll hear testimonies and receive resources to help you in your journey. Cost: $25. Register at care.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Rebecca Freed, 817.552.7454, griefshare@gatewaypeople.com

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL AUDITIONS

Sep 8–9, 11 & 18

SLK

Are you a singer, actor, or dancer looking for an opportunity to use your skills at church? Audition for this year’s Christmas musical! Register at performingarts.gatewaypeople.com. Contact: Rachel Turner, 682.223.6913, performingarts@gatewaypeople.com

THE KING’S UNIVERSITY PREVIEW

Friday, Sep 9 | 6:30–9:00 pm | Classroom 205

Join us to find out more about our Messianic Jewish program! Speak personally with our staff and faculty about admissions, degree plans, financial aid, and more. Register at www.tku.edu. Contact: Angela Tranel, 817.552.7381, angela.tranel@tku.edu

KAIROS II

Thursday & Friday, Sep 15–16 | Auditorium

SLK

KAIROS II is a safe place to find greater freedom in Christ and be prepared to grow in freedom in our day-to-day lives. KAIROS is a prerequisite for this event. Contact: Krystina Simon, 817.552.7606, kairos2@gatewaypeople.com

HEARTBEAT EP

Available Now

This new album from Gateway Kids encourages children and their families to have fun while worshipping God! Available at Gateway Bookstore, iTunes, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

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

HOSPITALITY TEAM VOLUNTEERS

If you love people and food, we’re looking for more volunteers to help us maintain a friendly and inviting atmosphere during weekend services and major events. You can help with food prep, serving, and cleanup. Contact: Jasmine Streete, 682.223.6009, hospitality@gatewaypeople.com

THE SCHOOL OF TECH ARTS

Fall Semester Registration Open

Get out of the studio and gain real-world experience! We have Pro Tools certification courses; live audio, video, and stage lighting courses; and more! Visit schooloftecharts.com. Contact: Vivian Brassel, 817.552.5884, info@schooloftecharts.com

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY AVAILABLE

WEEKLY EVENTS TUESDAYS »» Gateway Young Adults (20s–30s) 7:00 pm | Auditorium SLK DAL

GRP NFW

WEDNESDAYS »» Gateway Students (7th–12th Graders) 7:00 pm | Auditorium UC DAL* FRS GRP NFW NRH

*Beginning August 24 SUNDAYS »» Marriage Challenge | 9:30 am MIN (Canceled on Holiday Weekends)

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 31

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHURCHWIDE

ACTIVITIES

THE “ABCs” OF BRANDS

Amazon, Baskin-Robbins, Chick-fil-A, Dallas Stars, ESPN, Fandango, General Mills, H&M, Ikea, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg’s, Lexus, Monsters Inc., Nike, Oakley, Popeyes, Quiznos, Toys “R“ Us, Suzuki, Texas Rangers, U-Haul, Valvoline, Whataburger, XBOX, YMCA, Zenith

32 AUGUST 2016

ORANGE YOU GLAD

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WHERE

CAN YOU SCROLL BACK UP?

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CORRECTION

In the “Match the Facts” activity in July’s issue of Gateway Life, we “spaced out” and mistakenly wrote that Buzz Aldrin was the first person to walk on the moon. The correct answer is Neil Armstrong.

FAITH + POP

CULTURE

MEET

by Gena Bohl

WHAT DOES A TODDLER ORPHANED in the jungle need to survive and thrive? The bare necessities of course! The newest Jungle Book movie is an audacious, and at times awesome, update of Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale. For young Mowgli, the jungle had been a safe place for him where he thrived and was raised by wolves who loved him as their own. Even Bagheera, the stealthy and sleek black panther had a hand in raising this young man cub, teaching him the law of the jungle. But as Mowgli grew, he found out the home he had grown up in wasn’t as safe as he thought. Shere Khan, the mighty feline full of ferocity and bitterness sets his sights on the young boy. To protect the only family he’s ever known, Mowgli leaves to find his own people in the “Man Village.” Mowgli’s adventure through the jungle provides so many elements that speak to the audience, but the ending resonates the most. As Mowgli finally faces Shere Khan, the thing he fears the most, the thing he has been running from, the thing that is out to not just stop him but kill him, he yells, “I am not afraid of you!” In that moment, Shere Khan is paralyzed briefly by this bold statement. Then he continues to creep toward Mowgli, hoping to devour him. As if on cue, the animals of the jungle arrive and stand with Mowgli to face his enemy with him. That’s how the God of Angel Armies stands with us. In the midst of our fear, we can face the things that terrify us and say, “I am not afraid of you! I will not allow fear to stop me or cause me to back down!” Our enemy is paralyzed because behind us he sees a heavenly army ready to battle on our behalf. Facing the fear, telling it to leave, and taking authority over it is what frees us from it. And like young Mowgli, we may look like we’ve been through a battle, beaten and scarred, but if we rally and stand firm, the fear will no longer control us, and we will be victorious.

