Gateway Life | November/December 2012

N ov · D e c 2012

A Performance with a Purpose p. 8 A sneak peek at this year’s Christmas musical, It’s A Life…

And It’s Wonderful!

A Hidden Mission Field p. 12 Learn about Gateway’s Single Parent Families Ministry and how you can bless a single parent family this Christmas.

Songs of Identity p. 14 The heart and purpose behind the latest Gateway Worship recording, Forever Yours.

Heart for the Kingdom p. 10

An update on exciting Gateway outreaches and projects.

Contents comments

2 Welcome 3 Feedback

4

Gateway People

5 Tell Me Something Good

6 Outreach

features

8

A Performance with a Purpose A sneak peek at this year’s Christmas musical, It’s a Life ... and It’s Wonderful!

10

Heart For the Kingdom An update on exciting Gateway outreaches and projects.

12

A Hidden Mission Field Learn about Gateway’s Single Parent Families Ministry and how you can bless a single parent family this Christmas.

14

Songs of Identity The heart and purpose behind the latest Gateway Worship recording, Forever Yours.

A Performance

16 Calendar

with a Purpose p. 10

18

God‘s Surprise Party

19

Song Story

Tim Brawner, It’s a Life…And It’s Wonderful cast member

20 profile

Welcome to Gateway Life I love this magazine and reading about all the stories of changed lives. I love hearing about Gateway ministry trips, volunteers and all the wonderful things God is doing through our ministries. We created Gateway Life to communicate with you—the Gateway family—on a deeper level about all that God’s doing at Gateway.

Last year, the Gateway Elders and Senior Team came together and specifically asked God to show us the new frontiers He wanted us to journey into. After much prayer, we focused on multiple Heart for the Kingdom initiatives, which Pastor Robert outlined during Vision Weekend earlier this year. You’ve probably heard about some of these initiatives (Gateway Scottsdale, Gateway North Fort Worth, The King’s University at Gateway, etc.), and you’ll be able to read more about them in this issue.

These initiatives are succeeding because of your generosity and faithfulness. By giving over and above your tithes, you are helping meet needs so we can reach more people together, and I, along with the Elders, want to say, “Thank you.”

At Gateway, we never want to arrive at a place where we stop thinking about reaching new people. When Jesus walked this earth, He always sought to reach more people with the

gospel. He never said, “That’s enough! That’s all I can take!” He was always seeking to build the kingdom. We want to follow His example by becoming kingdom-builders who carry out His work on this planet. To do that, we have to hear from God and trust He will enable us to do what He’s called us to do. Pastor Robert, the Elders and I have a responsibility to seek God for the direction of our church and then communicate that to you. We’ve learned time and time again that Gateway people are willing to trust God for anything, no matter the size. Because you are

Your sacrificial giving changes the eternal destinies of countless people. so generous and sacrificial, we know we can do anything He asks. We don’t fear the size of His vision because the Gateway family is so obedient to His voice!

We are incredibly humbled to serve such faithful people. Your sacrificial giving changes the eternal destinies of countless people. I want you to let that sink in. Your generosity saves people. That’s huge.

Enjoy these stories because they wouldn’t be possible without you.

David Smith Senior Pastoral Oversight for Gateway Life

Senior Pastoral Oversight David Smith // editor-in-chief Lawrence Swicegood // managing editor Stacy Burnett // senior editor Josh Coad Editors S.George Thomas, Joyce Freeman // creative director Shane Dennehey // art director, designer Jeremy Tyson project managers Sarah Wethington, Micah Joiner // contributing photographers Natasha Brown, Scott Cornelius, Louis DeLuca, Cory Hale, Brian Luenser, Colin McCall, Scott Pickering, Amy Pugh // gatewaylifemag.com

2 Gateway life November · December 12

“”

“I loved Pastor Robert’s article on spiritual warfare.

It was so good. I gave the issue to several people just so they could read that article! I also loved the article about Bless! It’s inspiring seeing how different people are serving.”

–Amy Ford (via Facebook)

“I liked the song story on ‘Forever Yours.’ It’s great hearing how songs originate. Would love to see something on all the amazing testimonies from the last Habitation!”

–Michelle Benami (via Facebook)

(We’ve got you covered! See page 18 for stories from last month’s Habitation service!)

“I would love more details on how our church is serving the world.

Perhaps more intimate accounts of said service?”

–Brittany Brelsford

(We hear you, Brittany! We’ve dedicated an entire section of this issue to our annual Bless! Home Makeover.

Check it out on page 6!)

“I’m thoroughly enjoying staying connected with what God is doing at Gateway while I’m on the go. Thanks for your hard work!”

Feedback

What do you have to say?

We love hearing from you as we continue to bring you the latest Gateway stories and news. We want to continue to include comments from you—Gateway Life readers.

As you read, don’t forget to tell us what you think. What’s your favorite part of Gateway Life? Is there a particular article you enjoyed? Did a specific picture stand out to you?

What would you like to see in future issues? Let us know by emailing life@gatewaypeople.com, or talk to us on our Facebook and Twitter (@GatewayPeople) pages. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts, opinions and insights!

Sincerely, The Gateway Life Team

–Kellen Eberling

Say What?!

