Gateway Life | November/December 2013

NOV | DEC 2013

FAMILY MATTERS

Marriage & Family believes a healthy family life is not only possible, but also a very real part of God’s plan for your life. Pg. 8

UNITED OR UNTIED Pastor

Mike Brisky writes how you can pursue unity in your marriage by first pursuing unity with God and His Word. Pg. 12

GATEWAY STUDENTS: ONE MINISTRY. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. The

name and structure have changed, but the heart remains the same. Learn how Gateway Students is evolving to further equip teenagers in their walk with the Lord. Pg. 14

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY FAMILY CHRISTMAS Pastor

Robb Brewer shares two important lessons he’s learned about bringing the family together during the holidays. Pg. 10

GATEWAY IS COMMITTED TO SEEING EVERY PERSON …

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

CONTENTS NOV | DEC 2013

COMMENTS

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

6

GATEWAY CONFERENCE

More than 3,200 pastors, leaders and staff came together at the Gateway Conference to pause, rejuvenate and receive ministry training.

F E AT U R E S

8

FAMILY MATTERS

Marriage & Family believes a healthy family life is not only possible, but also a very real part of God’s plan for your life.

1 0

HAVE HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY FAMILY CHRISTMAS

12

UNITED OR UNTIED

Pastor Robb Brewer shares two important lessons he’s learned about bringing the family together during the holidays.

Pastor Mike Brisky writes how you can pursue unity in your marriage by first pursuing unity with God and His Word.

1 4

GATEWAY STUDENTS: ONE MINISTRY. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS.

The name and structure have changed, but the heart remains the same. Learn how Gateway Students is evolving to further equip teenagers in their walk with the Lord.

16 CALENDAR 18 GIVE THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS 19 SONG STORY 20 PROFILE

C omments

Welcome to Gateway Life

It was the perfect moment. The candlelight cast a soft glow over a tablescape that would impress even Martha Stewart. Our children sat quietly in their crisp, clean clothes like perfect angels waiting patiently to be served.

Savory smells from gourmet cuisine whetted our appetite.

Wait! That was how I dreamed it would be ... but that never happened!

Holidays are far more organic in our home, with very few formalities. I like to think our family traditions are flexible. However, we do have three guideposts which sum up our family time. In keeping with classic “Robert Morris style,” they all start with an “L.” First, we choose to Love one another. Years ago, when the kids were little, Robert started this by teaching them the answer to the question, “How does daddy love you?”

The answer was “with all your heart, no matter what, forever and always.” Loving each other unconditionally has always been important to us because that’s how we reflect God’s love.

The second is Laughter. We don’t plan it, but we can’t get together without laughing. We laugh about

2 NOV | DEC 2013

past holidays. There are a few stories that get recycled every year, like the infamous black panther story (The guys stalked what they thought was a black panther.

It turned out to be a baby calf. Thankfully, the “black panther” lived to see another day!) We laugh with one another. An atmosphere of love allows us to share funny stories about ourselves and one another. As our son, James, once said, “Why do stupid stuff if you don’t laugh about it?” Every holiday, we will likely laugh ourselves to tears.

And the third guidepost is Leave. That’s right, I said it! At our house my mother brings the best chocolate pies and the rule is we always have to leave the last piece for Robert. I am joking (to some degree), but it is always a good idea during this holiday season to leave room in our lives for others. A few suggestions: We could leave something off our Christmas list so we can give a special offering. We could leave a gift card in the offering box for a single parent family. We could leave some time in our schedule to minister to someone in need. Jesus left heaven to give us the greatest gift of all. So this holiday season, when you get together with your family, I encourage you to love, laugh and leave a little slice of God’s grace.

DEBBIE MORRIS, Executive Pastor, Pink

GATEWAY LIFE GATEWAYLIFEMAG.COM David Smith SENIOR PASTORAL OVERSIGHT Lawrence Swicegood EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL Stacy Burnett MANAGING EDITOR Josh Coad SENIOR EDITOR Zachary Richmond ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ART Shane Dennehey CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jeremy Tyson ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY Cory Hale PHOTOGRAPHER Sean McClain VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHER Tracey Wilson PROJECT MANAGER

Our Vision is to see people saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered and serving.

GATEWAY IS COMMITTED TO SEEING EVERY PERSON …

BELIEVING in Jesus • BELONGING to Family BECOMING a Disciple • BUILDING His Kingdom For Gateway’s complete mission statement, visit mission.gatewaypeople.com.

