Gateway Life | March/April 2014

MAR | APR 2014

MARCH. SHOUT. WIN. Pastor Tim Ross

tells us how obeying God, even when it seems ridiculous, is ridiculously awesome. Pg. 8

HIPSTERS, REDNECKS AND THE CHURCH Gateway Church is one

of the few places where hipsters and rednecks live together in perfect harmony. Here’s how to spot them in the wild. Pg. 12

ANNUAL REPORT 2013 was

one of Gateway’s most impactful years. See what we have in store for the future! Pg. 14

IT’S A MAN THING Discipling men at Gateway is fun and games. Pg. 10

@dannettemm

@trishwhaley

@js172011

@hell0wonderfuls

@elalejandromc

@julissamusic

@dasouthernbelle

@thedustonian

@sayyyraww

@beccabak

@agirlivy

@technicalarts

@julissamusic

@hell0wonderfuls

@wilksjulia

@tyhobbit

@trishwhaley

@dasouthernbelle

@js172011

@ashleytaylorpatterson

@whitemegan

@divinashelley

@tonyeltiger

@texasbusymom5

@shelbz_wilson

@maxxita

@amariphotos

@grillymama

@mariahmychal

@agirlivy

When we started the It Is Written devotional, we noticed phenomenon of Instagram users posting photos of the devotional next to cups of coffee. We asked you to post your photos with the hashtag #itiswritten. Here are just a few of them.

#itiswritten

CONTENTS MAR | APR 2014

COMMENTS

2 WELCOME 3 FEEDBACK 4 GATEWAY PEOPLE 5 TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD OUTREACH

6

MOUNTAIN CHILD NEPAL

Gateway partnered with Mountain Child for a dramatic journey down Mount Masaslu in Northern Nepal.

F E AT U R E S

8

MARCH. SHOUT. WIN.

Pastor Tim Ross tells us how obeying God, even when it seems ridiculous, is ridiculously awesome.

10

IT’S A MAN THING

12

ANNUAL REPORT

1 4

HIPSTERS, REDNECKS AND THE CHURCH

Discipling men at Gateway is fun and games.

2013 was one of Gateway’s most impactful years. See what we have in store for the future!

Gateway Church is one of the few places where hipsters and rednecks live together in perfect harmony.

Here’s how to spot them in the wild.

16 CALENDAR 18 TAX TIPS 19 SONG STORY 20 PROFILE

C omments

WELCOME to GATEWAY LIFE Someone once said graveyards are “IF A CHANGE LIES BETWEEN YOU AND full of people who died with potential.

Great ideas were lost, solutions never YOUR DREAMS, INSTEAD OF GIVING UP OR revealed, inventions left behind—all PUTTING IT OFF, BELIEVE YOU CAN DO IT.” because individuals would not risk change. If I asked you what you’ve always wanted to do but never did, I imagine you’d have a and lead you to places of accomplishment you’ve never litany of unrealized dreams and desires. The disappointconsidered achievable. You may ask yourself, Who am I ing thing is many people never accomplish their dreams that God would want to use me to accomplish something because change is required—a modification of thinking, an incredible? adjustment in lifestyle or a tweak in relationships—all of Consider Abraham, a wanderer who fathered the which would help them realize the very thing they consider nation of Israel; David, a shepherd who became a king; impossible. If a change lies between you and your dreams, Mary, the mother of Jesus; Peter, a fisherman turned instead of giving up or putting it off, believe you can do it. apostle; the widow at Zarephath who fed a prophet; and Consider this exchange between Jesus and a father whose countless others in the Bible who asked themselves the son was being harassed by an evil spirit: The father asked same question. You’ll find yourself in good company!

“But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and Philippians 4:13 tells us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Yes, change involves the unfahelp us.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’? Anything is posmiliar. Yes, change demands you break out of the status quo. sible if a person believes” (Mark 9:23, nlt).

Have you ever considered that on the other side of Yes, change is risky, scary and challenging. But the good change is a huge world of possibilities? Where would the news is you can do whatever it is that God is leading you world be if the Wright brothers hadn’t thought about some to do! Philippians 2:13 reads, “For God Himself is at work changes in transportation? What if Columbus had never in you, inspiring you to want those things that please Him and to work for them!” Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself challenged the idea that the world is flat? There is much to gain on the other side of change. And when you put in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” the creative power of God into the equation it gets even God gives you dreams, inspires you to go after them and more exciting. Ephesians 3:20–21 says, “Now to Him who then works through you with His power to accomplish is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or them. Never be afraid of change—there is something on think, according to the power at work within us, to Him the other side of it that you need to see! be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Working in you is the power of the Holy Spirit, who encourages you to break through barriers, overcome your

fears and tear down your excuses. He will lead you into BOBBY BOGARD Associate Senior Pastor truth, reveal hidden potential, show you things to come gateway life gatewaylifemag.com David Smith, Senior Pastoral Oversight Lawrence Swicegood, Editor-in-Chief

editorial Stacy Burnett, Managing Editor Daniel Hopkins, Shea Tellefsen, Senior Editors Zachary Richmond, Associate Editor

art Shane Dennehey, Creative Director Jeremy Tyson, Art Director/Designer Megan White, Contributing Designer

project management Tracey Wilson

photography Cory Hale

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

2 MAR | APR 2014

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

PA S T O R ’ S P I C K S In this section, we ask Gateway pastors to tell

FEEDBACK

us what inspirational things they’re listening to, watching and reading.

