Gateway Life | September/October 2013

Sep | Oct 2013

Hear.

Believe.

Obey. Incredible

things are happening every month at Habitation. Learn about the story and heart behind this special service. Pg. 8

Stepping Out In Faith Pastor

Todd Bolt shares his own personal story of trusting the Lord in the midst of uncertainty. Pg. 12

Come Make Yourself at Home! At the nrh

Campus, people from all walks of life are joining the Gateway family. Pg. 14

Embrace Grace Gateway

member and Embrace Grace co-founder Amy Ford reveals the motivation behind this extraordinary ministry that empowers churches to reach out to young pregnant girls. Pg. 10

Contents Sept | Oct 2013

comments

2 Welcome

3 Feedback

4

Gateway People

5 Tell Me Something Good Outreach

6

How Far We Reach

Gateway is partnering with churches to help reach people across the globe.

F e at u r e s

8

Hear. Believe. Obey.

Incredible things are happening every month at Habitation.

Learn about the story and heart behind this special service.

10

Embrace Grace

12

Stepping Out in Faith

Gateway member and Embrace Grace co-founder Amy Ford reveals the motivation behind this extraordinary ministry that empowers churches to reach out to young pregnant girls.

Pastor Todd Bolt shares his own personal story of trusting the Lord in the midst of uncertainty.

1 Yourself 4 Come Makeat Home

At the nrh Campus, people from all walks of life are joining the Gateway family.

16 Calendar 19

Song Story

20 profile

Fu n ies t Ac i v it This Iss

ue Only

Pg. 18

↑ Pastor Tim Sheppard—Habitation

!

Comments

Welcome to Gateway Life

I remember when my wife, Mary Beth, and I dropped off our son, Harrison, for his first day of school. We left crying!

Our boy was growing up! We knew this was an important next step for him and us, but that didn’t make it easier.

When God brings change, it’s important for us to trust Him. Instead, regret and uncertainty often cause us to panic.

Out of fear, we try to make it on our own strength. However, when we embrace what He is doing in our present, it leads to incredible new beginnings.

This issue of Gateway Life is filled with stories of new beginnings. Right now, the nrh Campus is in the middle of a fresh season (p. 14). At our monthly Habitation service, God is moving and powerfully changing lives (p. 8). On page 12, you’ll find Pastor Todd Bolt’s very personal story of how the Lord, through faith and obedience, brought him to Gateway. Finally, you’ll hear from Amy Ford, a Gateway member who co-founded Embrace Grace (p. 10). This

2 Sept | Oct 2013

extraordinary ministry helps churches reach out to young pregnant girls, helping them to protect and preserve the beginning of life itself.

This focus on beginnings is especially appropriate this month as we start another school year. Even though it’s not a new calendar year, at times it feels like it’s January 1. As we’re confronted with change, some of us regret mistakes and lost moments from the past eight months.

We reevaluate where we are and try to implement a little bit of course-correction.

Whenever we make these promises to ourselves, there’s a temptation to make it all about what we can do to improve ourselves. It’s easy to lose track and focus on what we can do as opposed to what God can do through us. No matter the time of year, when we encounter a new season of focus, we should ask, “God, what can you do through me? What new thing do you want to do in me? How are you making me more like Jesus?”

It’s through Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), that God completes His work in our lives. God is breathing His life through us, right here and now. Don’t be afraid. Don’t regret or second-guess. Embrace what God’s doing today.

Thomas Miller, Associate Senior Pastor

Gateway life gatewaylifemag.com David Smith, Senior Pastoral Oversight Jennifer Norris, project manager Editorial Lawrence Swicegood, Editor-in-Chief Stacy Burnett, managing editor Josh Coad, senior editor Zachary Richmond, Associate Editor Art Shane Dennehey, creative director Jeremy Tyson, art director, designer Justin Miller, Contributing Illustrator (Inside-Front Cover, Activity Page) Pho t og r a p h y Cory Hale, photographer

“I like the mobile edition of Gateway Life. Very innovative.”

F eed b a c k

>> Carmen Elmendorf

“Totally love this article! [“An Amazing Adventure with an Amazing God” July | Aug 2013]” >> Jerry Frost

“Yes He does! Amen!” >> Rachel Dailey McNamee

“I love this!” >> Rachel Thomson

“I needed this today.

Thanks.” >> Matt McBride

“I loved reading the article about Amazing Kids. Even though my husband and I have been a part of Gateway for about 10 years, the children's ministry was a land far away. But the first time we brought our daughter to the nursery, I was blown away. The amount of care and dedication the workers have for my daughter far surpasses any ‘childcare’ program. My thanks and gratitude go towards Ps. Ken and Ps. Mary for all they do for our children. Gateway really does have the best kids church in the world. [“An Amazing Adventure with an Amazing God” July | Aug 2013]” >> Natasha Brown

“Go, girl! For those of us who are 35 and still single, you are an inspiration. It’s cool to allow God to break in and continue to change one’s ideas about what “normal” is. Let’s do what God’s asked us with all our hearts. Bless you. Thanks for sharing! [“Saying Yes to Adoption” July | Aug 2013]” >> Miriam Rose

>> Bless! [bles]: Gateway’s

S ay Wh at ? !