“All you need is God and a good family with lots of love!”

FEEDBACK

> Barbara Fisher

“Yes, yes, yes! So true!”

PA S T O R ’ S P I C K S

> Kim Garcia

>> CHAD SYKES, Pastor of

“My favorite article was ‘Embrace Grace’ by Amy Ford.”

Spiritual Life Development

> Melissa Martin Cheuvront

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

“I love the cover photo!” > Cindy Macomber

WHAT ARE YOU READING? The First Thousand Years: A Global History of Christianity by Robert Wilken, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov and a steady diet of early church fathers.

“Beautiful story—something I’ve come to expect from Gateway!

And I live in Tennessee!” > Doris Hamby Wise

“I loved ‘Stepping Out in Faith’ by Todd Bolt. I need to do more of that every day.” > Rebecca Waldrip

“When I read Todd Bolt’s testimony, it jumped off the page at me. This is where I am in my journey.

I’m waiting on the Lord to direct my steps.” > Cindy Wakely-Copeland

>> Gateway Life Weekly [geytwey lahyf week-lee]: The

identity, kairos 2 seeks to impart an understanding of human sexuality as a purposeful gift from Him.

>> Mosaic [moh-zey-ik]: Gate-

>> Gateway Students [geyt-wey stood-nts]: Junior high and

name of the church bulletin you receive every weekend.

S AY W H AT ? !

Defining Gateway Church Lingo

way’s ministry for widows and widowers of all ages.

>> KAIROS 2 [ky-rohs too]: This Freedom Ministry event builds on all the principles of kairos. Rooted in God’s heart and design for our

senior high have combined to form this exciting new youth ministry. Gateway Students meets each Wednesday at all campuses.

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

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD? It’s an unusual mix! Everything from Gungor, Glenn Packiam and Welcome Wagon, all the way to Van Morrison, Otis Redding, Sigur Rós and the great Johnny Cash.

I also listen to many podcasts like Radiolab from WNYC and the Brain Science Podcast.

WHAT’S THE BEST MOVIE YOU’VE SEEN RECENTLY? Although it’s not a new movie, I recently watched The Tree of Life, written and directed by Terrence Malick. I consider it a modernday masterpiece, but one must watch through a biblical lens to “get it.” GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 3

InfinitiYouth | Ranger’s Game

InfinitiYouth | Ranger’s Game

Bless! Home Makeover

Bless! Home Makeover

Bless! Home Makeover

InfinitiYouth | Ranger’s Game

Gateway Students Launch | NFW

Pink Night

Gateway Students Launch | NFW

Gearing Up

Pink Night

Gateway Students Launch | NFW

Gearing Up

Pink Night

Tell Me Something Good CHR IS EDIT TM AS ION!

WANT TO TELL US SOMETHING GOOD? Send your stories and testimonies to life@gatewaypeople.com.

USUALLY, WE DEVOTE “TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD” TO TESTIMONIES FROM CHURCH MEMBERS AND STAFF. THIS MONTH ONLY, WE DECIDED TO MIX THINGS UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS. WE ASKED GATEWAY PASTORS TO SHARE WITH US SOME OF THEIR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. ENJOY!

“I was 10 years old when I found out the truth about Christmas. I grew up in a Hispanic family, and we always had tamales for our Christmas meal. So when my mom married my stepdad, who is white, I was disturbed to find out he was making a turkey for Christmas. I thought he was crazy! Turkey?

For Christmas?! Why is he making a turkey? I wondered. That’s when I learned the truth … only Mexicans, not the entire world population, eat tamales for Christmas!” >> Raul Cabrera, PASTOR, COMMUNITY (GATEWAY GROUPS)

“Christmastime was one of the few times my dad didn’t have to think about work and would spend the entire day playing with us. My seventh grade year, I was given an Atari game console, and I played video games with my dad all day. My

mom finally had to make us go to bed!” >> Todd McIntyre, PASTOR, GATEWAY MEN

beautiful tree and remembering with gratitude the gifts of God’s Son and of each other.” >> Zach Neese, PASTOR,

“Jen and I got married on a snowy day in December. We were so poor we couldn’t afford more than a two-day honeymoon.

