Gateway Life | January/February 2014 by Gateway Church

JAN | FEB 2014

PUTTING GOD FIRST Find out how

Gateway’s starting 2014 and how you can join in. Pg. 8

PITCHING IN

23 volunteer opportunities you may (not) know about. Pg. 12

SEVEN (VII)

Gateway’s distinct approach to young adult ministry and the community it creates. Pg. 14

ARMCHAIR THEOLOGIAN

You don’t need a theology degree to study God’s Word. Pastor Marcus Brecheen shares ways to take your study time to the next level. Pg. 10

CONTENTS JAN | FEB 2014

COMMENTS

2 3 4 5

WELCOME FEEDBACK GATEWAY PEOPLE TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD OUTREACH

A21 CAMPAIGN MINISTRY TRIP TO GREECE

Pink (Gateway Women) partnered with the A21 Campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking in Greece. F E AT U R E S

ON THE COVER

Find out how Gateway’s starting 2014 and how you can join in.

ARMCHAIR THEOLOGIAN

PITCHING IN

SEVEN (VII)

16 18 19 20

Jason Tam joined Gateway staff in 2003 and is the Pastor of Worship Connection. To learn more about Jason, visit gatewaypeople.com/staff/jason-tam.

PUTTING GOD FIRST

You don’t need a theology degree to study God’s Word. Pastor Marcus Brecheen shares ways to take your study time to the next level.

23 volunteer opportunities you may (not) know about.

Gateway’s distinct approach to young adult ministry and the community it creates. CALENDAR A VISION IN GRAND PRAIRIE SONG STORY PROFILE

COMMENTS

Welcome to Gateway Life Happy New Year! 2013 was a great year in the life of Gateway Church, and I can’t wait to see where God leads us in 2014. In fact, I’m able to look forward to this year because of last year. When I look back at what God did, I’m absolutely astonished. It excites me and gives me even more reason to look forward to our future. At the end of 2013, I preached Free Indeed, a sermon series based on John 8:36: “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Many received prayer, confronted the work of the enemy in their lives and received freedom. In the first message of that series, we read from Mark 5, where Jesus and His disciples encounter a demon-possessed man. Verse 6 says, “When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.” Even though this man was under Satan’s power, Satan could not stop him from running to Jesus. And that’s just what we did! We ran to Him and allowed Him to set us free. Now, through His power, we GATEWAY LIFE GATEWAYLIFEMAG.COM David Smith SENIOR PASTORAL OVERSIGHT Lawrence Swicegood EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

JAN | FEB 2014

EDITORIAL Stacy Burnett MANAGING EDITOR Josh Coad Daniel Hopkins SENIOR EDITORS Zachary Richmond ASSOCIATE EDITOR

have “thrown off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,” and we can “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). Every January, we often begin the new year by trying to clean out the junk in our lives. We make resolutions and promises to ourselves and our loved ones: we will be better this year. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that this usually doesn’t work! I’m so excited, because as a church, we’ve already decided to leave behind the things that were holding us back. We didn’t do it by making resolutions and promises to ourselves. We didn’t really do it at all! We simply trusted God and allowed the Holy Spirit to set us free! During the Free Indeed series, we renewed our focus on the Lord … something many Christians hold off on until the New Year! Now, as free people, we can pursue Him and experience a deeper level of His presence this year. At Gateway, we’ve provided a number of ways you can continue your journey towards Him in the New Year (flip to page 12 for more information). We have the First Conference coming up, and I’m starting a brand new series about the Bible called It Is Written. One of the best ways we can draw closer to God is through His Word, and I can’t imagine a better jumping-off point for biblical insight than Pastor Marcus Brecheen’s article (page 10). Because we’ve received His freedom, we can start 2014 as liberated people, ready to pursue God and to continue building His kingdom. I can’t wait to see all the amazing things God will do in and through us this year. Happy New Year,

PASTOR ROBERT MORRIS ART Shane Dennehey CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jeremy Tyson ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Jonathan Griswold CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR (Inside-Front Cover)

Megan White CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY Stacy Burnett, Cory Hale PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tracey Wilson

Gateway is committed to seeing every person BELIEVING in Jesus, BELONGING to family, BECOMING a disciple and BUILDING His kingdom. For Gateway’s complete mission statement, visit mission.gatewaypeople.com.

PA S T O R ’ S P I C K S

FEEDBACK

IN THIS SECTION, WE ASK GATEWAY PASTORS TO TELL US WHAT INSPIRATIONAL THINGS THEY’RE LISTENING TO, WATCHING AND READING.

“I LOVE GATEWAY LIFE MAGAZINE AND READ IT AS SOON AS I RECEIVE IT!” – L E N A N E L S O N D OO L E Y

“PROFILE: MARK JOBE” NOV | DEC 2013

“I’M A TINY BIT PARTIAL TO THE INTERVIEW WITH OUR CAMPUS PASTOR, MARK JOBE!”

“HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY FAMILY CHRISTMAS” NOV | DEC 2013

“My favorite article from the November/December issue is ‘Have Yourself a Merry Family Christmas’ by Robb Brewer!”