Defining Gateway Church Lingo

Global Ministries, including Jewish ministry as well as local and international outreach.

>> Pray First [prey furst]: a

special prayer service that kicks off every week. Join us every Monday morning from 6:30–7:30 am at all of our campuses, or watch online.

>> Studio G [stoo-dee-oh jee]: a biannual magazine

published by Pink (Gateway Women). Studio G exists to help women discover who they were created to be and to help them realize their true worth.

>> Fall Festival [fawl fes-tuhvuhl]: held at the end of October, this family-friendly party fills the church parking lot with candy, games, inflatables and volunteers in wacky costumes!

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

Pa s t o r ’ s P i c k s

>> Allan Kelsey, Associate Senior Pastor

In this all-new section, we’re asking Gateway pastors to tell us what inspirational things they’re listening to, watching and reading.

What are you reading?

Wired for Success, Programmed for Failure by Dr. James Richards.

Intuitively, I feel I’m capable of more. However, I’ve noticed I tend to sabotage myself. This book explains why and how to change.

Plus, the fact that Dr. Richards has three—count them!—three Ph.D.s gives me confidence he knows what he’s talking about.

What’s on your iPod? The Cathedrals (old a cappella men’s gospel), Morris Chapman & the Maranatha Singers, Hillsong, Lakewood Worship, Gateway Worship, a bunch of euro 80s music, but mostly jazz and blues (like Gerald Albright, Jimmy Smith, Euge Groove & the Yellowjackets).

What’s your favorite movie you’ve seen this summer?

Now You See Me, because of the plot twists; however, I loved Despicable Me 2! GL

gatewaypeople.com 3

CAMPED (Jr. High)

CAMPED (Jr. High)

GSA/Single Parent Families Party

CAMPED (Jr. High)

PrimeTime Summer Social

GSA/Single Parent Families Party

GSA/Single Parent Families Party

Wacky Week

Metamorphosis (Sr. High)

PrimeTime Summer Social

PrimeTime Summer Social

Metamorphosis (Sr. High)

Wacky Week

Metamorphosis (Sr. High)

Tell Me Something Good “In July, we took more than 650 high school students to camp for five days in Glen Rose, Texas.

It was an unbelievable experience for youth, staff and leaders alike. Over a dozen students accepted the Lord for the first time, 90 recommitted their lives to Christ, and 57 accepted a call to ministry. We are in constant awe of the powerful way God moved so intricately in the hearts of so many people at the same time. We can't wait to see the ways the fruit of His faithfulness manifests itself throughout the rest of the year.” >> Saphrin Pediford, Administrative Assistant, Gateway Senior High Ministry

“I am from Family Church Bryant in Arkansas. I am the executive assistant for the church, and I also help lead praise and worship. Last October, our worship team attended Gateway Conference. We attended the Sunday evening Habitation service before the conference. It was

the most anointed, yet “in order” service I’ve ever been a part of. The Holy Spirit moved and the congregation was so respectful and mature.

At the conference itself, we were inspired and encouraged beyond words.

We were amazed by how friendly and well-trained everyone was, from the door greeters to the people handing out snacks and drinks after sessions.

We wanted to attend again this year but didn’t know if we could handle the financial burden. We hosted a garage sale with the hopes of covering gasoline costs. We raised enough to cover gasoline, conference registration and hotel costs!

God is good and made a way. We are so looking forward to this year’s Gateway Conference and all God has in store!” >> Cindy Osborn

“I have been clean, sober and free from the enslavement of drug and alcohol addiction for one year! God has worked a miracle in my life, and I

am so blessed to have a merciful and loving Savior. He has done so many things for me this past year that I could have never done for myself. I am so grateful for the amazing journey I am on with God, and I am truly grateful for this church.” >> Robin Redmon

“… God moved so intricately in the hearts of so many people at the same time.”

“I recently had a mammogram. Afterwards, I received a call from the hospital that something looked suspicious and I needed to come in for a diagnostic mammogram.

I was very upset and concerned. Still, I felt a strong impression from the Lord. He kept telling me I didn’t have cancer, that He has good plans for me and that I shouldn’t worry. I’ve never experienced God’s presence quite like that! I had to wait almost two weeks

W a n t t o Te l l Us S o m e t h i n g G ood ?

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

for my next appointment.

When I finally had the diagnostic mammogram, everything came back normal and I was sent home! This was not only an answer to prayer, but a life-changing moment.

The Lord spoke so many things through this experience about giving Him control and resting in Him no matter what.” >> Andrea Reed

“Wacky Week was absolutely incredible.

After all the work our team and volunteers put in, it was a joy to see it all come together. We had around 1,600 in attendance at Southlake and 400 at Frisco for three days of fun, games and spiritual formation.