Still, when I carried her into our new apartment, bare-walled and barren, we knew there was only one thing missing, so we went out to buy our first Christmas tree. We probably had thirty ornaments between us, mostly relics from our childhood craft classes, but we bought six strings of lights and some ivory ribbon and gleefully set to work trimming the tree. Since we didn’t own a bed, we pulled our mattress out into the living room and butted it up to the tree skirt. The first nights of our marriage were spent gazing at the Christmas light constellations of that simple,

WORSHIP (NORTH FORT WORTH)

we took communion with Cheez-Its and orange juice! I think Jesus liked it a lot! We still laugh when we remember that special night.” >> Rebecca Wilson, PASTOR, MARRIAGE & FAMILY

“One of our yearly family traditions is a candlelight dinner followed by communion. One year, when my boys were seven and nine, I went to get our special pottery com-

“… we took communion with Cheez-Its and orange juice!” munion cup and realized I had forgotten to buy the special crackers and grape juice! We kicked into problem-solving mode and came up with an alternative plan. With laughter and sincerity,

“When I was 10, I asked for a football uniform for Christmas. When I saw the big box under the tree, I knew that had to be it.

Of course, on Christmas morning, I wasn’t allowed to open the big box until I’d opened all my other presents. When I finally ripped off the paper, I saw “boxing gloves” printed on the box. I tried to hide my disappointment and fake enthusiasm with a big smile. Then I opened the box, only to find a football helmet, pads and a jersey … everything I wanted! The box had been mislabeled! I was thrilled and relieved all at once.” >> Steve Thompson, PASTOR, PRIMETIME

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 5

Outreach

2013

GATEWAY CONFERENCE

Every year, thousands of church pastors, leaders and staff come together at the Gateway Conference to pause, rejuvenate and receive ministry training. This year’s conference took place October 13–16. The conference launched with a special Habitation service on Sunday night, followed by two powerful days of worship with messages from Pastor Robert, Jimmy Evans, Perry Noble, Joel Osteen and Max Lucado as well as insightful breakout sessions taught by Gateway pastors and staff. The conference came to a close Wednesday with more in-depth worship and leadership classes at the Southlake and North Fort Worth campuses. Here are some conference highlights:

ATTENDEES FROM OVER 48 COUNTRIES INCLUDING:

TAIWAN GUATEMALA GERMANY UGANDA

1,125 6 NOV | DEC 2013

BURRITOS SERVED

“ ”3,170+ “” LEADERS, LISTEN TO YOUR COACHES, NOT YOUR CRITICS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CRITIC AND A COACH IS LOVE. –Perry Noble

ATTENDEES

SATAN DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO KEEP YOU FROM COMING TO JESUS. –Pastor Robert

70 BREAKOUT CLASSES

9 FOOD TRUCKS

“ ”

FRESH TO SEE A CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON EVANGELISM WITH LEADERS RATHER THAN MERE CHURCH GROWTH. @drgregoryp GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 7

8  NOV | DEC 2013

Peace at home—for many, it’s an elusive dream,

but the team behind Gateway’s Marriage & Family believes a healthy family life is not only possible, but also a very real part of God’s plan for your life. Pastor Rebecca Wilson, who oversees the ministry, says, “Our goal is to make sure each individual in a family knows Jesus. In every event and class, we make it about Him. We want to help spouses and children connect with God first and then with each other.”

For several years, the ministry’s name was “Unity,” but recently they’ve changed the title to “Marriage & Family” to make their purpose and vision clear: If you want to pursue God’s desires for your marriage and family, this is the place for you.

MARRIAGE “Marriage was one of the first things God created,” Pastor Rebecca says. “It’s the foundation of the family.” To make sure the foundation of your family is solid, the ministry offers a wide range of events, which loosely fall into one of two categories: intervention and enrichment.

Intervention ministry is for marriages in crisis. Jeff and Liz Jones lead Marriage Challenge, which provides scriptural equipping, encouragement and prayer support.

The Jones’ also lead Marriage 911, a program for couples reeling from the pain of infidelity. Pastor Rebecca says these intervention-focused ministries have “become a safe place for people to come and receive healing.”

Marriage enrichment provides opportunities for all married couples to further strengthen their bond. Pastor Nancy Houston teaches an eight-week class called Marriage Revolution. This class explores the biblical model of marriage and helps spouses live in grace towards each other and walk together as an empowered couple.

For engaged couples, Pastor Mike and Judy Brisky teach Becoming One, adapted from Jimmy and Karen Evans’ Marriage on the Rock curriculum. Future spouses learn critical truths and concepts so they can experience a strong, healthy marriage from day one. (Be sure to read Pastor Mike Brisky’s article, “United or Untied?” on page 12!).