1. GSA [jee es ey] is an acronym for: A. Godly Seamstresses of America B. Great Sandwiches Allowed C. Gateway Single Adults D. Glamorous Sassy Aardvarks

Defining Gateway Church Lingo

Carefully consider these Gateway names and choose the correct definition from the choices below!

2. Seven (sev-uhn) is: A. The number of days in a week B. Gateway's ministry for 18–29 year olds C. The sum of 3+4 D. All of the above

3. Unity (yoo-ni-tee) is: A. Gateway’s small groups ministry B. The name of the next Gateway Worship album C. Gateway’s marriage ministry D. Pastor Robert’s rapper name

4. Catch the Vision (kach thuh vizh-uhn) is Gateway’s class for: A. Beginning jugglers B. Aspiring baseball players C. New members D. People who need glasses

gatewaypeople.com 3

Answer Key 1:C 2:D 3:C 4:C

Laugh! - A Pink Night

Laugh! - A Pink Night

Habitation

Sukkot Celebration

Laugh! - A Pink Night

Habitation

Habitation

Churchwide Water Baptisms

Churchwide Water Baptisms

Churchwide Water Baptisms

Sukkot Celebration

Sukkot Celebration

Churchwide Water Baptisms

Churchwide Water Baptisms

Churchwide Water Baptisms

Tell Me Something Good “Two years ago, I started attending Gateway Church NRH after several months of looking for a home church.

I feel I am in the right place. It’s a great place to worship and grow in the Lord. My boyfriend and I are now going through pre-marriage classes and it has been a blessing.”

–Nydia Maldonado Vela

“Last year, at the end of The Blessed Life series, we felt the Lord asked us to give away one of our cars. We have five children and weren't sure how we could make it work, but we knew without a doubt the car was to be our first fruits offering. We gave it away and began rearranging schedules and our lives to make our family schedule work with one car.

This became increasingly difficult and we struggled with what to do, but we felt strongly that the Lord would not ask us to give away one car to go into debt to buy another one. Two weeks ago, as I was driving my husband to work, we were praying very specifically for a car.

Within five minutes of saying "Amen," my husband received a phone call from a good friend. He and his wife wanted to give us their Suburban.

My husband, in shocked disbelief,

said, "Yes!" Our God is so faithful!

It’s a wonderful car! Better than anything we could have imagined!”

–Daniel and Kim Baughman

“Michael Jr.’s message [on September 1-2] spoke to my dyslexic 9 yr. old daughter at a deep level and made her feel like she was not different.”

–@mattkinsely (via Twitter)

“Michael Jr. reached my teen boys in a way no one else could.

Last night they were hanging out with friends here at the house and all they could do was talk about the things Michael Jr. shared. Thank you for allowing the Spirit of God to work outside the box.”

–Lori Boyter

“My mom & I got saved tonight @GatewayPeople. God spared our lives last week & we gave ours back to him #Amen”

“I went to the 1st service at Gateway NFW at Fossil Ridge High School today. It was PACKED! Standing room only! The praise and worship exalted God to the rafters. The volunteers welcoming folks were so great. Whoever organized the children’s area did a fantastic job teaching the over 100 kids who showed up for each service. The Holy Spirit was there!

I don’t think anyone expected all those people.”

–Beverly Lebr Moody (via Facebook)

“In our Game Changers series we had 1,017 people accept Jesus as their Lord. Isn't that exciting? I'm so grateful for you. You brought your friends and your neighbors and they had the opportunity to hear the gospel. So thank you very, very much!”

–Pastor Debbie Morris (from her weekend message, Sept. 15–16)

–@lisapaigeNOW (via Twitter)

“Took my uncle to church tonight @GatewayPeople and he gave his heart to Jesus! So happy! I love my church! #TheGameChanger”

Want To Tell Us Something Good?

Send us your stories and testimonies by emailing life@gatewaypeople.com.

–@shelbylcook (via Twitter)

gatewaypeople.com 5

Outreach

Bless!

Home Makeover

This year, Gateway selected the Gomez family for the Bless! Home Makeover. Since Lucia Gomez tragically lost her husband Romeo in a car accident last year, she has struggled to provide for her three boys: Romeo (11), Ryan (6) and Ronnie (4).

24 Monday

Gateway volunteers kicked off the

week by cleaning up the lot, clearing debris, putting up trim and molding throughout the house and starting work on the backyard shed.

Early on, a problem surfaced. All the door thresholds needed finishing, a specialty job that no one present knew how to do. A new Gateway volunteer showed up to help in any way he could, and the team discovered he worked on door thresholds professionally. “He showed up right when we needed him,” Pastor Troy said.

The problem was immediately fixed!

26 Wednesday

Gateway volunteers fin-

ished building the shed. They also prepped and primed the interior for painting on Thursday and put tile down in the kitchen.

September 24–29 Gateway volunteers worked hard to bless the Gomez family with a greatly improved home. In the weeks leading up, specialists redid the plumbing and electric, converted the master bedroom to the kitchen, and added a pantry, cabinets, granite countertops and a new roof. The walls were completely torn down and replaced. “This house is basically brand new. The only original parts left are the outside walls,” said Pastor Troy Wierman.

The stage was set for the Gateway family to give the Gomez family the house of their dreams. Here’s what they accomplished:

25 Tuesday

Throughout the week, the team had become acquainted with the mailwoman who delivers the Gomez’s mail. After learning what the home makeover team was doing, she came to volunteer and serve.