Between the two campuses, over 120 children received Christ. We also had fun with over 1,000 balloons, 1,000 rolls of toilet paper and 1,000 cans of silly string! It was exciting to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they went home each day!” >> Ken Jackson, Executive Pastor, Amazing Kids

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Outreach

How Far We Reach Gateway has partnered with more than 150 churches, serving as a mentor in building strong, effective ministries. By inspiring other pastors to lead their churches with a creative and passionate edge, we believe we can help reach people across the globe for Christ.

USA Al abama Bay Community Church of the Highlands Daystar Church Fresh Annointing House of Worship ›› Harvest Church ›› South Coast Church ›› The Rock Family Worship Center ›› ›› ›› ››

›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Ark ansas Cross Church Keypoint Church Lifepoint Church New Life NorthGate Church

Arizona ›› Bethel Chandler ›› Christ Life Church ›› Living Streams California ›› Bayside Church ›› Crossroads Church ›› Remedy Life Church

6 Sept | Oct 2013

Colorado ›› Fellowship of the Rockies ›› Life Church ›› Morgan Ministries ›› New Life ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Florida Bayside Community Celebrate Church Celebration Church Coastal Community Church Countryside Community Church East Coast Belivers Church Grace Family Meadowbrook Church The Life Church

Georgia ›› Cornerstone Church ›› New Life ›› North Point Community Church

Idaho ›› Life Church Illinois ›› Eastview Christian Church ›› Northwoods Community Church ›› The Stone Church Indiana ›› Church for the Nations ›› Victory Christian Center ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

K ansas Brookhaven Baptist Cornerstone Church Cross Points Church Family Church Life Church Mustard Seed Church

›› ›› ›› ››

Louisiana Celebration Church Central Baptist Church Freedom Life Chuch Journey Church

›› North Point Community Church ›› River Outreach Center ›› Shreveport Community Church ›› Summer Grove Baptist Maryl and ›› i5 Church Michigan ›› Brighton Christian Church ›› First Assembly ›› Radiant Church Minnesota ›› Substance Church

North Carolina ›› C3 Church ›› The Refuge Church ›› Word of Life Family Church Nebraska ›› Lifegate Church New Jersey ›› Fusion Church New York ›› Connect Church ›› First Assembly ›› Love Joy Gospel Church

Missouri ›› Destiny Church ›› Life Fellowship ›› The Spirit Church

Ohio ›› Journey Community Church ›› Lancaster Community Church

Mississippi ›› Cross Gates Church ›› New Life Family Church ›› Relate Church

Okl ahoma ›› First Assembly ›› Grace Fellowship ›› Journey Church

›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Lifeway Church New Heart Fellowship North Church The Bridge Church Victory Church

›› ›› ›› ››

Pennsylvania Christ Wesleyan Church First Assembly Praise Fellowship West Ridge Church

›› ›› ›› ››

South Carolina Cornerstone Church Restoration Church Seacoast Church Tri-County Worship Center

›› ›› ›› ››

Tennessee Metro Tabernacle New Hope Church River Church The Life Church of Memphis

Tex as ›› Antioch Christian Church ›› Antioch Church

Peterborough (UK)

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Believers Way Church Better Life Church Cedar Point Church Celebration Church Celebration Worship Center Center Point Church Christ Community Church Christ Covenant Church Christian Life Church Christs Anointing Chuch on the Rock Church of the Springs City Church Compass Church Covenant Fellowship Creekwood Church

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Cross Timbers Church Crosspointe Church Crossroads Church Eagle Mountain Int'l Church Eastern Heights Church Elevate Church Farmers Branch Church Fielder Road Baptist First Baptist Church Forgiven Church Fredonia Hill Baptist Freedom Church Generations Church Good Shepherd Community Church Grace Community

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Grace Crossing Harvest Church Heartland Family Church Heritage Baptist Church Heritage of Faith Church HighRidge Church Hill Country Bible Church His House Hosanna Fellowship Journey Church Lake Country Lake House Church Lake Shore Church Lakeside Fellowship Legacy Church Life Church Life Community Church

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Life Fellowship Lifegate Lifeway Church Lighthouse Indonesian Fellowship Living Water Church Living Waters Metroplex Family Church Milestone Church New Community Church New Covenant Church New Hope Church New Life New River Fellowship North Elevation Church Northstar Church Pathway Church

›› Praise Fwllowship Worship Center ›› Relevant Life Church ›› Ridgeview Church ›› Rock Island Family Church ›› Servant House ›› Shannon Oaks Church ›› Sugarland Family Church ›› The Avenue Church ›› The Crossing ›› The Light Community Fellowship ›› The Oaks Fellowship ›› The Shepherd's House ›› The Village Church ›› Trinity Church ›› Trinity Fellowship

›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››

Turning Point Church Valley Creek Willowbrook Church Word of Life Word of Truth Word of Victory

Washington ›› Evergreen Community Church Washington DC ›› DC Metro Church Wisconsin ›› Life Church ›› Restoring Faith

UK ›› Kings Gate Community

gatewaypeople.com 7

8  Sept | Oct 2013

Hear. Believe. Obey.

by Josh Coad

one night in 2006, gateway elder steve dulin couldn’t sleep. “I was in bed praying, and I received a vision,” he says. “I came out of it, thinking, ‘What was that?!’ I wrote it down, started praying again, and the vision returned.