– HILDA SIMMONS, Gateway Grand Prairie Member

TIM ROSS, Associate Campus Pastor, NRH WHAT ARE YOU READING? The Bible. I’m currently in 2 Chronicles and it is juicy! There are so many lessons to learn from every book so I always take it really slow. WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD? Do you mean my Spotify? Right now it's Kirk Franklin, Gateway Worship, Israel Houghton, Hillsong, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald. Praise Jesus!

– VIRGINIA WOODBURY NOOTE

GATEWAY’S MISSION STATEMENT (INSIDE-FRONT COVER) NOV | DEC 2013

“Love this so much!” – CHRISTY LANDERHOLM HUBB BA ARD

“Awesome!” – KEVIN TZIB

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

WHAT’S THE BEST MOVIE YOU’VE SEEN RECENTLY? Gravity—the most visceral experience I've had watching a movie since the first Matrix movie. I literally held my breath for entire scenes of that movie.

G AT E W AY M I N I S T R Y T R I P S 2 0 1 4 FEBRUARY › HAITI FEB 9–14 (CONGREGATIONAL) MARCH › THAILAND MAR 7–16 (GATEWAY STUDENTS) › GUATEMALA MAR 8–15 (FAMILY) › HONDURAS MAR 9–16 (GATEWAY STUDENTS)

› RETALHULEU, GUATEMALA MAR 9–16 (FAMILY) › SIERRA LEONE MAR 21–29 (PINK–GATEWAY WOMEN) APRIL › EUROPE APR 4–13 (PRAYER/WORSHIP) › ARGENTINA APR 12–22 (CONGREGATIONAL)

M AY › GUATEMALA MAY 17–24 (PINK–GATEWAY WOMEN) JUNE › RETALHULEU, GUATEMALA JUN 15–22 (FAMILY) › GUATEMALA JUN 15–22 (FAMILY/MEDICAL) › SIERRA LEONE JUN 20–29 (GATEWAY STUDENTS)

J U LY › HONDURAS JUL 5–13 (SEVEN–YOUNG ADULTS) › GUATEMALA JUL 19–26 (CONGREGATIONAL) AUGUST › GUATEMALA AUG 2–8 (GATEWAY STUDENTS) › HONDURAS AUG 3–9 (CONGREGATIONAL)

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

SEPTEMBER › GUATEMALA SEP 13–20 (SINGLE PARENTS) › ISRAEL SEP 13–20 (CONGREGATIONAL) › JAPAN SEP 16–24 (PINK–GATEWAY WOMEN) › ISRAEL SEP 17–28 (PRAYER & WORSHIP) › MEXICO SEP 20–27 (MEN)

NOVEMBER › GUATEMALA NOV 2–8 (MARRIAGE) › HONDURAS NOV 9–15 (CONGREGATIONAL) › GUATEMALA NOV 30–DEC 6 (CONGREGATIONAL)

*All trip dates are subject to change.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

Fall Festival | Frisco Campus

Pink Night | Frisco Campus

It’s A Wonderful Christmas

Bless! Local Outreach | Frisco Campus

It’s A Wonderful Christmas

The King’s University Dedication

Tell Me Something Good “Thank you, Gateway Single Adults, for honoring 52 girls who had an unplanned pregnancy and chose LIFE! This goes down in the history books as the best and biggest baby shower at a church ever! Gateway is not just pro-life but PRO-LOVE and paving the way for churches across the nation to follow suit.” > Amy Ford, GATEWAY MEMBER AND FOUNDER OF EMBRACE GRACE. To read more about this amazing event and Embrace Grace, visit: iembracegraceblog. com/2013/11/21/ thank-you-2/.

“At Embrace Grace, two ladies struggling to have babies donated all their baby things to young, single moms-tobe. Now that’s grace!” > Kyle Fox, ASSOCIATE PASTOR, GATEWAY STUDENTS

“The Stewardship Ministry at Gateway offers a workshop twice a year called Financial Hope. We always run a

survey at the end of each workshop asking for testimonies. Here are a few quotes from our fall 2013 workshop survey: ‘Just including God in the process of managing our finances produced blessings. Even though our financial house is not fully in order yet, our obedience to start making changes caused us to receive His blessings right away! During this class, a potential $3,000–$4,000 tax bill resulted in a refund of almost $2,000!’ ‘I truly believe God led me here to learn to trust Him in this area. Viewing my money as belonging to God has been a life-changing realization. I absolutely believe God has great and wonderful plans for me and I look forward to waiting on Him to provide.’ ‘This class has shown me how much God desires for us to be

financially free. I have started to get my finances in order and pay off my debt.’ ‘I never understood how the Bible and money management tied into one another. This class cleared that up for me. Thank you!’” > Leo Sabo, ASSOCIATE PASTOR, FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

“The North Fort Worth Campus had our first Gateway Groups Leader Orientation on November 16. It was a blast and a great start for Groups at the NFW Campus. > Chelsea Seaton, MINISTRY COORDINATOR, PINK (NFW CAMPUS)

“This fall, the Frisco Campus launched the One Step initiative, encouraging members to take ‘one step’ towards God. We have had so many testimonies about families, small groups and individuals taking simple steps and seeing supernatural results. Here’s three of them:

WANT TO TELL US SOMETHING GOOD?

Send your stories and testimonies to life@gatewaypeople.com.