Volunteers continued to clear the yard and put down

sod. They put in plumbing fixtures, primed all the woodwork, completed electric work and continued building the shed. Kurt Cameron, a Gateway member and professional homebuilder who oversees all Bless! Home Makeovers said, “I love the heart of the members and their generous spirit. They give so unselfishly.

They’re exceeding expectations and it’s going great.”

6 Gateway life November · December 12

29

27 Thursday

S at u r d ay

decorated the whole house! Outside, vol-

“We had an amazing team

unteers finished landscaping and painting

of people,” said Pastor Troy at the end of

and did mini-makeovers in homes around

the day. “We finished almost all the interior

the neighborhood.

painting. It was incredible.” Mulch was

Unfortunately, the limo service that

brought in for the backyard playground and

was scheduled to drive the Gomez family

a pen was set up for the Gomez family’s

to the house from Great Wolf Lodge had

two pet geese. Also, the art teacher from

to cancel. The local fire department came

the boys’ elementary school came to help

to the rescue and provided a fire truck to

paint and make a sign for Lucia’s in-home

drive the Gomez boys up to the house!

boutique shop.

When the family arrived, they were

Meanwhile, the Gomez family enjoyed

blown away by their new home! Lucia

the first of two days at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine!

The interior belonged to

the designers, who put in furniture and

particularly loved her closet, jumping up

28 Friday

and down when she saw it for the first time.

“My heart hurts because I don’t know how to say thank you to everyone who helped,” she said. “Everything is beautiful!”

Due to forecasted rain, volunteers worked ahead of schedule

to paint the exterior. Pastor Troy heard reports of downpours throughout the Metroplex and kept a close eye on the radar. Miraculously, the storm moved right around the area of the Gomez home!

In the backyard, volunteers built the playground, while indoors, the team put in carpet and appliances. After midnight, everyone pitched in to clean up the house so it would be ready for the designers on Saturday.

gatewaypeople.com 7

Walker Beach

A Performance

with a Purpose

by josh Coad

S e p t e m b e r 2 8 Upstairs in Classroom 2B at the Southlake Campus, the cast of this year’s Christmas production, It’s a Life ... and It’s Wonderful, gathers for their first read-through of the script. After talking and catching up for a few minutes (many have starred together in previous Gateway productions), everyone takes their seat at the table as co-creator and director Walker Beach addresses the room.

“I’m incredibly excited. I try not to get too excited about productions, but about people, and I’m excited about you!” He goes on to encourage them, explaining that the anointing of God rests upon them, and they will impact many lives through this production. It’s a great word of encouragement that’s hilariously interrupted when Walker catches cast-member Michele Cohen peeking ahead in her script. He jokingly calls her out on it and everyone laughs, providing Walker with a perfect segue: “This is a comedy.

You have to have fun!”

“[it‘s] a performance with a purpose. It will bring freedom to people.”

—David Schubert This brief moment of spiritual depth capped by humor is pretty indicative of the production itself. The premise is serious, the message is serious, but it’s told in the most entertaining way possible.

A Multi-Sensory Experience

A bit of a mash-up between the biblical story of Job and the classic movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, the musical centers on the character of Joe Jones, an incredibly successful man who has a great family, lots of money ... practically everything. After his life is devastated by tragedy and misfortune, Joe despairs while his three friends, Billie, Zoe and Eli, give competing perspectives on why Joe is in the situation he’s in and what he should do next.

It’s certainly a serious story (the book of Job isn’t exactly a knee-slapper), but in keeping with Gateway productions of the past, it’s chock-full of witty dialogue, over 30 minutes of original music (including a hip-hop number!) and ingenious stage design. Artistic Director David Schubert says, “It’s going to be multi-sensory. You won’t just hear words and see people deliver dialogue. You’ll feel like you’re in the experience, in the town where Joe lives. The set will literally surround you in the Auditorium.”

The Life-Changing Element

With an emphasis on excellence in music, acting and production, we clearly have an entertaining show to look forward to this Christmas. Still, the world is full of enjoyable shows, films and stories. What sets It’s a Life ... and It’s Wonderful apart? According to Walker Beach, it’s the life-changing element. “By examining how we respond when bad things happen,” Walker says, “the

Macayla Brown rehearsing lines

team behind the musical wants to change the lives of unbelievers and believers.”

Co-creator S. George Thomas notes the unique appeal of this year’s production. While past Gateway shows have been almost strictly evangelical, this one will also minister to believers. After all, bad things happen to the saved and unsaved alike. Everyone needs to turn to the Lord in hard times. George says, “It has evangelistic elements, but it will also challenge people who have been in church for ages.”

David Schubert views the show as “performance with a purpose. It will bring freedom to people.”

This important spiritual purpose is not lost on the cast. Tim Brawner, the actor who portrays Joe, says, “I’m excited to use my passion [acting] in a way that ministers to people. I think this musical will speak to people going through real situations. It’s going to speak directly to people and allow them to see the heart of God.” The fact that everyone gets to have fun in the process is just the icing on the cake. Because the show will be a comedy, Walker says, “It’s the greatest opportunity to invite people who don’t like church.” He does note, however, with a hint of nervousness, “It’s not a comedy unless people laugh.”