Finally, around two or three in the morning, I fell asleep.”

This continued almost every night for a month.

In most of these visions, Steve saw a Gateway Church service full of people and Tim Sheppard was leading worship. Towards the end of 2006, Steve told Tim. Together, they prayed regularly, asking God how He wanted them to proceed.

Eventually, Steve shared the plan the Lord had given him with Pastor Robert, who excitedly agreed that his spiritual visions should become a physical reality. In 2008, Habitation services began at Gateway Church. Held once a month on a Sunday night, Habitation provides an opportunity to reach new levels with God through corporate prayer, extended worship and excellent teaching.

Incredibly, many important service elements stem directly from the visions Steve received in 2006. In addition to Tim leading worship, Steve envisioned the church elders playing an integral role in the service.

That’s why the elders sit on the platform and minister at different points during the service. It’s commonplace for one of the elders to lead prayer or deliver an encouraging word.

Even the name of the service stems from Steve’s visions.

“I saw the word ‘Habitation’ on the screen and knew that was the name of the service. The Lord gave me the scripture Ephesians 2:22, ‘In him you are also being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.’ The purpose of the service is to ask God to come dwell in us. We want Him to show up in the service, but we also want to leave with the presence of God alive and activated in us.”

That’s why the extended time of worship is a critical part of Habitation. Steve explains, “Worship brings the presence of God. Psalm 22 says God inhabits praise. When we praise Him, He shows up powerfully.” Tim elaborates, “I love being a part of Habitation worship. When we come together and praise, He is in the midst of us. I would say

it’s almost tangible. It’s transformational. You can’t be in that atmosphere and not encounter God.” Steve’s messages also serve a strategic purpose. “Our motto is ‘Hear. Believe. Obey.’” he says. “We want to teach things that inspire belief and obedient action, especially after you’ve left the service.”

All of these service elements combine to create a powerful, God-breathed experience. Steve says his favorite part of Habitation is “seeing lives change. Physical, financial, spiritual and emotional miracles continue to increase.”

Habitation attendees are encouraged to email testimonies to habitation@gatewaypeople.com. Phenomenal stories of God’s love and goodness constantly pour in.

One testimony reads, “A neurologist discovered I had two rare, potentially life-threatening blood clots in my brain.

I was given medication and scheduled for neurosurgery in July 2012. In June, I attended Habitation. I received prayer,

“You can’t be in that atmosphere and not encounter God.” and I knew God was healing me. Over the next few days, my headaches went away. I went in for my pre-surgery appointment and, after performing some new scans, my neurosurgeon said, ‘I don’t get to say this to many people, but you are no longer in need of my services.’ My clots are gone, tests show no evidence of a blood clotting disorder, and I am healed! Praise the Lord!”

According to Tim, miracles like these are simply “a by-product of purposefully encountering God. When we come to experience Him, to hear His voice and respond to His promptings, great things happen!” GL Steve Dulin is a Gateway Elder and Associate Senior Pastor. Tim Sheppard is an Executive Pastor and Artist in Residence in Worship. Interestingly, neither were on staff when Steve first received the vision for Habitation.

For more information, visit habitation.gatewaypeople.com. To read more Habitation testimonies, visit testimonies.gatewaypeople.com.

gatewaypeople.com 9

Em br ace Gr ace

↑ Abigail (Abby) Rudow is a member of Embrace Grace and is due October 5. She is naming her baby Matthew, which means “Gift of God.”

by Amy Ford

for the most part, when i explain embrace grace to meet this precious baby in a few weeks. The woman to someone, their eyes get big, they awkwardly (or somesuddenly became stone-faced and walked away to ask times dramatically) pause, and then slowly, a big smile the manager if she could have a different girl cut her hair spreads across their face. because she didn’t agree with adoption. Fortunately, the But every once in a while, I get a different reaction. One manager could not believe the woman’s rudeness and man said, “That’s all they need, another handout …” and went asked her to leave the salon. The girl was disappointed, off on a tangent about the government. Another time, a but knew she was doing the right thing. woman asked, “Why in the world would you want to reward For Embrace Grace girls, it might have been easier to these girls for their bad behavior?” Another time, a woman have an abortion and deal with the consequences later, but met with the pastoral team at her church about starting they chose life when the world around them said otherwise. an Embrace Grace program. The pastor responded, “This They are giving the precious miracle inside each of them a sounds like a great program, but we really want to be careful chance at life. They understand that no child is a mistake, about being perceived as honoring girls who have sinned.” but a miracle designed by a creative God. Many churches are pro-life, but turn their backs on Every time I hear things like this, my first response is girls who choose life and resist abortion. Here’s a shocking like that of a momma bear wanting to protect and defend her cubs, but then I calm myself before explaining the thought: When we the Church turn our backs on these girls, need to think differently about the situation. are we actually contributing to the problem of abortion?