In addition to personal counseling, Marriage & Family also has Gateway Groups and special events throughout the year. On Thursday, November 7, the ministry will host “Love Worth Fighting For” with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield, and in February, the MarriageToday Conference with Jimmy and Karen Evans, held every year during the week of Valentine’s Day.

FAMILY “What do Gateway families need and how do we respond to those needs?” According to Pastor Rebecca, these are the questions that drive the family side of Marriage & Family.

Pastor Larry Brown heads up the Family side, which places a huge emphasis on parenting. “As a parent, you have roughly 800 weeks between your child’s third year and their high school graduation. Those weeks represent 800 units of teachability,” he says. “We want to help parents make the most of those 800 weeks, showing their chidren how to live with the kingdom of God as a relevant part of the world.”

To accomplish this, the ministry provides numerous classes pertaining to critical transition points in the lives of parents and children. This includes classes for first-time expecting couples and parents of pre-school, elementary and teenage children. Finally, parents of high schoolers can take the Parenting with an Exit Strategy class, which helps them guide and oversee their children in the move towards independence.

In addition to parenting, the ministry makes blended families a priority. “There’s a need for practical instruction, specifically for blended families,” Pastor Larry says.

Engaged single parents are encouraged to attend a special four-week pre-marriage class after they attend Pastor Mike’s initial Becoming One class. This class helps single parents prepare for the challenges of integrating their families.

Spouses with blended familes can also attend Blended Family Forums where they can meet together to share experiences, ask and answer questions, problem-solve and encourage each other.

Finally, all families are welcome “Marriage was one to a Family Vacation Camp. This speof the first things cial, week-long summer event gives parents time to reconnect with each God created. “It’s other and their children by spending the foundation some quality time away. The week is filled with great teaching, worship of the family.” and fun activities.

YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS What does your marriage need?

What does your family need? This essential Gateway ministry is here to help you find the answer. Pastor Rebecca says, “Marriage and family are so important to God. He created family. As Gateway families understand that and make God their foundation, it will affect how they feel, how they relate to each other, and ultimately, it will affect countless future generations.” GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 9

HAVE YOURSELF A

Merry Christmas  FAMILY

by Robb Brewer

My

car door closed with a reluctant click. I stood next to my vehicle, jaw dropped, absorbing the scene. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My wife and I looked at each other wondering if we should go forward. She shrugged as if to suggest it all would be fine. The kids put on their pitiful faces, hoping I would offer some kind of rescue.

Nothing came to mind, so off my family marched into one of our most memorable Christmases.

My wife and I had spent the previous night preparing for Christmas morning. With presents wrapped and everything neatly in place, we came up with a Christmas hide-and-seek idea. I generated a set of clues that would allow the kids to search for the gifts we had hidden. The clues were designed to lead us out of the house and get us driving around the neighborhood. My wife had located a restaurant that would be open on Christmas morning. We decided the final clue would bring us to this restaurant where we would open presents, eat breakfast and enjoy our Christmas morning together.

It never occurred to me the restaurant would be crowded with people. When we arrived, the parking lot was jammed and the line snaked out the door. The wait looked to be over an hour. We stood there, mouths agape, gifts in hand, with our children still in pajamas. The kids tried to hide behind me, feeling exposed in their nighties. Some folks looked at us and smiled, while others gazed curiously at the parents who dragged their children out in nightclothes. I felt like we had made a horrible decision. Still, we pressed on, enjoyed our breakfast and opened Christmas presents with 200 of our closest strangers.

To this day, that morning remains one of my family’s fondest Christmas memories. In fact, holiday seasons have consistently provided many great memories and taught me so much about family. Through every Thanksgiving and Christmas, I’ve learned two important lessons that can serve as useful reminders for any household:

1. FAMILY TIME MUST BE PURPOSEFUL My children live at a pace of life often surpassing my own. I’m dazed by how busy they are with school, church and their social lives. Coming together as a family rarely happens coincidentally. Usually, our time results from several family members saying “no” to other activities.

This is especially true during the holidays when parties and get-togethers seem to mushroom. My wife and I have to model how to say “no” to too many commitments and why to say “yes” to family.

My children are rapidly growing into adults who will one day have their own families. I want them all to return

home for holidays and special occasions. More than that, I want my children to want to return home. The holidays are a perfect time to instill this attitude. By teaching your children how to say “no” to extra activities and “yes” to family at an early age, you will not only make space for family time and show your family how to prioritize, but you will also establish a family-first mindset in your children that will produce fruit when they grow into adults.