Back at the script read-through, the entire cast is laughing out loud less than two minutes into the first scene. Walker clearly has nothing to worry about. GL

Come see It’s a Life … And It’s Wonderful December 7–9.

gatewaypeople.com 9

by Josh Coad

L

ast February, Pastor Robert gave the congregation the opportunity to commit to giving to Gateway’s Heart for the Kingdom initiatives. Months later, these bold initiatives are reaching people all over the world. Some are brand new, while others already existed but are growing in exciting new ways. Regardless, God’s kingdom is expanding because of you. Read on for some brief updates on some of the most exciting Heart for the Kingdom initiatives.

10 Gateway life November · December 12

The King’s University

Another school year started last month and with it came the launch of The King’s University at Gateway. 133 excited students, who will forever hold the distinction of being a part of The King’s University at Gateway’s inaugural class, began school on August 17. According to Dr. John Spurling, these students will be “challenged to integrate biblical truth within the practical realities of a healthy church environment.” Josiah Funderburk said he’s looking forward to “being discipled by spiritually empowered mentors and leaders.”

It was a packed first week in the school’s temporary location in a former Carroll ISD intermediate school (the university will move into the renovated former Southlake Campus building on 2121 Southlake Boulevard in mid2013), filled with chapel services, classes taught by the 14 faculty members and a visit from Pastor Robert Morris, who outlined the purpose of the university: “We’re not going to study about something, but Someone."

The Gateway App

Since its release in February, the Gateway App has been downloaded to 49,896 mobile devices across 63 countries.

Through the app, users have submitted 1,458 prayer requests. These numbers are impressive, not because of their size, but because of the impacted lives they represent here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex and abroad. Kelly Renee, currently interning in Columbia, Missouri, uses the app to stay connected to Gateway, her home church. “I’m blessed to have a church that’s technologically up to date,” she says. Hannah Lovelin, who lives in India, downloaded the app and sent her feedback in via Twitter: “Totally in love with the @GatewayApp! Makes me feel connected to @GatewayPeople though I’m a million miles apart.” Thanks to the Gateway App, the Gateway family is more global than ever!

The Blessed Life TV

If you’ve ever attended Gateway on a weekend, you’ve definitely seen cameras filming the service. Pastor Robert has a different name for these cameras: he calls them missionaries. Through The Blessed Life television program, Gateway services now air in all major continents and in 200 countries around the world. In 2012 alone, The

Blessed Life expanded to the Golden Eagle Broadcasting satellite service and added additional airing times on Daystar (Sunday morning) and TBN (Sunday nights).

Testimonies regularly pour in from around the world, like this one from Linda in Honolulu, Hawaii: “I watched the sermon series, The God I Never Knew, on TBN. I had been seeking God about certain things and knew He wanted me to watch this. Through the series, the Holy Spirit cleared up so much confusion about speaking in tongues, the gifts of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit.”

The North Fort Worth Campus

Last spring, when the Elders prayed about whether to launch the NFW Campus in the temporary space of Fossil Ridge High School or wait until the permanent building’s completion, they had to answer one important question.

Pastor David Smith says, “We asked ourselves, ‘Are we willing to not reach anyone in that area for another year?’

Of course not! We felt a mandate from God to start early because people need Jesus today.”

Obeying that mandate is currently paying off. Gateway NFW launched on Sunday, August 19 with 1,700 in attendance. Response has been so overwhelming that a third service (Sunday mornings at 9:00 am) was added on October 7. “The presence of God is there,” says Campus Pastor Marcus Brecheen. “There’s a real sweet spirit. The volunteers are very generous, and it feels like a family.”

Gateway Church, Scottsdale

Gateway Scottsdale launched successfully on Sunday morning, September 9, in the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts with 150 in attendance. Following the service, Pastor Preston Morrison thanked the parent church in Southlake: “Dear Gateway: Because of your prayers and many sacrifices, WE planted our first church today in Scottsdale. Thank you! We love you!”

Now that the church has been meeting for over a month, Worship Pastor Cody Carnes says, “God has used this church plant to show me He’s really pursuing every person.

Each person coming to the church has a story about how God pursued them and eventually led them here. Gateway Scottsdale is successful because God is using Gateway Church in a new city as an instrument to connect with people.” GL

gatewaypeople.com 11

The

Hidden

Mission Field

12 Gateway life November · December 12

by josh coad

95%

of single parents don’t attend church.

P

amela Hedrick set foot in Gateway Church for the first time in July of 2008. For her, that was a big deal. A single mom of two, Pam had little love for church. Having suffered spiritual abuse in the past, she turned to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity and, from the ages of 19–25, she actively participated in a cult. Having been told by a church she was cursed by God and an embarrassment to His kingdom, she says she “believed that lie for 12 years and lived my life accordingly ... like I was a waste of space on this earth.”

Shortly after a near-death drug overdose, Pam sat down in her living room in the middle of the night and told God, “I’m tired of living. I’m ready to die so that my kids can have a better life. If those people at that church were correct and You are ashamed of me, I’m going to hell, so let me go now. But, if they were wrong and if there is hope for me, then I will change everything and serve You.” She asked God for His forgiveness and asked Him to show her a safe church.

Two weeks later, a complete stranger invited her to Gateway. “The first time I went, I knew I was home,” she says. One by one, every part of her life changed. “I came out of the world. I stopped it all because I realized that, just maybe, God was going to take me back.” She took Catch the Vision that August and was baptized in October. She also plugged in to RE (which stands for “re-imagine, re-build, re-live”), Gateway’s ministry for single parent families.