If the Church is truly a safe place, Imagine a high school girl. She’s scared to death because she just found without shame and condemnation, out she’s pregnant. She doesn’t know then why aren’t more girls running to “Every time I hear what to do. All her friends are pressus for help? Does the Church exist to things like this, my uring her to have an abortion and, help perfect people (there’s no such sadly, even her parents suggest it. But thing!) or to help real people—the first response is like something inside of her says she can’t broken, the lost and the desperate? that of a momma bear do it … maybe there’s hope. Even if she God is so amazing. He redeems our wanting to protect and has to do it alone, maybe she could mistakes. When He wants to woo a try to make this work even though girl closer to Him, He can use a baby defend her cubs …” she knows it would take a miracle. to do it. He can bless them with the So she lifts up her chin, takes a sweetest face they’ve ever laid eyes on, deep breath and hopes for the best. so they can finally receive a glimpse She bravely tells her family she’s decided to keep the baby. of just how big God’s love is for each one of us.

In return, her family holds guilt and shame over her head What if we thought differently about people, looked for the next nine months, reminding her she messed up. past their sins and looked at the actual person? What if She tells her friends at school and they drift away, one we honored girls who choose life for their baby? What if by one. People point in the halls or ask a lot of questions. we made the church a safe place for these weary-hearted This young momma feels more and more alone. Every girls? How do you think that would affect the pro-life/ day is a battle. pro-choice issue? What if we pointed each person to the And what about girls who choose adoption? One of foot of the cross and inspired a passionate relationship the Embrace Grace girls was in cosmetology school while with Christ? pregnant. She was just a few weeks away from blessing a What would happen? GL family with her baby through adoption. An older lady came into the school for her discounted haircut and began askAmy Ford is a Gateway member and the co-founder of Embrace Grace, an organizaing the Embrace Grace girl questions like, “Are you excited tion that provides emotional, practical and spiritual support for pregnant, single about your baby? Do you have everything prepared?” The young women. They also equip churches to reach out to these girls. Embrace Grace young lady explained how she had chosen adoption and is a ministry partner of Gateway Church, and we’re thrilled that Amy agreed to share already picked the family, and everyone was so excited the heart and vision behind her ministry in Gateway Life. iembracegrace.com For more information about Embrace Grace at Gateway, visit http://bless.gatewaypeople.com/bless-community/stories/2013-06-14/pro-life-loving-beyond.

Enjoy an exclusive excerpt from Amy’s new book, A Bump In Life, at gatewaylifemag.com, and pre-order the book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or any major book retailer.

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by Todd Bolt

12  Sept | Oct 2013

hen i was a teenager, my dad made a tough decision based on his Christian beliefs that cost him his job. We struggled financially during his unemployment, and I remember our church bringing us meals because we couldn’t afford groceries. I hated it and vowed I would never let this happen to me again. Over the years, this vow grew into a lifestyle of overwork. I viewed myself as my own source of provision.

In April 2012, while working at another church in Florida, I had a dream that Gateway called and offered me a job.

Our church had a great relationship with Gateway, and I already knew some of the pastors on staff here. I thought the dream was interesting, so I wrote it down in my journal, but after that, I forgot it completely. At the time, I didn’t realize I had started a journey of trust that would lead to freedom from the vow I had made as a teenager.

God wanted to teach me how to step out in faith and obey Him in the middle of uncertainty. He started by asking me to take a sabbatical. I had been learning about the biblical view of rest, but had yet to really implement it in my life. After hitting a wall emotionally, spiritually and physically, I heard God say, “Come away with me. Come rest so you can hear from Me.” I unplugged for an entire month and, true to His word, God spoke. I thought choosing to take a sabbatical was tough, but God started talking to me, personally and through words from others, about an even tougher decision.

I realized He wanted me to quit my job. I stayed in denial about it for a while, because one of my greatest fears was not having a safety net. The thought of not having the next job lined up terrified me. While I was wrestling with this, my wife, Lisa, received a prophetic word for me and said, “I think God’s going to ask you to step out without knowing what’s next. He’s going to teach you that He’s your safety net.”

Finally, during a lunch meeting with my pastor, I clearly heard God say, “Ask him the question you’re afraid to ask Him.” I replied, “I’m not asking him that!”

The Lord replied, “Todd, I have something for you, but I’m not going to reveal it until you step out. You’re going to have to trust me.”

Finally, I looked at my pastor and said, “Do you feel like my season here is done?” With tears in his eyes, he told me he did. We both knew the Lord was calling me elsewhere, but that didn’t stop us both from crying in the restaurant like blubbering idiots!