RE: “ARMCHAIR THEOLOGIAN” JAN | FEB 2014

“I HAVE BEEN READING THE WORD DAILY; SPENDING MORE TIME WITH GOD; AIMING TO KNOW HIM MORE AND MORE.”

ROBB BREWER, Executive Pastor, Equipping & Leadership

—Andrea Trotter

RE: GATEWAY LIFE COVER JAN | FEB 2014

RE: “A VISION IN GRAND PRAIRIE” JAN | FEB 2014

“To hear that God was already giving Pastor Mark Jobe vision for our congregation just makes our family that much stronger.

It’s obvious God was looking out for everyone when He so brilliantly set this relationship up. It’s clear Pastor Mark cares about our campus and the legacy we carry from Shady Grove Church.” ­—Jessica Bowen

“LOVE PASTOR JASON TAM ON THE COVER!” —Linda Sluiter

WHAT ARE YOU READING? I’m a fairly voracious reader. I’ve just finished up Jimmy Evans’ A Mind Set Free, and I’m currently going through The Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, The Introverted Leader by Jennifer Kahnweiler and Apostles of Reason by Molly Worthen. For fun, I’m reading Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO? Podcasts consume about as much of my time as music. I like to listen to podcasts from Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Gateway Church and Ravi Zacharias. As a fan of jazz, I often listen to Shelly Berg and Oscar Peterson. I listen to movie soundtracks for study and writing.

WHAT MOVIES HAVE YOU SEEN RECENTLY? I don’t make it to the movies very often, but in the last few months I’ve seen Gravity, Catching Fire, Frozen and The Hobbit.

G AT E W AY M I N I S T R Y T R I P S march

RE: QUOTE FROM PASTOR ROBERT (INSIDE-FRONT COVER) JAN | FEB 2014

7–16 t h a i l a n d , g a t e w a y s t u d e n t s 8–15 g u a t e m a l a , f a m i ly 9–16 h o n d u r a s , g a t e w a y s t u d e n t s 9–16 r e t a l h u l e u , g u a t e m a l a , f a m i ly

“That is so true, and I love the quote.” — ­ Mary Mellgren

april

“True, your life destiny depends upon which decision you make today.” ­—Hanok Darnall

17–24 g u a t e m a l a ,

4–13 e u r o p e , p r a y e r / w o r s h i p 12–22 a r g e n t i n a , c o n g r e g a t i o n a l m ay

pink

( g at e w ay

women)

*All trip dates are subject to change. on

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

** For a list of more ministry trips, visit globaltrips.gatewaypeople.com.

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

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

NFW Students

NFW Students

Catch the Vision / NFW

NFW Students

21 Days of Prayer

PrimeTime Rodeo

PrimeTime Rodeo

Amazing Kids Skate Night

First Conference

21 Days of Prayer

21 Days of Prayer

First Conference

Amazing Kids Skate Night

First Conference

Tell Me Something Good “In December, the nrh Campus held a Christmas assembly for the students of The Academy at Carrie F. Thomas Elementary School. We brought in a speaker who talked to the kids about bullying, provided lunch for each child and a catered lunch for the entire staff. We gave each child a Christmas gift and, after it was over, we provided the school with a pallet of school supplies. Here’s the school’s response: ‘It was such an outstanding day for our kiddos and faculty! Thank you for blessing our campus—it means more than words can express!’” >> Kam Hunt, ASSOCIATE PASTOR, BLESS! LOCAL & NATIONAL OUTREACH

“Our daughter, Savana, invited five friends from school to attend the Mix56 party at the nrh Campus. All of them had a great time. When I picked them up, I learned that her friends asked Jesus into their hearts. The next day,

I went up to Savana’s school to do the Christmas Party with her class and her teacher shared this with me: ‘This morning I asked all the kids to share with me what they are thankful for. One little girl raised her hand and said, “I’m thankful for Savana inviting me to her church party last night. I made a great decision and asked Jesus into my heart.”’

Her teacher went on to tell me that once she spoke of Jesus, all the other kids began to speak about church and Jesus. They had a mini-church session right there in the classroom—all led by the kids! As she told me this, tears ran down my face, because my little girl learned it only takes one thing to make such a change in someone’s life. My husband and I are so thankful we are members of Gateway.