A unique and extremely important Gateway ministry, RE exists to empower and equip single parents and their children. Based on a strong belief that one parent plus God is sufficient, RE helps single parent families find their wholeness in Christ. Pastor Samantha Golden says her favorite part of this ministry is “seeing single parents

who've had the breath knocked out of them realize God is for them and seeing hope restored in their children.”

Single parent families are unfortunately often overlooked, but with the staggering number of broken families in America today, they're practically a hidden mission field right here in our own country. According to Theresa McKenna in the book The Hidden Mission Field, ninety-five percent of single parents don’t attend church.

Through various events and programs, RE is making a difference in this mission field right here in the Metroplex. RE provides weekly meetings on Monday nights complete with free meals and children’s ministry, which even incorporates freedom ministry for the kids.

RE also runs a grant program (they are currently helping eight single moms through college), a ministry for young single moms in their teens and twenties (called Embrace Grace), tutoring for single parent family children and a gift card initiative.

Particularly relevant during this season, the gift card program provides single parents with gift cards so they can buy their children Christmas presents. It’s funded entirely by donations from Gateway members.

According to Pam, “it is the sole reason my children [Ben (8) and Emma (9)] have had a Christmas for the past several years.”

Pam’s family has also been blessed by RE in other ways. She’s grateful to be a member of the grant program (she’s working on her nursing degree) and grateful for church members who have helped her afford her car and house. Her family is now on firm footing and sustainably growing, not just financially, but spiritually. “I know that God is not ashamed or embarrassed by me,” she says.

“I am a healed person. My kids and I will never be the same thanks to Gateway and the faithfulness and love of God. I am a life saved and a life changed forever!” GL

Here’s how you can donate to RE this Christmas: 1. Give an offering designated to RE or donate gift cards to Walmart, Target or any other major retail stores (gift cards can be placed in a clearly marked envelope). For checks, write “Single Parents – Christmas 2012” in the memo line. Place your gift in one of the offering containers located in the back of the Auditorium.

2. Through the Gateway Church eGiving page, select “Fund – Other” and then “Sub Fund – Single Parents – Christmas 2012.”

For more information on how you can be involved with RE, contact Makenzie Beaver at 817.552.3752 or email re@gatewaypeople.com.

gatewaypeople.com 13

Songs of Identity by josh coad

14 Gateway life November · December 12

ON

friday night may 4, an energetic crowd filled the Southlake Campus Auditorium, excited to be a part of Gateway Worship’s fifth live recording, Forever Yours. In an interview backstage, Pastor Cody Carnes made a bold prediction, “This is going to be the best Gateway Worship recording.” He was right.

The night itself was filled with declarations of praise and moments of intimacy with the Lord. Pastor Tom Lane opened the night echoing Pastor Robert’s definition of worship: “Worship is love expressed, so join in and express your love to God.” The congregation took those words to heart and didn’t hold back, loudly singing along with familiar favorites like “All He Says I Am,” and enthusiastically joining in on new songs like “The Whole Earth.”

Now available worldwide, the songs on Forever Yours will go beyond Gateway Church to minister to churches and people everywhere. Pastor Thomas Miller defines the album’s purpose: “Our prayer is that when people

Pastor Cody, that new place is a place of discovered and recovered identity. “This project declares who we are and who God is. We’re His children and His people.”

Indeed, many songs on the album fall into one of two categories: songs about God’s identity, and songs about our identity in Him. We cannot discover who we are before we discover who He is, and songs like “The Whole Earth” and “Worship the Great I Am” exemplify the glory, power and holiness of God. Pastor Zach Neese, author of “God & King,” says the song is about “the Lordship, the majesty and the awe of the supernatural God.” In the light of His Lordship, His love for us is truly astounding. Referring to “Mystery,” Pastor Kari says, “It’s such a mystery that God pursues us. Even when we sin, He’s so gracious.”

Receiving that grace leads to a recovery of our God-given identity, a revelation evident in numerous songs on the album, including “All He Says I Am,” the title track and “Love Has Done It.” “When the deep, rolling weight of the covering love of God falls on a

“We can fulfill our purpose,

to be His forever.

We were created for more.

We were created for Him.”

listen to or watch this recording, wherever they are, God will enter the room.” Pastor Sion Alford agrees.

“Hopefully we’re able to take the hands of the bride, the body of Christ, and connect them to the hand of God so they can experience Him for who He really is.”

More than ever before, these songs share a unified revelation. “You can feel they’ve been birthed out of a new place,” Pastor Kari Jobe says. According to

person's life, their whole being comes into peace and rest,” says Pastor Zach. (For a deeper look at “Love Has Done It,” read Pastor Zach’s song story on page 19.) Pastor David Moore points to Romans 8:31–39 as the scriptural basis for this message. “Nothing can separate us from His love. It’s evident in these songs.