2. FAMILY TIME CAN BE EMOTIONAL While I expect great joy and exuberant laughter to weave its way into our family time, I’m often surprised at the range of emotions my family displays. We regularly experience sentiments like anger, disappointment and gloominess.

Holidays only intensify emotions by highlighting what’s changed over the past year and shifted our family’s definition of “normal.”

Your family, like mine, has probably experienced a thousand subtle shifts—and perhaps a few major ones—this year. Each shift is a candidate for causing an unexpected emotional reaction as family members process change through frustration.

“WE STOOD THERE, MOUTHS AGAPE, GIFTS in HAND, with OUR CHILDREN STILL in PAJAMAS.”

There’s a better way. You can use these shifts as an opportunity for family reflection and gratitude. Bring your family together and point back to life changes as examples of God working in your family. When you gather your family with this mindset, unexpected emotions give way to joy and laughter.

When we stood outside that restaurant on Christmas morning, everyone felt a little awkward and embarrassed.

Ephesians 6:4 warns parents to not exasperate their children, and we came very close that day! However, we now remember that potentially disastrous moment with smiles and joy. That day became a prime example of how the Brewer family could prioritize time together and navigate an emotionally charged situation.

This holiday season doesn’t have to be a time of exasperation for your family. This year, find creative ways to bring your family together and engage their emotions. Just don’t drag them to a crowded parking lot in their pajamas! GL

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 11

UNITED or

UNTIED

by Mike Brisky

12  NOV | DEC 2013

“untied” and at the mercy of a completely different list of feelings: separation, loneliness, bitterness and anger, just to name a few.

Early in our marriage, my wife, Judy, and I discovered that when we came together to work through our conflicts, we opened the door to unity. We weren’t even walking with the Lord at the time and didn’t realize we’d stumbled across a scriptural principle! We later discovered God’s plan for marriage: to become one and united in every area of life.

Now, we make working through our disagreements a priority. No matter how emotional or conflicting a situation might be, our goal is to come together and work through it. As we’ve conformed our lives and marriage to God’s principles, He’s given us a peace that’s truly surpassed our understanding and expectations.

Over the years, I’ve ministered to many couples struggling in the area of unity. The problem always stems from one or both individuals ignoring God’s principles and not prioritizing unity with their spouse. This isn’t surprising. or untied? Do you notice the Our nature, apart from God, is to always defend ourselves difference? Careful, or you might miss it. Can you see it? and excuse our actions. For many of these couples, division has become a constant part of their relationship. Literally, The two words are dependent on where the “i” is placed.

You can use the exact same letters, but place the “i” on the they have two incompatible visions for their lives. They sit other side of the “t” and the meaning and significance of the in front of me, without passion for their marriage, saying word completely changes. You could even say that placing they’ve “fallen out of love” with each other. the “i” before or after the cross makes all the difference.

God designed marriage to work in unity in every situation, from day-to-day life to huge decisions like job Placing the “i,” or yourself, before the cross and submitting your every thought and action to the Lord creates opportunities and deciding where to live. Where there is unity in your relationship with Him and brings His blessing no unity, there is always division. If you find your marriage (Psalm 133). It also affects your relationships with other divided, the correct next step is always the same: pursue people. In times when my wife and I are more untied than unity with God and His Word. united, I have to ask myself, Since unity is a spiri“Where are my thoughts tual concept, we will never and actions coming from? fully understand the Have I submitted them to impact it has on our lives “W H E R E T H E R E I S N O U N I T Y, Jesus and allowed Him to and marriages. However, T H E R E I S A L W A Y S D I V I S I O N .” lead me, or am I trying to our faith, which pleases get my own way?” Usually, God, will guide us through I discover that my own will any misunderstanding. is dictating my thoughts and actions.

God will never cause us to make a decision against His As a marriage pastor overseeing Becoming One, our will. In life and in marriage, we may not necessarily like Pre-Marriage Ministry, I have the honor of serving couples everything He asks us to do, but His guidance will always on their special day when they are united under God for be good for us. God’s heart is to unite your personal will the rest of their lives. I love the principle of unity. It brings with His and then unite your heart with your spouse’s. to mind all kinds of pleasant emotions and feelings. Unity When that happens, nothing can stop the blessings and brings a sense of strength, security, safety and peace. Howpeace that will follow. Put the “i” in its correct place in ever, if a couple uses their thoughts and actions to move your marriage and watch what God will do. The more the “i” to the wrong side of the cross, they find themselves united you are, the less untied you will be. GL

United

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 13

GATEWAY STUDENTS One Ministry. Multiple Locations.