You all minister to so many and you’re equipping the next generation to love the Lord and be doers! Thank you to

all of the work you all put in for that party. It was a huge success!”

WANT TO TELL US SOMETHING GOOD?

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

My wife and I hear it each day together.” >> Larry Williams

>> Sara Alt

“I’m very proud of myself! I came forward and accepted God into my heart. Both my husband and I did at the Southlake Campus.” >> Amanda Podowski

On Facebook, we asked, “What has been your favorite part of the #itiswritten devotional?”

“Fresh revelations each morning. I have a private group of ladies going through it and we are sharing what God is speaking into our hearts through this, adding even more to the revelation. We have people from all across the country joining us.”

“Reading it with my 16-year-old daughter.” >> Theresa Mullins

“I love that it is brief but profound, and that the scriptures for further study enforce the point.

Listening for what the Holy Spirit says to me is the best part.” >> Betty D. Crone

“Day 13 was a definite answer from God for me. I’m excited to be a part (even it’s just a small part) of what God is doing at Gateway Church.” >> Carmella Browne

>> Angie Davis Monroe

“I love that the devotionals were taken straight from Pastor Robert’s teachings and read by Pastor Tom. Excellent and very challenging.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 5

Outreach

Mountain Child

china

MANASLU

(elev. 26,759 ft.)

EVEREST

(elev. 29,035 ft.)

KATHMANDU

Ministry Trip to Nepal

Mountain Child, one of Gateway’s international ministry partners, is bringing light to Nepal by dealing with five core issues: health, education, human trafficking, child labor and the environment. All of these are issues that affect the daily lives the Nepali people. The ministry does this primarily though a strategy that rescues children, raises and teaches them and returns them as carriers of hope to their people. Because of the persecution of Christians in Nepal (the primary religion is Hinduism), spreading the gospel is nearly impossible, but after nearly a decade of Mountain Child’s ministry, thousands of lives have been changed in the Himalayas.

1. Jessica Lapp rode in a helicopter once, but it wasn’t like this. The chopper touched down at a landing pad halfway up Mount Manaslu, a Himalayan mountain in Northern Nepal. She and the rest of the team on the Ministry Trip—a group from Seven (Gateway Young Adults)—had been split into several groups in order to see all the aspects of Mountain Child’s multifaceted ministry. “This is the most stunning place I’ve ever been in my life because of its grandiose nature,” says Jessica. But, as the representatives from Mountain Child told her, and as she would later find out firsthand while trekking down to the Nupri Valley, this mountain range is one of the darkest, most oppressed places on earth.

2. Meanwhile, Audrey Wells landed on another part of the mountain, where her group focused on Mountain Child’s medical initiatives. In one of

6 MAR | APR 2014

the villages they visited during their trek down the mountain, her group came across a man who was thought of as a medical expert. “He’s considered a man of knowledge because he went to a two-day health training,” says Audrey.

It was here she realized just how scarce medical care is in rural Nepal. The two little girls she saw later made the situation bleaker. One of them had recently developed an eye infection and Audrey’s team gave her antibiotic eye drops—common in the U.S. but scant in the Himalayas.

The next little girl wasn’t so fortunate. Her eye had been infected for some eight months and the damage was already permanent.

3. Later, the ministry teams from Gateway met up on the way to the Nupri Valley, where they were joined by villagers heading into town for supplies. One unfamiliar face belonged to a Tibetan

india

capital

mountain

Nepal Facts population:

currency:

area:

25,371,000 56,827 sq. mi. language: Nepali, English, many other languages & dialects

life expectancy:

girl named Doma. Her heels were blistered and she walked unusually closely to the Gateway group as they descended from village to village. Suddenly, Jessica and Audrey began to understand why. In the shadowy distance, there was a Nepali man who seemed to be keeping track of Doma. When he thought the Americans weren’t looking, he would slip her money to buy food and water. But Audrey and Jessica noticed, realizing that, in all likelihood, Doma was being trafficked.

4. At one rest stop along the way, they discovered a hot spring.

The Americans decided to wash their hair and they gave Doma some shampoo to do the same. When they saw her drinking water from a stream, they bought her bottles of filtered water. They took Doma in as much as they could, but they knew the only thing they could do was pray for her—something Jessica

Nepalese Rupee 59 gdp per capita: $1,400 U.S. literacy: 45%

would do for entire stretches of the journey. The next day, everyone, including Doma and the man following her, boarded a bus heading into Kathmandu where they would begin their journey home.

During a short break at a rest stop, Audrey and Jessica stepped off the bus to stretch their legs. When they returned, Doma was gone.

“She was just one girl we saw in one week,” says Jessica.

“But think of all the other girls we didn’t see.” There are many others, but, through the efforts of Mountain Child, Nepal has hope.