We belong to Him.” continued on page 19

gatewaypeople.com 15

Calendar

November

December

Sun

Mon

Tues

wed

thurs

fri

sat

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Sun

Mon

Tues

wed

thurs

fri

sat

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

1

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

9

10

11

12

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15

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19

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19

20

21

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25

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29

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*No events are scheduled for Thanksgiving, November 22, or Christmas, December 24–25, including recurring monthly events. nov

2–4

nov

9

PrimeTime (60+) Granbury Getaway

Pretty in Pink NOW (Night of Worship)

Hilton Garden Inn & Granbury Convention Center

7:00–9:00 pm Southlake Campus A special night of powerful worship and unique teaching for 7th–12th grade girls.

nov

3

REACH: An Inner-City Ministry 8:00 am–4:00 pm City Church International in Dallas nov

6

Election Day nov

8–9

Kairos 9:00 am–5:00 pm Southlake Campus nov

9–11

Vision Retreat Hilton Bella Harbor in Rockwall, TX

nov

7–9

It’s A Life … And It’s Wonderful Invite your friends and family for Gateway’s all-new, original Christmas musical!

Southlake Campus • Friday // 5:45 pm & 7:30 pm • Saturday // 4:00 pm, 5:45 pm & 7:30 pm • Sunday // 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm NRH Campus • Saturday // 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm • Sunday // 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm Frisco Campus • Saturday // 5:45 pm • Sunday // 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

12–14

The Blessed Church Class with Pastor Robert 9:00 am–5:30 pm A special three-day The King’s University at Gateway module taught by Pastor Robert. nov

dec

15

Gateway Men Gearing Up 7:00 pm Southlake Campus Grab your friends and come out to hang out with other guys and enjoy a great time of worship and teaching!

16 Gateway life November · December 12

dec

14

Hanukkah Celebration Service NRH Campus Join Gateway Jewish Ministries for our annual celebration of this beloved holiday. dec

31

New Year’s Eve Prayer Gathering 6:00 pm // Southlake Campus Start the new year off right by engaging with us in prayer and worship!

Recurring Events

Weekend Services

Kids/Students

Unity (Marriage)

AMPED (Jr. High, 7th–8th Grade)

• Marriage Challenge

Sundays // 5:30 pm

Sundays // 9:30 am

SLK NRH

Wednesdays // 6:30 pm

SLK

InfinitiYouth (7th–12th Grade, Kids of Single Parents) Mondays // 6:00 pm

SLK

MOR (Sr. High, 9th–12th Grade) Wednesdays // 6:00 pm

SLK NRH

Wednesdays // 7:30 pm

FRS

Gateway Equip Mondays // 7:00 pm

Saturdays 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm

FRS

Wednesdays // 7:00 pm

SLK

Sundays 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

Habitation Sunday, Nov 18 // 6:00 pm

SLK

NRH Campus 7501 Davis Blvd North Richland Hills, TX 76182

Jewish Messianic Service Fri, Nov 2 & Dec 14 // 7:30 pm

NRH

Catch the Vision (Membership Class)

Adults GSA (Singles)

700 Blessed Way Southlake, TX 76092

FRS

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

Southlake Campus

MIN

SLK

• Worship Service

Saturday, Nov 3

SLK

Saturday, Dec 1

SLK

FRS

NFW Campus

• Divorce Care

Spiritual Growth

Mondays // 7:00 pm • Breakout Classes

Foundations of Freedom Classes

Mondays // 7:40 pm

Sundays // 10:45 am

RE (Single Parent Families) • Meal

SLK

• Worship Service Mondays // 7:00 pm • Breakout Classes Mondays // 7:40 pm

Healing Ministry NRH

Prayer

Frisco Campus

• Pray First

7125 Legacy Drive Frisco, TX 75034

Saturdays // 4:00 pm

SLK NRH

Saturdays // 5:15 pm

FRS

Saturdays 5:45 pm

• ReNew (Single Moms)

Sundays // 8:30 am

FRS

Mondays // 7:00 pm

Sundays // 9:00 am

SLK NRH

• Corporate Prayer for our Nation

• Legacy (Single Dads) Mondays // 7:00 pm PrimeTime (50+)

Saturdays // 4:15 pm

SLK

Sundays // 10:40 am

SLK

SLK

Wednesdays // 12:00 pm • Men’s Prayer Meetings Thursdays // 5:30 am

SLK

Sundays 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

• High Noon Prayer

• DayTime Bible Study

Tuesdays // 7:00 pm

Fossil Ridge High School 4101 Thompson Rd Fort Worth, TX 76244 Sundays 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

FRS

Mondays // 7:00–9:00 pm

Mondays // 6:00 pm

Seven (18–29)

Sundays 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm

9:00–11:30 am

Mondays // 7:00 pm

Tuesdays // 10:00 am

Saturdays 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm

Fridays // 6:00 am

FRS

SLK

SLK

Key MIN Ministry Center FRS Frisco Campus

NRH NRH Campus SLK Southlake Campus

gatewaypeople.com 17

Cole Novak

God’s Surprise Party Josh Coad f you walked into guest central during September’s

Habitation service, you saw a first for Gateway Church: ATMs. Not only that, but you probably maneuvered through crowded lines of people stretching from said ATMs all the way to the café.

This was not a normal service, to say the least. So why did Guest Central look more like a bank on a busy day than a church lobby? According to Elder Steve Dulin, God was “throwing a surprise party,” and as we all know, some of the best parties require a lot of money.

Earlier that night, in a message titled “Love Indeed,” Steve laid a solid biblical foundation for the party to come.

“God is love and love gives. He gave us Jesus,” Steve said.