In the coming weeks, God showed Himself faithful. The elders at my former church made it clear they wanted to send me out properly when they extended my salary past my final day. God was already providing, making it clear that He alone is my source.

Through a series of connections, I eventually spoke with Pastor Gene Carter about an open pastoral position for Gateway Single Adults. This proved to be my last step of faith on my journey to Gateway. I knew I wanted to be a part of this church but, even though I’d been in ministry for years, I was worried because I’d never specifically worked with singles. While I was in Texas interviewing for the

“I stayed in denial about it for a while, because one of my greatest fears was not having a safety net.” job, the Lord spoke to me again and said, “I’ve given you an assignment, not for all single adults, but specifically for Gateway singles. It’s not about their singleness, but about them as individuals, and I’ve taught you how to minister to individuals.” That gave me the confidence to accept the job offer.

I started work at Gateway on November 1, 2012. Looking back, I’m still amazed by the entire process. There were so many times when I thought, “What am I doing?

Am I crazy?” and God would answer, “I’m your provision.

I’m going to show up and restore, grow and heal you.” He showed me not only that He is my source, but that I can trust Him. When God tells us to do something, He will take care of us when we obey. Even if we can’t see what’s next, He is still faithful. GL

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14  Sept | Oct 2013

last year, as part of gateway’s heart for the demographics of the surrounding area, but also because Kingdom initiatives, parking spaces were added at the nrh leadership is intentional about reaching all kinds of nrh Campus. The new parking spaces accommodated new people. Furthermore, nrh is the only campus to offer a members from the surrounding areas including Watauga, service with Spanish translation and a service with signing Hurst, Euless, Fort Worth and, of course ... Oregon? for the deaf and hearing-impaired.

Yes, Oregon. In this faraway, northwestern state, Fred Pastor Byron says, “It’s a place where you can come, and Vonis Waugh watched Pastor Robert share his testino strings attached, and worship the Lord and join the mony on life Today with James and Betty Robison as part family. We consistently hear people say that it feels like of their Living Free series. “We ordered the series, listened, home here.” and our lives changed forever.” For their anniversary, they Worship Pastor Eric Orson agrees. “Every week,” he decided to fly to Dallas/Fort Worth and visit Gateway. It says, “either Pastor Byron or Pastor Tim will say to everyone, ‘Let’s hold hands and pray for each other.’ I love that! wasn’t long before they completely uprooted their lives, It sets the tone and says that we are a family.” moved to Texas and started attending the nrh Campus.

“After we met Pastor Byron Copeland (Executive CamLater this year, the nrh Campus will undergo some pus Pastor of Gateway nrh) at Guest Central, we knew he remodeling. Classrooms will be created so Gateway minwas family and felt God directing us istries like Freedom and Equip can here,” Fred says. “Pastor Byron spoke be added in the future. As the scope into our lives with such authority. of ministry expands, more and more He encouraged us to let God grow people will be welcomed with open “It’s a place where our lives organically. Over the last arms to the Gateway nrh community. you can come, no ten months, we have grown through That’s something Linda Sharbono strings attached, and attending the nrh Campus and parexperienced firsthand. Linda first worship the Lord ticipating in ministry opportunities. visited the campus in September 2012.

All we can say is, ‘Wow! God is good!’”

She says, “The presence of God was and join the family.”

The Waughs are now involved in everywhere. I had been praying for the Altar Ministry Team, praying for God to guide me to the right church members and visitors every week. family. I knew immediately this was Fred says, “We feel so blessed to be a part of the awesome where I was meant to be.” Soon, Linda went through Catch the Vision and joined the Greeter Team. team at nrh. It’s family, and it’s home.”

The Gateway nrh community has been on quite a A month later, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. journey. Originally founded in 2007 as Gateway’s first “Even with God beside me, I still needed the support of my extension campus, the nrh Campus has continued to grow Christian brothers and sisters. When I shared the news while new campuses have joined the Gateway family. Last with the Greeting Team, they prayed for me. Each time we year, previous Campus Pastor Marcus Brecheen and part of met, special prayers were offered on my behalf. The words the nrh congregation moved to the new North Fort Worth of encouragement they shared with me were soothing to Campus. Pastor Byron and Associate Campus Pastor Tim my soul.” Linda also went forward many times to receive Ross took over leadership of the nrh Campus. Now, the prayer from the Altar Ministry Team. She received suptwo campuses reach the western side of the Metroplex port in her ladies’ Bible study and connected with Vonis like two cooperative siblings.

Waugh, who leads a cancer support group.