‘My one step was to begin tithing again. Last week, I tithed $100 for the first time in over a year. The next day, I received an unexpected $150 bonus at work. Thank You, Lord!’ ‘Our one step as a family was to shut off the TV for one month. We have already seen breakthroughs in our lives and it’s only been five days! We are growing closer to God and closer as a family. His grace, mercy and love are becoming more real and relevant in our lives, and we can’t wait to see what He is going to do next.’ ‘I have never felt more alive than I do now. The Holy Spirit is alive in my soul, and I absolutely feel at home at Gateway Church. I’m proud to say that I’m a member now!’” > Pastor Jelani Lewis, ASSOCIATE CAMPUS PASTOR, FRISCO

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

OUTREACH

For the past four years, Pink (Gateway Women) has traveled to Greece to work alongside The A21 Campaign, a ministry whose goal is to abolish injustice in the 21st century. This year, the Pink team partnered with The A21 Campaign to help

A21 CAMPAIGN

MINISTRY TRIP TO GREECE

bring awareness about human trafficking to the people in Thessaloniki. They participated in a night walk, passing out

and prophetic ministry. They also had the privilege of ministering

informational fliers and flashlights with the rescue hotline. In

to some of the girls recently rescued from their traffickers. The

addition, they attended a training meeting at the A21 offices

week ended with the Pink team attending a marriage seminar

and spent time ministering to the A21 team through prayer

hosted by The A21 Campaign and Zoe Church.

$32,000,000,000 U.S. DOLLARS HAS BEEN GENERATED VIA HUMAN TRAFFICKING

WHY GREECE?

TURKEY

Greece is known as “the center of trafficking in Europe.” It’s a primary

GREECE

destination and transit country for human trafficking and is the primary gateway for trafficked victims to enter the European Union. Trafficked victims are moved frequently, both with Greece and across its borders, to evade detection.

AFRICA

THESSALONIKI

< 2%

OF THE GIRLS TRAFFICKED ESCAPE Training and Teaching with Phil Hyldgaard at The A21 Campaign Offices

Marriage Seminar with Philip and Holly Wagner

JAN | FEB 2014

ONE IN 100,000 TRAFFICKERS IS SENT TO JAIL

PROSTITUTION

IS LEGAL

IN GREECE

One of the Rescued Girls at the A21 Safe House

90% OF ALL EUROPEAN

The Pink Team “Shining the Light on Human Trafficking” in Thessaloniki

UNION ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IS THROUGH GREECE APPROXIMATELY

20,000 WOMEN INCLUDING 1,000 GIRLS

BETWEEN THE AGES OF 13–15 REMAIN IN THE GREEK SEX INDUSTRY According to The Trafficking in Persons Report, these victims are primarily from Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Nigeria.*

THERE ARE TWO THINGS THAT WILL STOP CHANGE: (1) (2)

NOT KNOWING &

NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO – PHIL HYLDGAARD, EUROPEAN OPERATIONS MANAGER, THE A21 CAMPAIGN

TheA21Campaign.org

*Taken from TheA21Campaign.org.

Twitter.com/TheA21Campaign

Facebook.com/TheA21Campaign

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

PUTTING GOD FIRST How to Start the New Year with Gateway Church

Happy New Year from Gateway Church! At the beginning of each year, we set aside time to put God first in our lives, and there are many opportunities for you to get involved. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re visiting Gateway for the first time or youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve attended for years, here are some great ways you can participate with the Gateway family.

IT IS WRITTEN DEVOTIONAL // January 1–31 Since 2006, Gateway has started each year with a devotional. It’s become an essential part of our dna. In past Gateway devotionals, topics have ranged from prayer to worship, but we’re starting out 2014 focusing on God’s Word. This 31-day devotional (compiled from the teachings of Pastor Robert Morris with contributions from Pastor Marcus Breechen) will inspire your passion for reading, memorizing and meditating on the Word of God. Pick up your family’s complimentary copy of It Is Written during weekend services at the end of December and the beginning of January, and enjoy the accompanying cd featuring original worship songs from Gateway Worship artists (including “Speak to Me” by Pastor Tim Sheppard. Read the story behind the song on page 19 of this issue!). The devotional book and audio will be available free on the Gateway App and online at itiswritten.gatewaypeople.com. It can also be downloaded from iTunes for $0.99. Additional hard copies of It Is Written can be purchased at Passages for $20. FIRST CONFERENCE // January 4–8 Southlake, Frisco & North Fort Worth Campuses First Conference is dedicated to focusing on putting God first in our lives and aligning ourselves with His vision for the coming year. 2014’s conference kicks off during our weekend services, January 4–5, and continues every night through Wednesday, January 8. First Conference will be simulcast from the Southlake Campus to all extension campuses. Our featured speakers also include Max Lucado, Bill Hybels, Mike Huckabee and Priscilla Shirer. Make plans to attend this exciting conference as we begin the year by putting God first in our lives! IT IS WRITTEN SERIES January 11–February 2 // All Campuses Join us for It Is Written, a four-week series, as Pastor Robert talks about God’s Word and the importance of making it a part of our daily lives. In addition to this series, our children’s ministry will teach from an accompanying It Is Written children’s curriculum.