1/2

MANASLU

of all Nepali children will die before the age of 8

MANASLU CIRCUIT

Every year in Nepal,

16,000

boys and girls are kidnapped into the sex trade

trek

road

The average age of a Nepali

TO KATHMANDU

14–16 child sold into sex trade is

80.7% of the population is Hindu*

1

2

10.3%

of the population is Buddhist*

3

4

<1%

of the population is Christian* *Statistics taken from mountainchild.org and globalreligiousfutures.org/countries/nepal.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 7

by TIM ROSS

“Now Jericho was straitly shut up … .” This is how the sixth chapter of the book of Joshua opens up. Joshua, Israel’s new leader after the death of Moses, steps in to his role with the instructions of his predecessor and a commandment from His God. The book of Joshua could be summed up by saying, “They transitioned, they rededicated, they kicked butt.” (I wrote that, you read that, and there is nothing either of us can do about it now, so let’s just finish the article together.)

There’s always a tendency to overlook an often-told story, always the assumption there is nothing else to glean.

The Holy Spirit often speaks most powerfully through the most simple of things, and during a Spirit-led revisit to these familiar chapters, I was caught once again by the simplest words: March. Shout. Win. Imagine the scene with me: Thousands of soldiers, all recently circumcised, waiting for their general to lay out the strategic battle plan to overtake Jericho. Its walls were as impenetrable as the world’s most sophisticated bank vault. No way in. No way out. “Straitly shut up.”

Joshua may have had a very good plan on how to overtake Jericho, but He was waiting on God’s. Well, God delivered. And, well, it was ridiculous. Here’s the plan: “Okay, Josh, get seven people from the worship team (the priests), followed by My Presence (the Ark), and you can throw in some of your armed guards too. March around that wall for six days in silence, and on the seventh, shout really, REALLY loudly.” Really, God, really? You want me to walk by faith right now? Shouldn’t I be doing something a little more focused on military stratagems? This is the biggest battle of my life! All eyes are on me? I mean, us!

This is not going to look good on my résumé. This could ruin my reputation. I’m a general! A pastor! A father!

The manager! The counselor! This can’t be Your answer to this problem.

Yes it is! Some of our most intimidating obstacles require us to walk by faith for a long period of time. You don’t think you are doing anything, but God is doing everything! I know it looks silly. I know people are hanging over the walls laughing at you. Insulting you. Mocking you. But

trust God! Bite your tongue. Button up your lip. If you utter a word right now it would be disobedient. I know it hurts to walk around this problem, but it’s about God’s timing, not yours. timing. That’s a big deal for us sometimes. It’s not just about what to do as much as when to do it. If the children of Israel didn’t wait for the Lord’s timing they could have spent years walking around a wall that God readily intended to come down in a day. I believe God wants to show us His glorious timing. Wait for it. Waaaaiiiiit for iiiiiiittttt ….

After seven days of walking in circles, the children of Israel are permitted to shout. Not to intelligently articulate how frustrated they have been with the situation, or formally debate why this city must be burned to the ground because of a covenantal promise given generations ago. Nope. Just … shout! You know that loud, obnoxious, can’t-really-make-out-what-they-are-saying-because-

“The Holy Spirit often speaks most powerfully through the most simple of things.” too-many-people-are-doing-it-at-the-same-time noise?

That’s what they did. Not individually, but corporately.

Not personally, but as a family.

Shouting can be incredibly therapeutic in the proper setting. Some walls come down when a corporate shout is lifted up. I know it sounds ridiculous, but try it. You don’t even need thousands to make this work. Two or three works just fine.

Imagine the horrified faces on the citizens of Jericho.

They trusted in their wall. God trusted in His children’s walk. What they built, God broke. What they set up, God tore down. The only thing left for the kids to do was win, and win they did. They burned that city to the ground!

Killed every living thing. Sounds violent? It was. We have been called to do the same thing present-day. Not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness in high places. Against generational curses and habitual sins.

Against tormenting sprits and worldly desires.

We have plenty of walls that need to come down all around us. We will not be intimidated by the density of them nor the heights they reach because in the end we simply march. Shout. Win! GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 9

IT’S A MAN THING Calling Men Into Discipleship with Fun and Games

by DANIEL HOPKINS

10 MAR | APR 2014

“There’s a reason guys like to play golf together and build things together.”

Todd McIntyre says Gateway Men is a big ministry because it’s so small. You might never guess there’s such a strong focus on small groups and one-on-one discipleship when you see the scale of Gateway’s annual Men’s Summit, which is projected to draw more than 3,000 men on March 6–7 this year. But Pastor Todd says that focus has been essential to the growth of the Men’s Ministry.