In their first year overseeing Gateway nrh, Pastor Byron Now, recovering from a critical surgery and undergoand Pastor Tim have focused their energy on making sure ing chemo treatments, Linda is constantly grateful for her everyone who attends feels welcome. “There’s a great feel at fellow Gateway nrh members. “As I recover, my church nrh; a great connection between the congregation and the family brings me food, runs errands, mows my yard and pastors,” says Pastor Tim. “There’s a lot of new people. There’s prays for me daily. What a wonderful blessing all of this a lot of diversity at our campus. We’re all shapes and sizes!” has been! Here at Gateway, God’s people reach out to those Indeed, nrh is one of Gateway’s most diverse camin need. I thank Him daily for my church family and know puses, partially because the congregation reflects the it was His will that brought me here.” GL

gatewaypeople.com 15

Calendar

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September 7–8 Churchwide Baptisms Weekend Services All Campuses

September 8 Love Expressed Night of Worship 6:00 pm Frisco Campus >> This is an exciting and inspired night of worship where we can come together to express our love to God.

October 10–11 KAIROS 9:00 am–5:00 pm 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.

October 13–16 Gateway Conference Southlake Campus >> We’ll explore the “how” and “why” of dynamic ministry and leadership. The evening sessions are free to the congregation.

September 10–24 Expectant Couples Class Tuesdays 5:45–7:00 pm Southlake Campus

September 12–13 KAIROS 2 Southlake Campus >> This freedom ministry event builds on all the principles of kairos and will take you to new levels of wholeness and healing as you explore God’s heart for your identity.

October 17 PrimeTime at the State Fair of Texas

October 23 Fall Festival 6:00–9:00 pm Frisco Campus

October 24 September 24–28 Gateway Home Makeover >> Gateway members will join together to bless a family in need with a complete home makeover. To volunteer or for more information, visit bless.gatewaypeople.com.

Night of Prayer for Human Trafficking 7:00 pm Southlake Campus

October 30 Fall Festival 6:00–9:00 pm Southlake Campus

16 Sept | Oct 2013

Check events.gatewaypeople.com for the latest information.

Recurring Events

Kids/Students

Habitation

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

Sun, Sep 15 & Oct 13* 6:00 pm

SLK

*Combined with the Gateway Conference Jewish Messianic Service

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

Fri, Sep 6 & Oct 4 7:30 pm

Gateway Students (7th–12th Grade) Wednesdays* 7:00 pm (All Campuses)

*Beginning Wednesday, September 11 Adults

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

NRH

Pray First Mondays 6:30 am Mondays 7:00 am

SLK NRH

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

FRS

GRP

Pray for Israel

Singles SLK >> Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

Tues, Sep 17 & Oct 22 7:00 pm

>> Divorce Care Mondays 7:00 pm

slk

Catch the Vision (Membership Class)

>> Breakout Classes Mondays 7:40 pm

Sat, Sep 7 9:00–11:30 am

Single Parent Families >> Meal Mondays 6:00 pm >> Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

FRS

SLK

Baptism Services Saturday, Oct 5 5:15 pm frs Sunday, Oct 6 3:00 pm SLK

>> Breakout Classes Mondays 7:40 pm

Spiritual Growth

>> ReNew (Single Moms) Mondays 7:00 pm

DayTime Bible Study (Senior Adults) Tuesdays 10:00 am SLK

>> Legacy (Single Dads) Mondays 7:00 pm

Foundations of Freedom Classes Sundays 10:45 am FRS

PrimeTime (50+) >> DayTime Bible Study Tuesdays 10:00 am SLK Seven (18–29) Tuesdays 7:00 pm

SLK NRH

Unity (Marriage) >> Marriage Challenge Sundays 9:30 am MIN

Gateway Equip Wednesdays 7:00 pm SLK Saturdays 4:00 pm SLK Sundays 9:00 am

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Healing Ministry Mondays 7:00–9:00 pm

FRS

Locations & Service Times

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 NF W C a mp u s 4209 Basswood Blvd Ft Worth, TX 76137 Sat 4:00 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm NR H C a mp u s 7501 Davis Blvd North Richland Hills, TX 76182 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm Mini s t ry Cen t er 540 S Nolen Southlake, Tx 76092

NRH

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

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>> Men’s Prayer Meetings Thursdays 5:30 am SLK Fridays 6:00 am FRS

C a mp u s Ke y

SLK FRS GRP NRH NFW NRH MIN

Southlake Campus Frisco Campus Grand Prairie Campus North Fort Worth Campus NRH Campus Ministry Center

gatewaypeople.com 17

Activities | Song Story

Schoolhouse Sleuth

7 spiral notebooks

Find the school supplies.

5 flash cards

10 staples 3 pushpins

1 box of crayons

18  Sept | Oct 2013

6 books

2 bandaids

8 crayons 4 paperclips

9 pencils

Sudoku

Song Story | “WannaBe”

Fit 1 to 9 in each 3x3 square, row and column – no repeats.

by Dana Johnson

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many songs i write begin with memories and feelings from

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my own childhood. That’s especially the case with “WannaBe.” When I was around seven years old, I felt a very strong sense of purpose. I wanted to be a part of something special and knew I was meant to make a difference. I couldn’t pinpoint this desire down to an occupation like some of my friends. When they talked about growing up, they went straight to the classics: firemen and policemen. My desire wasn’t nearly that specific, but in my heart, clear as a bell, I knew I was supposed to do something that mattered.