IT IS WRITTEN SERIES GROUPS // January 11–February 2 This January, gather the people close to you for our fourweek workshop series, It Is Written. To find a group that’s right for you, visit groups.gatewaypeople.com. 21-DAY FAST // January 11–31 From time to time, it becomes vital for us to slow the frantic pace of our lives and focus on our need to rely on God and not ourselves. We can do this by stopping and setting aside specific time to align our priorities with God’s heart. All of us, on a daily basis, need to share in the experience of hearing God’s voice and obeying Him. This is why, as a church, we’re setting aside 21 days to fast and pray. We encourage you to pray about how God wants you to fast. If your health allows, consider giving up at least one meal every day. God may even lead some of you to go without any food for several days. Prayerfully consider giving up things such as television, social media and non-essential email, which can all too often consume major amounts of our time. Above all, allow yourself extra time to be sensitive and open to hearing God’s voice and obeying His direction in your life and the life of the church as we begin 2014. 21 DAYS OF PRAYER // Monday–Friday January 11–31 // 7:00–8:00 am // All Campuses The best way to begin a new year is by joining your church family and connecting with God! In conjunction with the 21-day fast, we will gather at each campus for a time of prayer and worship. Join our Elders and Senior Team as they lead us in praying for this new year! NIGHT OF WORSHIP AND THE WORD January 29 // 7:00 pm // Southlake Campus Gateway Equip will kick off the Spring Semester with a Night of Worship and the Word. This unique experience combines Scripture with worship. You’ll find the Bible come alive as creative and gifted teachers from Gateway Equip unite with powerful worship leaders from Gateway Worship to seamlessly teach God’s Word. GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

A long time ago, a pastor friend of mine invited another minister to preach at his church. This minister came in and preached a message my friend disagreed with. When he told me this story, another friend asked him, “Did you stand up and correct him right there? That’s what you should’ve done!” My friend was wise and had been pastoring that church for a long time. I’ll never forget how he answered that question. “I’ve spent 20 years teaching these people,” he said. “I didn’t have to correct him. They knew it.” I thought to myself, That’s a strong church. That’s our goal for the people of Gateway. We want to cultivate a church that is passionate about studying God’s Word. The most important thing in studying Scripture is that we uncover the meaning and intention of each passage, and the first step in doing so is learning how to understand it. God gave us Scripture in three languages— Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Thankfully, scholars have translated the Bible into English for us. Here is where it gets tricky: How do we arrive at our interpretation, since we all interpret Scripture incorrectly at times—even though we never mean to? In order to uncover the meaning of Scripture, I’m going to introduce you to two words: eisegesis and exegesis. A lot of people take an eisegesis approach to studying Scripture, which is very dangerous. This method looks at Scripture with a predetermined agenda. Readers approach it with the intention of supporting their own views. My dad calls this “using the Bible like a drunk uses a light pole—for support, rather than for light.” Now, on the other hand we have exegesis, which is a discipline that seeks the author’s meaning and intention for each passage. This is the method we want to use to find out what God is really saying through His Word. In order to apply the discipline of exegesis to your Bible study, you need some tools and you need to ask the right questions. It sounds like a lot of work, but trust me, in the end it is well worth it. As you begin to practice this new way of studying, my hope is the Word of God becomes alive and active your life. GL

HELPFUL TOOLS to

STUDY GOD’S WORD 1. STUDY BIBLE: A study Bible does most of the legwork for you. Each book has an introduction that tells you who wrote it, when they wrote it and its major themes. It also has a concordance in the back. 2. PARALLEL BIBLE: A parallel Bible has multiple translations of each passage for you to compare. 3. CONCORDANCE: A Strong’s or Young’s Concordance compares every word of the King James Version with the Greek or Hebrew lexicon. It’s a must-have! 4. BIBLE DICTIONARY: A Bible dictionary gives historical settings and cultural insights for Scripture. 5. NOTEBOOK: Take detailed notes and write down your thoughts on scriptures you study. Ten years from now, you’ll be able to go back and tap right into your studies.

11 BASIC QUESTIONS to ASK

WHEN STUDYING the WORD 1. What are the primary emphases of the book? 2. What is the central theme of the book? 3. How does the passage function in relation to the central ideas of the book? 4. Summarize the passage immediately before and after your text. How does your passage relate? 5. Analyze the words and phrases that are crucial to your text. 6. What is the historical context of the book? 7. How does this passage contribute to major theological themes of the Bible (creation, faith, church, Christ, salvation, atonement, end times, etc.)? 8. Who wrote the book? To whom? And, for what purpose? 9. In your own words, paraphrase your passage. 10. What is the focus of the passage? 11. What is the function of the passage?

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

PITCHING IN 23 WAYS TO VOLUNTEER AT GATEWAY

DA N I E L H O P K I N S

When people come to Gateway Church, one of the first things they hear is, “We’re not a big church, we’re a small town.” However, it’s the work of people who contribute their time and talent that turns our small town into a thriving community. If you’re looking for your place in the community or for a way to get involved, take a look at these fun and diverse volunteer opportunities.

1. ALTAR MINISTRY: Minister to others through prayer and intercession at the end of services.

2. GENERAL OFFICE VOLUNTEERS: Serve in the business office by handling administrative tasks.

3. EVENT HOSPITALITY: Help set up and facilitate a variety of events such as conferences, banquets and weddings.

4. FOOD HOSPITALITY: Serve food and beverages to our guests, members and staff during weekend services and mid-week events.