BY JOSH COAD

On

August 21, Gateway students and their parents gathered for a special service simulcasted at all five campuses to hear Pastors Bobby Bogard, Mike Guzzardo and Brian Cromer talk about the future of Gateway youth ministry.

Over the years, Gateway’s student ministry has grown along with the church, with youth groups meeting at Southlake, nrh and Frisco. However, with the additions of the North Fort Worth (nfw) and Grand Prairie campuses on the horizon, it was time to rethink the current ministry model and make changes that would allow the ministry to offer an increased level of excellence to every student at every current and future Gateway campus.

Now, two months later, these changes are in full swing. What’s new? What’s different? What does Gateway youth ministry look like now? Read on to find out all the exciting details.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Let’s start with the new name: Gateway Students. Previously, high school met on Wednesday nights under the name “mor,” and junior high met on Sunday nights as “amped.” Now, they meet together, every Wednesday night, at all campuses, as Gateway Students.

The new name reflects this structural change, but it also makes an important statement. “By including the word ‘Gateway,’” Executive Pastor Mike Guzzardo says, “we want to communicate that we’re not just an individual ministry. We’re an extension of Gateway Church.”

ONE MINISTRY. MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. If you’ve been at Gateway for a while, you’ve probably heard the church described as “One church. Multiple locations.” That phrase also applies to Gateway Students. It’s one ministry available at every campus.

No matter the location, students experience a similar service that follows the weekend service format. Gateway Generate leads worship, followed by a message. Pastor Mike, Pastor Brian and Pastor Jason Laird comprise the speaking team. Every week, a member of the speaking team preaches at one campus, which is broadcast live to all the other campuses. After the message, students split into age and gender-specific small groups for discussion with peers and leaders.

COMBINING RESOURCES Fusing Jr. and Sr. High has many advantages, but two distinct ones. First, it frees

up another night of the week for families with multiple students who are in different grades. Pastor Mike says, “If you’re a parent with students in both age groups, you can now bring them to church on the same night. Sunday can become a family night.”

Also, it allows the two previously separate ministries to combine resources. This means a stronger, dedicated ministry staff at every location. Pastors Keith Morrison (Southlake) Jason Laird (nrh), Matt Legg (nfw), Jared Lyons (Frisco) and Landon Benjamin (Grand Prairie) lead the ministry at their respective campuses. Thanks to the speaking team, campus pastors no longer need to prepare individual messages each week. That’s deliberate and strategic. Pastor Mike explains, “Having one person study and prepare a message frees up the campus pastors’ schedules.

Instead of spending 50% of their time studying, they can now use that time to find better ways to lead their team, as well as minister and equip students in their walks with God.” Combining resources also means a renewed focus on training volunteers. Associate Senior Pastor Bobby Bogard says, “We’re committed to the safety of our students.

Because we’re able to train more volunteers, we’re working toward having one adult sponsor for every eight students at every campus.”

“Our vision is the vision of Gateway Church—to see students saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered and serving.”

VISION Gateway Students hit the ground running, launching on September 11 with more than 1,500 in attendance across all campuses. Every week, students worship God together, hear excellent teaching and encourage one another.

According to Pastor Brian, who oversees all campuses, this all serves the vision of the ministry: “Our vision is the vision of Gateway Church—to see students saved, healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered and serving. Every single thing we do is for that purpose. I believe with all my heart that God will use Gateway Students to not only change the Metroplex, but also the world.” GL

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November 1 PAUL WILBUR CONCERT 7:30 pm SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

December 6–8 PRIMETIME CHRISTMAS EXCURSION MARRIOTT’S HORSESHOE BAY RESORT, TEXAS HILL COUNTRY December 7–11

November 1–3 VISION RETREAT MARRIOTT LEGACY TOWN CENTER, PLANO >> We’re taking time away from life’s distractions to focus on receiving fresh vision for our families for 2014.

EQUIP TRIP: SCRIPTURE & SKI WINTER PARK MOUNTAIN LODGE, COLORADO >> This Equip Trip features skiing during the day and diving into Scripture in the evening.