That special something turned out to be children’s ministry; more specifically, children’s worship ministry.

Over the years I’ve learned that every kid wants to do something big and make their lives count. Just like me, very few kids know what that something is. What most kids don’t know, and I didn’t know at the time, is that God is the source of that desire.

I was reflecting on this when a tune started rolling around in my head. I thought about how kids express their desire by saying, “I wannabe a [fill in the blank] when I grow up.” I wanted the song to express the desire to be something, but I also wanted the song to apply it to God. The point isn’t to say, “Here’s MY plan and that’s how it should be.” The point is to say, “God, whatever you want me to be, that’s what I want to be.” That’s why the song uses big imagery: “We’ll fly so high the sky will never find us.” There’s a bigness to that statement, but it’s not definitive. We are headed toward something big and don’t know where we’ll end up, but we can trust God to take us there.

From a songwriting perspective, I have to mention Joshua Fewell. I wrote the first verse and chorus, but couldn’t quite finish the song. He took a crack at it and absolutely nailed it. He wrote a great second verse and an awesome bridge, which, if you ask me, is the best part of the song. Singing, “Oh, oh, I wannabe,” is so catchy. It’s the part kids really connect with and it ends with the line that best captures the message of the song, “I wanna be all that You want me to be.” It connects their desire to its Creator, and that’s the whole point. GL

Pastor Dana Johnson oversees worship for Amazing Kids.

You can hear “WannaBe” on the GatewayNext album, Ready to Go, which releases the weekend of September 21–22.

gatewaypeople.com 19

Profile

back to teach the next generation of little ones. That’s exciting!

Mary: I love being in a roomful of kids who worship with abandon.

What is the best thing a kid has ever said to you?

Ken: One day, as I was walking off the platform, a little boy called me over. He told me my message was great and gave me three pennies.

Mary: “I want to be like you when I grow up.”

Ken & Mary Jackson Ken and Mary Jackson are the pastors over Amazing Kids. They have both served in the children’s ministry since Gateway began in 2000. They have two adult daughters, Micah and Mabrie.

How did you two meet each other? Mary: I moved to Grapevine in 8th grade and lived down the street from Ken. Our first date was the senior prom on May 14, 1975. We were married May 14,1976.

What are your previous lines of work? Ken: I was in the hotel industry for 27 years. I also taught and coached golf.

Mary: I’ve been a children’s programmer at a local library, a children’s ministry coordinator and a professional storyteller.

What was your favorite part of children’s ministry when you were a kid?

Ken: Mrs. Hanson. She had polio and walked with crutches, but she was the sweetest woman and always spoke positive things over

20 Sept | Oct 2013

all the kids. I often mention her as an example for our team and say, “Treat kids so they remember you 50 years from now the way I remember Mrs. Hanson.”

Mary: My family only attended church on Christmas and Easter, but I loved it so much. When I was eight years old, I would get up, get ready and beg my mom to take me to church.

What is the most challenging aspect of children’s ministry? Ken: Trying to memorize the names of 9,000 children.

Mary: Not having enough hours in a day to meet all ministry needs.

What’s your favorite part of children’s ministry at Gateway? Ken: 13 years later, I love seeing the kids that used to sit in our classes actually come

Is there a specific moment in children’s ministry that made you think, “This is all worth it?” Ken: We had a boy in our ministry who was totally deaf. He refused to be signed to.

Instead, he intensely read our lips during lessons. The day he came to Jesus is a day I’ll never forget.

Mary: Last year at Wacky Week, about 700 kids started to spontaneously applaud and cheer as the teacher declared who they are in Christ. They all began to sing “If our God is for us, what can stand against” [from the song “Our God”].

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

“He told me my message was great and gave me three pennies.”

What’s your favorite book of the Bible? Ken: John.

Mary: Isaiah. The promises God gave me through this book saved my life.

What’s your favorite restaurant? Ken: Del Frisco, hands down!

Mary: We go there once a year to celebrate our anniversary.

Who’s your favorite superhero? Ken: Pastor David Smith.

I have no idea how he knows so much about so many subjects!

Mary: Wolverine.

What’s your favorite candy? Ken: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Mary: Chocolate-covered strawberries.

What’s the greatest game ever played in Amazing Kids weekend services?

Ken: The kids got to choose which workers had to eat live mealworms.

Mary: We called it Fear Factor.

Ken: I was so glad when my older brother was picked!

What’s your most embarrasing moment in kids ministry? Ken: I tried to catch a ball during game time. I tripped and fell right in the middle of the boys, crushing about five of them. Thank goodness we offer freedom ministry!

Mary: I ran up on stage once and splattered on the floor in front of everyone. I couldn’t get up because I was laughing so hard!

Where do you see yourselves in five years?

Mary: Serving the families of Gateway Church.

Ken: Especially since I’m too old for So You Think You Can Dance!

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

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