If God is for us, who then can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 33

PROFILE

to sing in the group. We returned the next year and I was looking for the pretty little dark-haired girl in the audience. When I found her, I asked if she was still interested in joining the group and she said no because she was singing at Disneyworld. I eventually convinced her to audition and she made the group. We started corresponding a lot in June of 1989, we were engaged in July, and in December we were married!

MARK HARRIS MARK HARRIS IS THE ASSOCIATE SENIOR PASTOR OF GATEWAY WORSHIP. HE HAS HAD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER SINGING IN 4HIM, AND HE AND HIS WIFE, JODIE, HAVE TWO KIDS, MATTHEW AND MADDISON. I WAS RAISED IN THE CHURCH, so I’m a product of a Christian home, but in high school I got on the wrong track. My life began to change for the better when I got to college, but it wasn’t until I was already in the group Truth that I recommitted my life to the Lord. We were on stage in a church in Iowa and I saw people coming forward to the altar to get saved. I remember thinking, I need to go down there but I can’t because I’m on the ministry team. Later that night, I got out of my bed and surrendered my life to God. You wouldn’t believe the looks on their faces when I told the rest of Truth, “Last night I got saved!” I’D LIVED IN ALABAMA MY ENTIRE LIFE before moving to Texas. In 2004, Jodie and I were invited to come visit

34 AUGUST 2016

Gateway. I had an immediate connection to the church, and Thomas and I began to develop a strong friendship. In 2012, I was considering moving the family to Florida, but I felt like I needed to call Thomas. When I told him about how God was transitioning us, he said, “We want you here at Gateway.” I asked God, do they even need me at Gateway, and God said, “They may not need you, but you need them.” After praying and talking about it, we made the move. It didn’t make a lot of sense at the time to move away from our family and friends, but we knew God was calling us to be obedient. This is exactly where we needed to be. LOOKING BACK to when we were still praying about coming to Gateway, Jodie realized it was the right place for us before I did. She just has this thing that allows her to know what will be best. In retrospect, she was kind of elbowing me saying, “This is a great place.” I held out for a little while because the move to Florida would’ve been a little less drastic for us. I’m so glad we were obedient and we didn’t settle. History is made up of and changed by people who didn’t settle. I MET JODIE WHEN I WAS 26. I was singing with Truth, and we performed at this church in Florida where she attended, and she talked about auditioning

WHEN 4HIM STARTED, we didn’t expect to become so successful so quickly. We were still performing with Truth when 4Him recorded and released our first album. We had 260 concerts scheduled before we ever got off the Truth tour bus! Our song, “Where There Is Faith” went to number one, but nobody in the Christian music industry knew who we were because we weren’t from Nashville. They thought our music sounded British for some reason, but we just thought, No, we’re just Southern rednecks! SEVERAL YEARS LATER, I met Johnny Cash in a recording studio. 4Him was recording in one room and he was in another one down the hall. I went to the break room and there he was. We sat there and talked for about 10 or 15 minutes. I was intimidated and mesmerized at the same time, but he was the nicest guy. I ATTENDED THE GRAMMYS the year 4Him was nominated, but when we arrived we caused a bit of a scene. Our driver mistakenly took us to the wrong entrance—the one with the red carpet and all the press. Once our car got in line to drop us off it was too late. So when we got out onto the red carpet we were right behind Sting. However, we weren’t on the list to get in because our credentials were at the other entrance. So we ended up holding up the red carpet and all the limos trying to get in. It was a humorous and humbling experience, especially when I got a funny look from Sting. For more about our Gateway pastors and staff, visit staff.gatewaypeople.com.

Want to join a Gateway group but don’t know where to start?

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

Monday, August 29 | 6:30–8:00 pm GATEWAY YOUNG ADULTS (20s and 30s)

Tuesday, August 30 | After Service

groups.gatewaypeople.com

Join us for classes designed to encourage, enlighten, and equip you! FALL SEMESTER

AUG 31–NOV 20 Register at equip.gatewaypeople.com.

This summer, the people who brought you Truthical and Godspell present

AUGUST 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;14

Gateway Church Dallas Campus For more information and to purchase tickets, visit showtickets.gatewaypeople.com.

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