“God told me when I got here in 2010 that if I would make the Men’s Ministry smaller, He’d make it bigger,” says Todd, Pastor of Gateway Men. “He said, ‘If you’ll concentrate on discipleship, I’ll bring the crowd.’” In retrospect, that seems to be an understatement. Last year’s Men’s Summit saw more than 2,500 men gather for a massive tailgate party, car show, iRacing simulators, boxcar derby, motocross show and much more. In other words, it was a weekend of testosterone-fueled fun.

An emphasis on fun is one of Gateway’s key ingredients in reaching men. “To most people, it looks like fluff—definitely not anything spiritual,” he says. “But, if we can get the guys to play together, their spirits open up and they receive more from God.” There is, actually, a huge spiritual element at Men’s Summit, but none of the marketing for the event focuses on that. Pastor Todd deliberately avoids marketing this element; instead, he takes an indirect approach—emphasizing food, fun and sports—because that’s what men tend to respond to.

How Pastor Todd arrived at this philosophy was almost accidental. He invited Billy Grammer, a Dallas-based family therapist, to speak to the men about purity. Instead, Grammer spoke about masculinity and the psychology of boys growing into men. Pastor Todd wasn’t sure what to think of the last-minute switch of topics until Grammer said something that changed his life and approach

to ministry: “A man will not feel comfortable in a direct relationship until he first feels comfortable in an indirect relationship.” For example, two men will have a difficult time talking about their emotions and issues without first establishing a solid casual relationship with each other.

“There’s a reason guys like to play golf together and build things together,” says Pastor Todd. “Guys build relationships through doing things.”

This year’s Men’s Summit will have plenty of opportunities for men to do exactly that. Guest Central will be a fully-functional barbershop where men can stop in, read the paper, play checkers and get a shave and shoe-shine.

There will be a bmx bike show, along with a military-style shoot house, where men will be given low-power machine guns to hit targets. “They'll be trained by fbi guys,” says Pastor Todd. Men will be able to fish for bass from a giant water tank, and chefs from The Cheesecake Factory will be on hand to give free cooking lessons. The barbecue competition has taken on a life of its own. “Guys will have their smokers going at five in the morning,” he says.

“We don’t control who competes, so large groups will just show up and start cooking.”

These activities will segue into a powerful time of worship and preaching from guest speakers, including John Gray, Joe Champion and Craig Groeschel.

After the fun dies down and the parking lot empties, discipleship, the heart of Gateway Men, will only be made stronger thanks to all the opportunities for fun and camaraderie—and that’s how Pastor Todd’s vision is becoming a reality.

“I love throwing huge conferences like Men’s Summit.

It’s not what I live for, but I love it,” he says. “I live for discipleship. I love to see a guy get discipled—I love to see a guy’s life turn around.” GL

Men’s Summit takes place on March 6–7 at the Southlake Campus. For more information, visit MensSummit.com.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 11

EVERY NUMBER HAS A NAME As Gateway Church enters a new year, it’s important to reflect back on where God has taken us. 2013 was an amazing year! As we pursue God’s vision and build His kingdom in 2014, let’s look back and be encouraged as we praise Him for all that He has done and all He is beginning.

21% INCREASE

2012/2013 Average Weekly Attendance 19,600

2012

23,831

2013

Southlake

13,710

North Richland Hills

3,829

North Fort Worth

3,046

Frisco

2,258

Grand Prairie

988

LO O K I N G F O R WA R D

GRAND PRAIRIE: MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS When the Grand Prairie Campus first came into the Gateway family, it was a gift from the Lord—an unexpected adoption. This year, we’ll begin with creating a master plan to begin the process of making the campus look and feel like Gateway. For example, we are looking to transform our Amazing Kids area, possibly add a third service and 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.

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS PARKING Attendance is at a new high! With turnover traffic, parking can quickly affect your mentality before you step into worship. Pastor David Smith says, “We have to think about the experience every person has—not just the guests, but even the members—from the time they drive into our environment. How they feel, how they’re treated and how they’re accommodated.” Expanding the parking lot at Southlake is the first opportunity to help give someone a unique worship experience.

FRISCO CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS The Frisco Campus was another adoption into the Gateway family, and it’s time to maximize this opportunity on the existing footprint. In order to continue the integration, we’re considering expanding the building to accommodate a larger community area, Gateway Café, Passages, Guest Central and V! Lounge.

FUTURE SITES FOR NEW EXTENSION CAMPUSES Amazingly, many of the extension campuses are on the verge of overflow! The process has already begun to find new areas of expansion in the Metroplex in order to accommodate the work the Lord is doing through Gateway. By the end of 2014, locations will be identified and buildings purchased—with cash.

NRH CAMPUS UPDATES AND IMPROVEMENTS The NRH Campus, originally designed to be a youth facility, has exceeded expectations and is consistently growing! More space is needed to facilitate the ministries and classes that happen on a weekly basis. The creation of new areas for classrooms, a dedicated Guest Central and a V! Lounge are being considered for this year.