December 13, 14 & 15

November 2 ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP 9:00–11:00 am NRH CAMPUS

IT’S A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS A Gateway Christmas Production ALL CAMPUSES December 21–22

November 2 FAMILY RODEO NIGHT 4:00–9:00 pm FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS >> We’re going to the Stockyards for a cattle drive, BBQ dinner and the rodeo!

November 7 LOVE WORTH FIGHTING FOR with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield 7:00 pm SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS >> This marriage night is designed to strengthen and encourage you and your spouse as you look at what the Bible says about marriage.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES with Pastor Robert (and a few surprises!)

ALL CAMPUSES December 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE GATHERING 7:00 pm SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS >> We’re gathering together as a church family to thank God for His faithfulness this year and pray for His blessing for 2014!

November 7 A PINK NIGHT 7:00 pm FRISCO CAMPUS November 15 FRISCO FREEDOM EVENT 6:30–9:30 pm FRISCO CAMPUS

16 NOV | DEC 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

Sunday, November 17 6:00 pm

SLK

JEWISH MESSIANIC SERVICE

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

Friday, Nov 1 & Dec 6 7:30 pm

GATEWAY STUDENTS (7th–12th Grade) Wednesdays 7:00 pm (All Campuses)

ADULTS

SLK

PRAY FIRST Mondays 7:00 am (All Campuses)

SLK

Saturday, November 2 9:00 am

SLK

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

Saturday, December 7 9:00 am

FRS

Tues, Nov 19 & Dec 17 7:00 pm

CATCH THE VISION

>> Divorce Care Mondays 7:00 pm

(Membership Class)

>> Breakout Classes Mondays 7:40 pm SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES >> Meal Mondays 6:00 pm >> Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

SLK

BAPTISM SERVICES Sunday, November 3 3:00 pm

SLK

Sunday, November 3 6:45 pm

FRS

>> Breakout Classes Mondays 7:40 pm

Saturday, December 7 4:15 pm

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

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

>> Legacy (Single Dads) Mondays 7:00 pm PRIMETIME (50+) >> DayTime Bible Study Tuesdays 10:00 am SLK SEVEN (18–29) Tuesdays 7:00 pm

SLK GRP

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

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 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

PRAY FOR ISRAEL

SINGLES SLK >> Worship Service Mondays 7:00 pm

Locations & Service Times

FRS

DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY (Senior Adults) Tuesdays 10:00 am SLK FOUNDATIONS OF FREEDOM CLASSES Sundays 9:00 am & 10:45 am SLK HEALING MINISTRY Mondays 7:00–8:30 pm

NF W C A MP U S 4209 BASSWOOD BLVD FT WORTH, TX 76137 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm NR H C A MP U S 7501 DAVIS BLVD NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX 76182 Sat 4:00 pm & 5:45 pm Sun 9:00 am, 10:45 am & 12:30 pm MINI S T RY C EN T ER 540 S NOLEN SOUTHLAKE, TX 76092

NRH

PRAYER >> Corporate Prayer for Our Nation Sundays 10:40 am SLK >> Prayer Encounter Sundays 9:00 am SLK C A MP U S K E Y

GATEWAY EQUIP

>> High Noon Prayer Wednesdays 12:00 pm

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

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

SLK

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

Give the Gif t of Christma s / Song Story

WANT TO DONATE TO THIS YEAR’S OUTREACH? IT’S EASY! HERE’S HOW:

GIVE THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

1. Give an offering

by josh coad

T

wo years ago, single mother Sherri

when Gateway contacted Sherri and informed

Longino told her 10-year-old her the Single Parent Families Ministry would daughter, Mackenzie, they be providing gift cards for her family.

A hallmark of the holidays at Gateway, this gift would not be having a traditional Christmas. After three card outreach provides Christmas gifts for single months in the hospital, Sherri had given parent families in the church who can’t afford birth to her son, Conthem. Gateway members nor, on November 30. donate November through Out of work and out December, enabling the “As a mother, I felt of money, she broke Single Parent Families horrible for not the news to MackenMinistry to provide gift being able to provide zie. Sheri says, “I told cards to single parents so her this wouldn’t be a they can go shopping for a Christmas for big Christmas but that their children. my daughter.”

God had already given Sherri was able to buy us the best Christmas clothes, diapers and toys present—a new baby for Connor. For Mackenboy.” Mackenzie happily agreed. She zie, she picked up new clothes, toys and a camera had always wanted a baby brother! she had been wanting. “I cannot express the Still, Sherri was discouraged. “As a mother, I felt horrible for not being able to provide a Christmas for my daughter,” she says. That’s

18 NOV | DEC 2013

impact this had on our family. My heart was overwhelmed with joy. It was the best Christmas we’ve ever had!” GL

designated to “Single Parent Families” 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 2013” in the memo line. Then, place them 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 2013.”