“God wants to express Himself through us ... one of the expressions of love is giving to others.” Reading from Matthew 25:37–40, he explained that when we give to others, we give to God. Steve then encouraged the congregation to walk out 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” “We need people who have the world’s goods to give. We need those who have a need to receive,” he said.

Finally, he reminded everyone, “The goal is not to trust money. The goal is to trust God.” Pastors and Elders then set up stations in front of the stage and in the balcony, where those in need could come share their needs. These church leaders had two baskets: an empty one at their feet and one behind them, filled with cash. Pastors and Elders prayed with each person, then gave them money as directed by the Holy Spirit. Those without pressing needs were invited to give, either directly to those standing in lines or to Gateway’s benevolence ministry by placing money in the empty baskets. Many givers didn’t have cash on them, hence

the ATMs. All over the Auditorium, givers expressed the love of God and receivers experienced the provision of their heavenly Father.

Sarah, a single mom, said, “I was at the back of the line.

I hardly moved and someone met my need.” Raymi Moore had a similar experience. “Before I could even leave my seat, the person in front of me gave me double what I needed.”

Legal expenses were taken care of, medical bills were paid and even cars were given away. Gabriel Baughman, a recent high school graduate, knew the Lord was calling him to ministry school, but couldn’t afford it. Towards the end of the night, he gave his testimony from the stage: “The tuition was out of reach, but with what God provided tonight, I’ll be able to start next year.”

The Lord also used the church’s generosity to bring emotional and spiritual healing. “The Enemy was very hard on me, telling me that my need was so insignificant compared to others,” said Jeanette Martin. But she took a step of faith, walked forward, and found the Lord and her Gateway brothers and sisters more than willing to bless her.

“I’m so grateful for the Lord and for everyone’s obedience.”

For Bobby and Jennifer David, the night was a culmination of two months of intense prayer. According to Jennifer, “We needed money for food, bills and rent so we could stay in our house.”

That previous Thursday, Jennifer received a prophetic word that the Lord would meet their need. When the next paycheck arrived, it still wasn’t enough, but the Davids stood on that word. “I just kept thinking, ‘He’s never late.’ We’re now able to pay our bills.”

Jennifer said, before summing up the feelings of so many in attendance: “I thank all the people who listened to God’s calling and for the blessing we’ve received because of it.” God certainly throws the best parties! GL

“God is love and love gives … [He] wants to express Himself through us ... one of the expressions of love is giving to others.”

18 Gateway life November · December 12

Song Story

SONGS OF IDENTITY by josh coad

ON

friday Night may 4, an energetic crowd filled the Southlake Campus Auditorium, excited to be a part of Gateway Worship’s fifth live recording, Forever Yours. In an interview backstage, Pastor Cody Carnes made a bold prediction, “This is going to be the best Gateway Worship recording.” He was right.

The night itself was filled with declarations of praise and moments of intimacy with the Lord. Pastor Tom Lane opened the night echoing Pastor Robert’s definition of worship: “Worship is love expressed, so join in and express your love to God.” The congregation took those words to heart and didn’t hold back, loudly singing along with familiar favorites like “All He Says I Am,” and enthusiastically joining in on new songs like “The Whole Earth.”

Now available worldwide, the songs on Forever Yours will go beyond Gateway Church to minister to churches and people everywhere. Pastor Thomas Miller defines the album’s purpose: “Our prayer is that when people

Pastor Cody, that new place is a place of discovered and recovered identity. “This project declares who we are and who God is. We’re His children and His people.”

Indeed, many songs on the album fall into one of two categories: songs about God’s identity, and songs about our identity in Him. We cannot discover who we are before we discover who He is, and songs like “The Whole Earth” and “Worship the Great I Am” exemplify the glory, power and holiness of God. Pastor Zach Neese, author of “God & King,” says the song is about “the Lordship, the majesty and the awe of the supernatural God.” In the light of His Lordship, His love for us is truly astounding. Referring to “Mystery,” Pastor Kari says, “It’s such a mystery that God pursues us. Even when we sin, He’s so gracious.”

Receiving that grace leads to a recovery of our God-given identity, a revelation evident in numerous songs on the album, including “All He Says I Am,” the title track and “Love Has Done It.” “When the deep,

“WE CAN FULFILL OUR PURPOSE,

TO BE HIS FOREVER. WE WERE CREATED FOR MORE. WE WERE CREATED FOR HIM.”

listen to or watch this recording, wherever they are, God will enter the room.” Pastor Sion Alford agrees.

“Hopefully we’re able to take the hands of the bride, the body of Christ, and connect them to the hand of God so they can experience Him for who He really is.”

More than ever before, these songs share a unified revelation. “You can feel they’ve been birthed out of a new place,” Pastor Kari Jobe says. According to

14 GATEWAY LIFE NOVEMBER · DECEMBER 12

rolling weight of the covering love of God falls on a person's life, their whole being comes into peace and rest,” says Pastor Zach. (For a deeper look at “Love Has Done It,” read Pastor Zach’s song story on page 19.) Pastor David Moore points to Romans 8:31–39 as the scriptural basis for this message. “Nothing can separate us from His love. It’s evident in these songs.

We belong to Him.”