DEBT RETIREMENT In 2013, Gateway launched three new campuses—adopting Grand Prairie, finishing out the North Fort Worth Campus and remodeling The King’s University Campus. The 2013 Heart for the Kingdom campaign created a fantastic head start, but in order to complete these projects at the pace required, a small amount of debt had to be incurred.

This year, Gateway will begin paying some of that down. “One of the focuses of optimization is to help us pay our debt. We feel this is an important step to take this year,” says Pastor David.

For the full annual report, visit annualreport.gatewaypeople.com.

S A LVAT I O N S

The Show Series

All Other Weekends

3,049

4,775

701

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s A Wonderful Christmas

240

Professions of Faith in Christ

Easter Weekend

785

BAPTISMS

Grand Prairie

28 Southlake

1,016

1,428

North Fort Worth

109 Frisco

136

Total Baptisms

NRH

139

HIPSTERS, REDNECKS & THE CHURCH Gateway Church, one of the few places where hipsters and rednecks live together in perfect harmony.

One of the beautiful things about Gateway is its location.

Our campuses are minutes from two of the nation’s biggest cities, and, if you go the other direction, minutes from wide, open ranchland. That means there are plenty of big-city hipsters and plenty of small-town rednecks among us. Allow this guide to help you understand a little more about them. — daniel hopkins

FASHION

CHRISTIAN HIPSTER

The Christian Hipster wears designer skinny jeans purchased at a 50 percent discount for $120 along with a scarf (even in the summer because, ahem, it’s cold in the auditorium). They also participate in “No-Shave November.”

MUSIC The Christian Hipster is still waiting for Gateway Worship’s Forever Yours to come out on vinyl.

CHURCH Upon arriving at church, the Christian Hipster’s first stop is at the Gateway Café, where they frequently ask if the espresso was traded fairly and want to know more about the farmer who harvested the beans. Their order includes at least two of the following words: “skinny,” “organic” and “mocha.”

BIBLE The Christian Hipster doesn’t bring a Bible to church—they bring an iPad and they prefer The Message version. After all, wasn’t that the first version to roll off the Gutenberg printing press?

PARENTING When the Christian Hipster picks up their children from Amazing Kids, they ask for Juniper, Luna, Kale and Nigel.

TRANSPORTATION The Christian Hipster rides to church on a one-speed bicycle, or “fixie,” which can be very difficult to navigate on Highway 114.

FASHION The Christian Redneck prefers camo casual wear, often saying that if it’s good enough for Duck Dynasty, it’s good enough for them. Unlike their hipster counterparts, every month is “No-Shave November.”

MUSIC The Christian Redneck is still waiting for Pastors Sion Alford and Zach Neese to release Gateway Worship’s first country album.

CHRISTIAN REDNECK

WHERE’S THE DEW?

CHURCH The Christian Redneck’s first question after reading the menu at the Gateway Café is: “Where’s the Mountain Dew?” They place their 32-ounce Big Gulp cup on the counter and ask the barista to “fillerup.”

BIBLE It doesn’t matter what version of the Bible it is, as long as it’s bound with deer skin and dogeared on their favorite verse, Acts 10:13, which instructs Peter to rise, kill and eat.

PARENTING When the Christian Redneck picks up their children from Amazing Kids, they ask for Walker, Texas and Ranger.

TRANSPORTATION The Christian Redneck can be seen driving a lifted pick-up truck with at least 20 bumper stickers, all of which are unreadable because the truck is covered with mud.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 15

Calendar

M AR C H

APRIL

SUN

MON

TUES

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March 1 THE KING’S UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DAY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS March 6–7 MEN’S SUMMIT SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS March 8 YOUTH WORLD OUTREACH >> We’re partnering with Youth World to serve Dallas at their spring break carnival and lunch.

April 3–4 KAIROS SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS >> This event is designed to create a safe environment for you to experience God’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing power through an intimate encounter with the Holy Spirit.

April 11 FATHER/DAUGHTER DINNER & DANCE HILTON GARDEN INN // DALLAS/LEWISVILLE >> Girls (ages 8–18) and their dads are invited to our annual Father/ Daughter Dinner & Dance. Free ballroom dance lessons are included.

April 14–15

March 21 MIX56 FUN NIGHT | SPRING FEVER 6:30 pm // NRH CAMPUS >> This 70s- and 80s-themed fun night for 5th and 6th graders features ping pong, Mario Kart tournaments, dancing and more.

PASSOVER SEDER CELEBRATION 6:30 pm // NRH CAMPUS >> Join us for anointed worship, rich teaching and an interactive Passover meal.

April 18–20

March 28 OUT OF THE BOAT: A FREEDOM ADVENTURE FRISCO CAMPUS >> Join Pastor Randy and Cheri Cochran for an exciting night of freedom ministry.