5. FACILITIES SUPPORT TEAM: Make sure Gateway’s facilities are set up and organized for events and classes.

6. FRESH START BOOTH VOLUNTEER: Welcome new believers for 15–20 minutes before and after the weekend service they attend.

7. MEDICAL TEAM: Be available in case of an emergency during weekend services and special events.

8. PARKING LOT MINISTRY: Direct traffic or drive a golf cart outdoors during weekend services and special events.

9. ID COACH: Help attendees clarify their vision and connect with areas of ministry in the church or in the community.

10. TECHNICAL ARTS: Operate cameras, sound and lighting for services offered at Gateway’s five campuses. All ages are welcome.

11. SINGLE PARENT MEAL TEAM: Assist with the weekly single parent family meals each Monday evening.

12. GUEST EXPERIENCE: Make Gateway’s guests feel welcome at weekend services and events.

For more information, visit volunteer.gatewaypeople.com or email volunteer@gatewaypeople.com.

13. COMMUNION TEAM: Prepare the elements for serving Communion and assist with cleanup.

14. CATCH THE VISION TEAM: Greet attendees, help them check in and prepare food for class breaks.

15. WATER BAPTISM VOLUNTEER: Assist with the monthly Water Baptism Services.

16. MYGATEWAY WEEKEND VOLUNTEER: Teach Gateway members about the myGateway App. You’ll be equipped with a mobile device and engagement training.

17. PRAYER & INTERCESSION VOLUNTEER: Pray for church ministries and answer urgent prayer requests made through the myGateway App and the Gateway Mobile App.

18. MOSAIC VOLUNTEER: Invest time building a personal relationship with widows at Gateway Church.

19. BEREAVEMENT FRIENDS: Build relationships with people who have experienced a critical loss.

20. DELIVERY TEAM: Brighten someone’s day by delivering a gift to them! We provide the gifts, and you experience the joy of sharing them with someone!

21. NEW MOM MENTORS: Help bring encouragement, friendship and support to a new mom while they adjust to motherhood.

22. BOOKSTORE VOLUNTEER: Assist members and guests in the Passages bookstore.

23. GATEWAY CAFÉ VOLUNTEER: Help prepare smoothies, frozen drinks and coffee products before and after the services. GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 13

VII WE ARE

JAN | FEB 2014

JOSH COAD

“VII feels like home … they understand the spiritual significance of everything we do.”

Kylie struggled to find friends when she started attending Gateway, but after joining a Seven (vii) Group, she discovered the genuine fellowship she had longed for. Ben became a part of vii after someone kindly bought him dinner the first time he visited. When Brittany moved to Dallas, she met new friends and two new roommates at vii. People from all over the Metroplex are finding a place at vii, Gateway’s ministry for 18–29-year-olds. Services are held Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm at the Southlake and Grand Prairie Campuses. According to Executive Pastor Stephen Leblanc, the ministry revolves around three main pillars: the Word of God, the presence of God and the people of God. Regarding the Bible, he says, “We want to teach people the Word of God. We don’t want to inject our ideas and themes, but rather let the burden and truth come from the Bible itself.” Every week, Pastor Stephen brings a message thematically linked to the current vii sermon series. Prior to the message, vii attendees engage in powerful worship. Pastor Stephen explains, “We pursue the presence of God through worship. We want to treat Jesus like He’s really there and simply focus on Him.” Finally, vii prioritizes “the people of God.” What does that mean? It means pursuing community and finding ways to bring people together. At vii, the number one way to get connected is to join a Group. Groups are the focal point for meeting new people and growing spiritually together. vii Groups center around a specific activity, like intramural sports or community service, or simply consist of a Bible study in a leader’s home or at a coffee shop. Connecting with the people of God also means interacting with all areas of the church. “We are a community, not a church. We’re a part of Gateway. We’re a ministry

For more information, visit WeAreVII.com.

among many and our goal is to take people through a process of growth and connect them to other ministries in the church,” says Pastor Stephen. A prime example of this is Route 7, a five–week class that runs before the weekly vii service multiple times a year. Sponsored by vii and Generous Life (Gateway’s Financial Stewardship Ministry), this class addresses subjects such as a steward’s worldview, financial planning, saving money, generosity and getting out of debt. This partnership with other Gateway ministries also extends to volunteering. vii encourages attendees to serve wherever they can. Pastor Stephen says, “If there’s an opportunity or need anywhere in the church for volunteers, we only say ‘Yes, we’ll do it.’” In addition, vii provides multiple outreach opportunities in the community and around the word. Because Jesus made it clear His mission shouldn’t stop with a single city, country or people group, vii creates a culture of outreach, equipping members to make a difference in the world. Every second Saturday of the month, vii participates in a homeless outreach near downtown Fort Worth. vii also sends out Global Ministry Trips, including an annual trip to Honduras. Between outreach opportunities, Groups and weekly services, there are always opportunities to be involved. “vii feels like home. It is so encouraging to corporately worship with men and women my age who are actively seeking the Lord,” says vii attendee Ricky Allen. “They are not disinterested in hearing from multiple passages of Scripture during a message. They are not ashamed of looking like fools for Christ in worship. They are not afraid of the immediate accountability of small Groups. They welcome all of it because they understand the spiritual significance of everything we do.” GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 15