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM

15

Songs of Identity continued from page 15 That simple truth is already changing lives as people listen to Forever Yours. Even before the recording was released, Alena Moore, songleader on “139”, received numerous testimonies. “Women have told me that the Lord’s used the lyric, ‘I will praise you for the way I’m made,’ to speak to them about their body image.

Through the song, God speaks to them about how they look. It moves people to know what the Lord thinks about them.”

Experiences like these allow believers to walk in their purpose and truly worship Him. Forever Yours is designed to facilitate those moments by reflecting God’s heart for us. “At the cross, Jesus not only covered our sins, He washed them away,” Pastor Thomas says.

“We have nothing to hide. When God sees us He sees the perfection of Christ. We can fulfill our purpose to be His forever. We were created for more. We were created for Him.” GL

Forever Yours is Now Available

S

“Love Has Done It”

By Zach Neese

Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we lose the element of humanity in our worship songs. In a lot of church culture, we’ve ignored tough questions and told people, “You can’t really express those things to the Lord.” It makes God seem like He has narrow shoulders and can’t handle our issues. In a lot of my songs, I deal with tough questions. I want to treat God like He has broad shoulders. He can handle my troubles so that, even if I don’t have full understanding, I can praise knowing I have a trustworthy, living God. When I wrote “Love Has Done It,” tough theological issues about the cross were stirring in my heart. I wanted an answer for an age-old tough question: Who really crucified Jesus? Some say the cross was initiated by the brutality of all humanity. Others blame the Jews, the Romans or Satan. None of those answers work though, because if humanity or Satan was responsible, then someone managed to pull one over on the most high, sovereign, all-knowing God. It means His will was overpowered by someone else’s will, but that’s not what the Bible teaches.

So the song starts with a question: Who could crucify a King? Some people don’t like this song because the answer is uncomfortable. Love crucified Him. It wasn’t our hatred or vengeance. It was the love of God. The Bible teaches that He demonstrated His love for us in that while we were still sinners, He sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). The sin of humanity was a reason for it, but ultimately, He sacrificed Himself. It wasn’t you, me, the Jews, the Romans or Satan. Love crucified Jesus.

Now, I’m a firm believer in linear songwriting. If I set up a cause, I need to follow it through to the effect.

In this song, the verses are the cause and the chorus is the effect. The verses reveal the depths of His love.

He brought us mercy; He covered us with His blood.

He ransacked hell. We can have relationship with God because of His love. When you realize in the verses what He accomplished for you through love, how do you relate to and respond to that in the chorus? You give Him your love and lift Him high.

You can hear “Love Has Done It” on the new Gateway Worship album, Forever Yours and on Zach’s album, God & King.

Pastor Zach Neese is the Worship Pastor at the Gateway North Fort Worth campus. He released his solo album, God & King, in 2011 and his book, How to Worship a King, in 2012.

gatewaypeople.com 19

Profile

QA Pastor

Nancy Houston

Nancy Houston is an Associate Pastor of Unity (Gateway Married Life). She’s been married to her high school sweetheart, Ron, for 38 years, and they have four married sons and three precious grandchildren. Beau, her golden retriever, is the only one who hasn’t left the nest.

How did you raise four boys and stay so girly?

I love being a girl, but I love sports. I love to golf, swim, ski and play tennis.

I’ll pretty much play anything as long as it’s not too rough. We had a lot of fun raising four boys, but once in a while I’d say, “Okay, I just have to go to the mall. I have to get girl time.”

Tell us about your salvation experience.

I received Christ in 1970. My sister visited a Baptist church with our neighbors and came home and told me about Jesus.

I had been praying to know Him, I just didn’t know how until she led me to Christ.

How did you decide to become a Christian sex therapist?

God started filling my office with hurting

Where is your favorite place to go on a date with your husband?

For me, a fun date is about connecting.

It’s about enjoying each other. It’s about being together. That’s fun. It’s not really so much a place for me. It’s more about what we are creating together.

What’s your favorite book of the Bible?

I love Proverbs because it tells you how to do relationships. I love Psalms because it teaches you about God. I love the Song of Solomon because it teaches you how to be husband and wife. I love Genesis because it’s the beginning of a new life. I just love the Word of God. Which three people would you like to meet?

Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Florence Nightingale.

right coaching, information and training, I can do anything!

What’s your favorite movie?

The Family Stone, because of the complex, family dynamics. I just dig that kind of thing. And the cast is great!

What's your favorite book?

Becoming The Person You Want to Be by Jim Richards.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect day is when I get up, get something to eat (I’m always hungry when I wake up!), make a cup of tea and have limitless time to spend with the Lord. A day where time doesn't matter and I’m not rushed. I can just hang out with the Lord for most of the day and then spend time with my family.

What is the best piece of advice you give married couples?

Marriage is about healthy self-differentiated unity. It’s about me becoming the healthiest me, because I bring that me into my marriage. I have to be a healthy me. Most of us don’t get married as healthy “mes,” but it’s certainly something we can always be working on in our own personal growth.

couples for whom sex was a difficult part of their marriage, instead of a sweet part of their marriage. I really believe God wants it to be a sweet part, because that’s His heart for it.

20 Gateway life November · December 12

If you could be on any television show, what would it be?

I so want to be on Dancing with the Stars! Certainly, I would wear more clothing than most. I believe with the

For more about Nancy or any of our Gateway pastors, visit bios.gatewaypeople.com.

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