EASTER WEEKEND SERVICES ALL CAMPUSES >> Celebrate Easter at Gateway! You're invited to attend Easter Services at any of our five campuses—we've even added extra service times.

March 29 BLENDING FAMILIES: PRE-MARRIAGE CLASS SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

16 MAR | APR 2014

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, Mar 7 & Apr 4 7:30 pm

NRH

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

SLK GRP NRH

Tuesdays 7:00 am

NFW

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

FRS GRP NFW NRH UC

PRAYER FOR ISRAEL Tuesday, March 18 & April 15 7:00 pm

ADULTS

CATCH THE VISION

SINGLES SLK >> Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

(Membership Class)

SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES >> Meal Mondays 5:45 pm >> Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 1 9:00 am SLK

SLK

Saturday, March 15 9:00 am Tuesday, March 25 6:30 pm

GRP NRH

Saturday, March 29 9:30 am Saturday, April 5 9:00 am

SLK

SLK FRS

Saturday, April 12 9:00 am

>> Embrace Grace Mondays 7:00 pm

NFW

BAPTISM SERVICES

PRIMETIME (50+) >> DayTime Bible Study Tuesdays 10:00 am SLK

Sunday, March 2 3:00 pm

>> The Connection Saturdays 5:30 pm

Sunday, April 6 3:00 pm

SEVEN (18–29) Tuesdays 7:00 pm

SLK

FRS

SLK

SLK

SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM CLASSES Saturdays 5:45 pm FRS Sundays 9:00 am SLK

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

HEALING MINISTRY Mondays 7:00–8:30 pm

GATEWAY EQUIP

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

>> High Noon Prayer Wednesdays 12:00 pm

HABITATION Sunday, April 13 6:00 pm

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

PRAYER >> Corporate Prayer for Our Nation Sundays 10:40 am SLK

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

Sunday, March 16 6:00 pm

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

SLK

Saturday, April 5 5:15 pm

SLK GRP

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

SLK SLK

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 NRH NFW NRH MIN UC

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

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 17

7 Way s t o B e c o m e a B e t t e r S t e wa r d at Ta x T i m e

7 WAYS to BECOME a BETTER STEWARD at TAX TIME

by LEO SABO

Many people cringe at the mention of tax time, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I like to view this time of year as an opportunity to take a good, hard, honest look at my finances. The truth is, tax time is actually pretty good to most of us. Most people receive a return; in fact, the average tax return is somewhere around $2,000. That means people are giving the government a free loan throughout the year, and they get it back the following year. The problem is, seventy percent of people in the United States are living from paycheck to paycheck, and they could really benefit from the extra $100 to $200 they’re paying in taxes each month.

Then, when most people receive their tax return, they spend the money on “big-ticket items” such as new televisions or vacations. Even the people who use their tax return to pay off debt end up paying more in interest each year.

The solution is simple. Don’t overpay! Figure out how much you need to pay based on how much you make each year and your deductions and adjust the tax withholdings on your paycheck accordingly. Doing so will not only save you money in the end, it will help you become a better steward of all God’s entrusted to you.

TIPS TO MAKE TAX TIME EASIER 1. Gather Your Records Round up any documents you’ll need to file your taxes, including receipts and other documents that support income or deductions you will be claiming on your tax return. Store them in a safe place.

2. File Your Taxes for Free If your income is $57,000 or less, you qualify to use free, professional tax software (available at irs.gov/freefile).

18 MAR | APR 2014

For the best way to file an accurate tax return, try irs e-file (irs.gov/filing). Eighty percent of taxpayers use this service.

3. Receive Your Tax Refund Faster Use direct deposit when filing your tax return. You’ll receive your refund faster and it’s more secure than the traditional check-in-the mail option.

4. Use Your Refund Wisely Consider using your refund to pay off debt or put it into a savings account where it can accrue interest over time.

5. Review Your Tax Return Don’t rush. We all make mistakes when we rush. Mistakes will slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double-check all Social Security numbers and math calculations on your return. These are the most common errors made by taxpayers.

6. Reduce Taxes and Secure Your Future It’s too late to save on taxes for 2013, but not for 2014.

Reduce your taxes by increasing your contribution to your ira or 401(k) retirement account and position yourself better for retirement.

7. Avoid Tax Refund Anticipation Loans Many companies that prepare taxes for people now offer an advance on your tax return. These should be avoided because the fees and interest for these loans may be the equivalent of over 200% apr. Just wait a few weeks to receive your entire return.

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SONG STORY

“Constant Cleansing Stream”

by Levi Smith

The first time we played “Constant Cleansing Stream” in a church service was Easter Sunday at Shady Grove Church in 2011. We placed several members of the congregation throughout the Auditorium, and when we went into the final chorus, they all began walking onto the stage, singing.