CALENDAR

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

January 1–31 IT IS WRITTEN DEVOTIONAL January 4–8 FIRST CONFERENCE SOUTHLAKE, FRISCO & NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUSES January 11–31 21-DAYS OF PRAYER MONDAY–FRIDAY // 7:00–8:00 am // ALL CAMPUSES CHURCHWIDE FAST January 16 PINK NIGHT—BOOTS & BANGLES: WALKIN’ WITH STYLE 7:00 pm // ALL CAMPUSES > Gateway women will come together for a night to celebrate our unique style, calling and life experiences. January 17–18 ID SEMINAR SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS // CLASSROOM 2D > The ID Seminar gives you a chance to identify your life mission through discovering your strengths and spiritual gifts. January 18 LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP: DIVORCE CLASS 5:30 pm // SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS // CLASSROOM 2D January 28 MARRIAGE NIGHT FEATURING DANNY SILK 7:00 pm // NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS January 29 GATEWAY EQUIP NIGHT OF WORSHIP & THE WORD 7:00 pm // SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS > We’ll kick off our new semester of Gateway Equip with a powerful night of seeking and worshipping God.

SUN

JAN | FEB 2014

February 1–March 22 BECOMING ONE (PRE-MARRIAGE CLASS) SATURDAYS // 3:45 pm SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS // CLASSROOM 2D February 1–March 22 MARRIAGE REVOLUTION SATURDAYS // 5:30–7:00 pm SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS // CLASSROOM 2D February 8 BREAKFAST FOR PARENTS OF BLENDED FAMILIES: KICK-OFF MEETING 8:00 am // SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS // CLASSROOM 1B > Join us as we introduce our monthly breakfast for moms and dads of blended families. February 8–9 VISION WEEKEND ALL CAMPUSES February 14–15 BECOMING ONE WITH JIMMY EVANS Presented by MarriageToday 5:30–7:00 pm // SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS > Married couples are invited to this MarriageToday conference featuring Jimmy and Karen Evans, Dr. Caroline Leaf and Nancy Houston. February 16 HABITATION Prayer at 5:15 pm, Service at 6:00 pm SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS February 21–23 GATEWAY STUDENTS WINTER RETREAT RIVERBEND RETREAT CENTER > 7th–12th grade students will experience powerful worship services with dynamic teaching, special breakout sessions, a great atmosphere of community and exciting activities.

Check events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

Locations & Service Times

RECURRING EVENTS

KIDS/STUDENTS

JEWISH MESSIANIC SERVICE

INFINITIKIDS (Birth–6th Grade, Kids of Single Parents) Mondays 6:00 pm SLK

Friday, Jan 3 & Feb 7 7:30 pm

SLK

SOUTHL AKE CAMPUS 700 BLESSED WAY SOUTHLAKE, TX 76092 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

PRAY FIRST

INFINITIYOUTH (7th–12th Grade, Youth of Single Parents) Mondays 6:00 pm SLK

Mondays 7:00 am (All Campuses) *Beginning February 3

GATEWAY STUDENTS (7th–12th Grade) Weds 7:00 pm

FRS GRP NFW NRH UC

Tuesday, Jan 21 & Feb 18 7:00 pm

ADULTS

(Membership Class)

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES > Meal Mondays 5:45 pm > Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm > Embrace Grace Mondays 7:00 pm PRIMETIME (50+) > DayTime Bible Study Tuesdays 10:00 am SLK > The Connection Saturdays 5:30 pm

SLK

CATCH THE VISION

SINGLES SLK > Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

SEVEN (18–29) Tuesdays 7:00 pm

PRAY FOR ISRAEL

SLK

Saturday, Jan 11 9:00 am

SLK

Saturday, Jan 25 9:00 am

GRP

Saturday, Jan 25 4:00 pm

NRH

Saturday, Feb 1 9:00 am

SLK FRS

Monday, Feb 3 6:30 pm

NFW

Sunday, Feb 16 2:00 pm

SLK

BAPTISM SERVICES Sunday, Jan 12 3:00 pm

FRS

SLK

SPIRITUAL GROWTH SLK GRP

MARRIAGE & FAMILY > Marriage Challenge Sundays 9:30 am MIN

GATEWAY EQUIP Mondays 7:00 pm FRS NFW Wednesdays 7:00 pm SLK Saturdays 4:00 pm SLK Sundays 9:00 am SLK

HABITATION Sunday, Feb 16 6:00 pm

FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM CLASSES Saturdays 5:45 pm FRS Sundays 10:45 am SLK HEALING MINISTRY Mondays 7:00–8:30 pm

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GR A ND P R A IR IE C A MP U S 2404 N CARRIER PKWY GRAND PRAIRIE, TX 75050 Sun 9:00 am & 10:45 am N O R T H F O R T W O R T H C A MP U S 4209 BASSWOOD BLVD FORT WORTH, TX 76137 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

SLK

Saturday, Feb 1 5:15 pm Sunday, Feb 2 3:00 pm

FRISCO CAMPUS 7125 LEGACY DRIVE FRISCO, TX 75034 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

NR H C A MP U S 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 MINI S T RY C EN T ER 540 S NOLEN SOUTHLAKE, TX 76092

NRH

PRAYER > Corporate Prayer for Our Nation Sundays 10:40 am SLK > High Noon Prayer Wednesdays 12:00 pm

SLK

> Men’s Prayer Meetings Tuesday 6:00 am GRP Thursdays 5:30 am SLK

C A MP U S K E Y SLK FRS GRP NFW NRH NRH MIN UC

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS FRISCO CAMPUS GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS NORTH FORT WORTH CAMPUS NRH CAMPUS MINISTRY CENTER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

A VISION IN GR AND PR AIRIE

A VISION in GRAND PRAIRIE BY

DA N I E L H O P K I N S

Mark Jobe doesn’t often see things that aren’t there. But what he saw in October 2012 would change the course of his ministry career and his life. As a pastor with Gateway’s Global Ministries, he had teamed up with an international compassion ministry based out of Shady Grove Church’s massive building located a stone’s throw from highway 161 in Grand Prairie. The building would soon house Gateway’s Grand Prairie Campus, but he didn’t know that at the time. All he knew was that he needed to fill a large box truck with several hundred army cots destined for Kenya where they would be used by the influx of pastors during ministry conferences and young Kenyans during youth camps. As he exited 161 and approached Shady Grove Church, he looked at the sign and saw Gateway Church. “I turned to a friend of mine and said, ‘You’re not going to believe what I just saw,’” says Pastor Mark, now the Campus Pastor at the Grand Prairie Campus. “‘I saw Gateway Church written on the side of the building,’ and my friend asked, ‘What do you think it means?’” Pastor Mark responded, “I think this is going to be an extension campus one day.” A VISION COMES TO FRUITION A few weeks later, during a pastor’s meeting, Pastor Tom Lane mentioned Gateway was considering adding an extension campus in Grand Prairie. Pastor Mark approached him after the meeting and asked, “The campus in Grand Prairie wouldn’t happen to be Shady Grove Church, would it?” When Pastor Tom said it was, Pastor Mark began to share his story with him. In the following weeks, he began having dreams about the Grand Prairie Campus. In one of them, he was speaking on the stage inside the building, and in another, he was hiring staff. “I went to Pastor Tom and said, ‘I can’t get Shady Grove off my heart. I believe the Lord is speaking to me about it.’” That’s when Pastor Tom informed him

JAN | FEB 2014

he was a candidate for campus pastor. “The rest,” Pastor Mark says, “is history.” BIG CHANGES AHEAD Since that time, the sign has changed. Now it really does say, “Gateway Church.” That transformation, however, is miniscule compared with the other changes that will occur in the near future. Because of campus growth (attendance has almost tripled since last February), one of the first changes will happen with the children’s ministry. In early 2014, it will be transformed to match Gateway’s current ministry model of Amazing Kids. A third service will be added, as will additional parking. There are many more changes on the way, but they won’t be happening all at once. Instead of just tackling the master plan from day one, the changes will be paced out based on campus growth. The growth of the campus has led to more people receiving ministry, which is producing more testimonies as well. One woman who relies on the help of a walker attends the Grand Prairie Campus. She had been plagued by several diseases—one which made it difficult for her to speak. However, during a recent Habitation service, she was completely healed. She no longer needs a walker and her entire family says it’s a miracle! “I believe there is a deep, deep well in that house for healing and for the presence of God,” says Pastor Mark. “We’re going to hear more and more testimonies coming out of the congregation.” Overall, the transition from Shady Grove Church to Gateway’s Grand Prairie Campus has been exceptionally smooth. The root structure of the two churches is the same, making it easy to merge and solidifying a foundation for future growth, the latter of which will happen gradually over the next few years. Pastor Mark says that same foundation has made it easy to lead his team, with whom he’s felt a strong connection since the beginning. “I’ve really enjoyed having the honor of leading that team,” he says. “It’s like they were a part of my family from day one.” GL

The King’s University

SONG STORY

Ribbon Cutting & Dedication Ceremony On November 14, The King’s University Board of Directors and the Gateway Elders cut the ribbon and officially dedicated the school’s new headquarters in Southlake. This moment was more than a building dedication; rather, it was a passing of the mantle. The King’s University Founder, Dr. Jack Hayford, addressed the crowd of more than 400 as he handed the legacy of his school over to Pastor Robert and Gateway Church. This is the fulfillment of a vision God placed in Pastor Robert’s heart several years ago: to train the next generation for life-transforming ministry.