The lyrics repeat several times over: “Christ is risen from the grave / We will rise, we will rise / We have risen with the Son / Hallelujah, God has won.” The stage was filled with people, and as they began to sing, the place erupted.

But it was more than just a powerful, audible and visual experience. The Holy Spirit worked in that moment to give people revelation about victory in their lives. People were there that day who needed to know they have victory in Christ, and that’s what the song is about.

For many years, my tendency has been to write songs with a more introspective or melancholy tone. But as I set out to write “Constant Cleansing Stream,” I decided to take a different approach. I wanted to write a song with a theme and feeling of victory interwoven throughout.

Jesus empowers us to overcome sin, so we can live joyful, peaceful, victorious lives. That’s the picture I wanted to paint with this song.

My favorite lyric isn’t the big, victorious chorus at the end—it’s the first lyric of the song: “I’ve held in high esteem / Your constant, cleansing stream.” As Christians, we have a constant need to be cleansed. Being free from sin is kind of an ongoing process, and there are times we need a touch from God or a change. We need the blood of Christ to cleanse us from unrighteousness, wrong motives and difficulties— even when they’re out of our control. Sometimes we just need to be refreshed.

Another way I approached this song differently was by writing it for another vocalist, Lauren Dunn, who helps lead worship at the Grand Prairie Campus. Her voice has so much passion and intrigue that it really fits the theme of victory.

I believe the Church needs a revelation of the victory Christ gives us. We all have struggles—some of us have lost loved ones and others have brokenness in their families or finances. This song is a reminder that God has already given us victory, and He continues to give us wisdom and power to overcome these things. GL PASTOR LEVI SMITH is the Pastor of Worship at Gateway Church’s Grand Prairie Campus. You can hear “Constant Cleansing Stream” on It is Written: Songs from Gateway Devotions.

NASB

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GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 19

Profile

He’s a gentleman and watches the chick flicks with me, and he says he enjoys them.

KEVIN & LYNDA GROVE

Kevin and Lynda Grove both serve on the Gateway staff. Kevin is an Executive Senior Pastor and Lynda is an Associate Pastor with Pink.

They have four adult children, Rachel, Karis, Andrew and James.

How did you two meet? lynda: We met at Texas A&M University. I was friends with his brother, and we all ate together in the same cafeteria. Kevin and I would sit across the table from each other at least two meals a day. kevin: I was interested in her from day one, but it took her about three months to notice. lynda: He was so quiet, I barely remember him talking to me over those three months.

What’s your previous line of work?

I had a small catering business. I come from a big Italian family and we would have huge dinners—I’m talking about 35 to 55 people at a dinner—so when it came to catering, it was easy to cook for large numbers of people. I love hospitality. kevin: I have helped multinational and startup communications companies design, develop and promote networking solutions in North America and Asia. lynda:

What’s your favorite thing about what you do? lynda: I’ve always enjoyed working with women. The thing I love the very most is pouring into the

next generation. I love drawing out people’s gifts and talents and helping them find their calling. kevin: I love to encourage people. Life can be hard and has a way of beating people down, so I love to encourage people in their calling or gifting.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve visited? kevin: Probably North Korea.

It’s almost completely isolated from the rest of the world.

It’s a fascinating place. lynda: I think the most interesting place is Italy because of my heritage. Kevin’s grandparents were missionaries to China, so when I was there, I tried to imagine what it would’ve been like to live there so many years ago.

What’s your favorite restaurant to visit together? lynda: Andiamo. It’s a little Italian place in Addison.

Who’s the most influential person in your life? lynda: I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s Kevin. We celebrated 30 years of marriage in December.

He is a solid rock, and he’s always been so even-keeled. He taught me the value of integrity and character and he has always led well. When the kids were little and their activities got to be so hectic, he brought peace and stability to our home. And he taught me the value of forgiveness in my life. kevin: Now I have to say “her” (laughs). I’ve had someone who really impacted me in every phase of my life, but I always go back to my mom and dad. They believed in me when others didn’t and they taught me the value of sacrifice.

What are some of your favorite movies to watch together? kevin: I don’t always admit it, but I like watching chick flicks with her. We don’t watch the war movies together. lynda: I don’t care for war movies.

Where do you guys see yourselves in five years? lynda: I hope we’re still serving here at Gateway. kevin: I hope we have an expanded family with a few grandkids (laughs).

What are your favorite books of the Bible or Bible stories? kevin: It varies from year to year, but I tend to go back to Proverbs and Acts. lynda: Esther.

Eat out or stay in?

lynda: I always want to go

out; he loves to stay in.

I love the opportunity when I can be home and enjoy her home cooking. kevin:

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

20 MAR | APR 2014

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easter at gateway FRIDAY, APRIL 1 8 SATU RDAY, APRIL 1 9 SUNDAY, APRIL 20 easter.gatewaypeople.com

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