“Speak to Me” by Tim Sheppard

“

peak to Me” ties into how my family came to Gateway Church. Over nine years ago, my wife (Kelly), my daughter (Jessica) and I attended our first weekend service. We loved it and decided to come back the following week for the annual prophetic presbytery

services. God dramatically used those four nights to clearly show us we were supposed to join Gateway. The second night, we were sitting in the back and one of the presbyters walked up to me and gave me a word. He used an exact phrase the Lord had spoken to me a few months before as a promise and it completely broke me. On the third night, Kelly received a word, and on the fourth night, the presbyters brought our entire family up in front of the whole church and prophesied over our future. It was a powerful introduction to Gateway Church and confirmation that God was saying, “This is your new home.” The annual presbytery is now a spiritual peak for us every year. I don’t think we’ve missed a single service since we’ve been here. I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to lead worship for quite a few of them. After being involved with so many of them, I thought, “Apart from salvation and being baptized in the Holy Spirit, what’s the most amazing experience for a Christian? Hearing the voice of God.” This led me to write “Speak to Me.” I wanted to write a song I could share in the context of presbytery services and I wanted to answer the question, “What happens when God speaks?” Look at Genesis 1. God spoke and created the Heavens and the Earth. Genesis says, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). The Greek word for “spirit” in this verse actually means “breath.” This led to the lyric Breath of heaven, invade the earth. When He speaks, He releases His breath (the Holy Spirit), which brings His power and changes things. His words are transformational. The bridge says, I will wait for you Lord / You are all I desire. In order to hear Him speak, we have to wait. I love singing that bridge to tell God, “I place the highest value in hearing Your voice, so I’m going to wait on You, because You are all I desire.”

PASTOR TIM SHEPPARD is the Executive Pastor of Worship Artistry and an accomplished Christian recording artist. You can hear “Speak to Me,” on It Is Written: Songs from Gateway Devotions.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

PROFILE

Mary Jo Pierce is Gateway’s Pastor of Prayer & Intercession. She and her husband, Bruce, have two grown daughters and five grandchildren.

WHAT’S YOUR SALVATION STORY? I was raised as a very devout Catholic. I absolutely loved everything about connecting with God. When I was little, I would walk around the house mimicking family devotionals and the rosary. But it wasn’t until March 16, 1976, that I truly understood what it meant to have a relationship with God. My mom and sister regularly attended prayer meetings, and my mom, who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, invited me to go with them. I didn’t want to, but I finally decided to go so I could record the service for my mom. When I walked in the door, a woman walked up to me, looked right into my eyes with love and hugged me. It was my first real introduction to Jesus, and I’ve never been the same since. I received salvation and attended a seven-week series to learn more about God. WHAT ARE YOU PREVIOUS LINES OF WORK? I was a stewardess for American Airlines. (Not a flight attendant! That should tell you how long ago it was!) We were taught that the final

third of each flight (Phase 3) was the most important, because that’s when we walked around, meeting and talking to people. I loved it! HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND? It was during one of those American Airlines Phase 3s. Bruce was a pilot commuting to Chicago for work. I noticed him sitting in my section and told the other stewardesses, “The cutest young captain I have ever seen is sitting in my section!” I went over to talk to him and during our conversation, he showed me pictures of his girls (he was a single dad). Two years later, we were married, and I adopted his girls. I’ve never been pregnant a day in my life, but God gave me an entire family through Bruce! HOW DID YOU COME TO GATEWAY? We went to Shady Grove (now Gateway’s Grand Prairie Campus) for 11 years, so we knew Pastor Robert and Debbie. We joined Gateway six months after it started.

HOW DID GATEWAY’S PRAYER & INTERCESSION MINISTRY BEGIN? Due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to leave Gateway and move to Colorado Springs for three years. While we were there, I attended the Wagner Leadership Institute (a ministry school). It was there the Lord told me I was going to teach and pray for the nations. Soon afterward, we were back in town visiting Gateway. I had a conversation with Pastor Marcus Brecheen, and he mentioned he was looking for someone to lead prayer equipping and training at Gateway. As he said that, the weightiness of God rested on my shoulders. I began the interview process and was hired a few months later to start Gateway’s Prayer & Intercession Ministry. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OF THE BIBLE? The Book of John, especially chapters 14–17, because it reveals Jesus’s prayer life. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE ABOUT PRAYER? Psalm 17:15. Here’s the Mary Jo Pierce version: “I will be fully satisfied when I wake in the morning, seeing you face to face and having sweet communion with You.” I believe that is God’s intention for prayer on earth—for us to be fully satisfied walking with Him. OTHER THAN THE BIBLE, WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK ABOUT PRAYER? Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets.

WHY IS PRAYER SO IMPORTANT? Because it works! It connects us to Someone who’s bigger, smarter, stronger, wiser and more loving than us. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES? I love taking photographs. I have over 62,000 on my computer! I used to take so many pictures around the church offices that I feel like the Gateway historian! I also love calligraphy. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican food. When it comes to cooking, I love to make soups. My latest is a Russian borscht. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE(S)? The Sound of Music, Steel Magnolias, The Passion of the Christ and The Nativity Story. WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’m a quiz show champion! I was on a show called the Magnificent Marble Machine in 1975. I won a dune buggy, a refrigerator, diamonds and a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica! DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Two maltese puppies: Honor and Glory. OUT OF ALL THE PLACES YOU’VE VISITED, WHICH ONE’S YOUR FAVORITE? Israel. I love so many places in that country, and I’ve had the privilege of taking people on prayer encounters there. WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE SOMEONE’S EVER GIVEN YOU? “Learn everything you can from everyone you can.”

For more about our Gateway pastors, visit bios.gatewaypeople.com.

JAN | FEB 2014

JANUARY 4–8 · GATEWAY CHURCH MAX LUCADO

· BILL HYBELS · MIKE HUCKABEE · PRISCILLA SHIRER first.gatewaypeople.com

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IT IS WRITTEN A Gateway Series

weekend services january 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;february 2

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