For more information, contact Brittany Crenshaw at 817.552.3752 or email spf@gatewaypeople.com.

SONG STORY | Christmas Hymns

by Thomas Miller

IN THIS COLUMN, GATEWAY SONGWRITERS USUALLY SHARE THE STORIES BEHIND THEIR ORIGINAL SONGS. FOR THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED PASTOR THOMAS MILLER TO TELL US ABOUT HIS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS HYMNS. i really love christmas music! at my house, we usually start listening to

Christmas music in September! It’s impossible for me to pick one favorite Christmas hymn to write about, so I’ve picked two.

1. “O HOLY NIGHT” “O Holy Night” beautifully expresses the grandeur of who Jesus was and is. Both the lyrics and music reflect the beauty and the glory of that night.

GATEWAY NEXT LOOK UP → Congratulations to GatewayNext for winning the Dove Award for “Children’s Music Album of the Year” with their debut album, Look Up! GatewayNext leads worship for 3rd–6th grade at all Gateway campuses. You can purchase Look Up and their brand new album, Ready to Go, on iTunes or at Passages.

The night of Jesus’ birth began like any other night. The first verse starts soft and subdued as the lyrics describe that seemingly normal night: “O holy night, the stars are brightly shining.” If you had never heard the song before, you might think, “This is a very simple night.” Initially, that’s true. There’s nothing spectacular about it.

But then, the song starts to gradually shift with the line, “It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.” Throughout the rest of the verse, the song moves from the natural to the supernatural. Finally, it swells into the chorus: “Fall on your knees! O, hear the angel voices!” It reveals the grandeur of the night and shows you how wonderful it was.

When I sing about the birth of Christ, I don’t want to repress my feelings. I want to praise God with all that I am! I love “O Holy Night” because it delivers that emotional payoff by musically mirroring the spiritual reality of that special night.

2. “WHAT CHILD IS THIS?” Unfortunately, because Christmas is a tradition, we sometimes see it only as an old, historical event and forget just how unprecedented Jesus’ arrival was. An incredible sense of wonder and awe accompanied His incarnation. His birth was a mystery then, and, even though we know a lot about Christ, He is still a mystery.

We can never fully grasp everything about Him. I love “What Child Is This?” because it acknowledges the mystery of Jesus’ birth. If you had been in the stable with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the mystery of Jesus would have been overwhelming. You would have had so many questions. This song asks those questions: “What child is this, who, laid to rest / On Mary’s lap is sleeping / Whom angels greet with anthems sweet / While shepherds watch are keeping?”

The chorus provides the answer: “This, this is Christ the King ...

Haste to bring Him laud / The babe, the son of Mary!” He is the Son of God and our Savior. He revealed Himself as a child then, and now He continues to reveal Himself through us! GL

PASTOR THOMAS has been Gateway’s Lead Worship Pastor since 2001.

GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM 19

Profile

I knew I needed Jesus in my life and gave my life to Him that night.

HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR WIFE? Sandy and I met at a church youth camp in Milldale, Louisiana, when we were both 17. She stole my heart!

Mark Jobe MARK JOBE IS THE EXECUTIVE PASTOR OF GATEWAY’S GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS. HE AND HIS WIFE, SANDY, HAVE THREE ADULT CHILDREN—KARI, KRIS AND CALEB—AND ONE GRANDSON, DUKE.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE FULL-TIME MINISTRY? I began full-time ministry at the age of 19. Before that, I worked at Coca-Cola, an upholstery shop and played in a country band.

WHAT CAUSED YOU TO PURSUE MINISTRY? I was sitting in church one night and the pastor was preaching on Jeremiah 1:5–8. I heard the Lord say, “This is why you were born!” I walked forward that night and surrendered my life to the ministry.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT GATEWAY? Pastor Robert and I have been friends for over 30 years.

We began coming a few months after he started Gateway and knew it was home. I came on staff in 2005 to work with the Global Ministries Department and recently

20 NOV | DEC 2013

became the Campus Pastor at our new Grand Prairie Campus.

HOW DID YOU MEET JESUS? I heard the gospel for the first time at a James Robison Crusade when I was eight years old. I prayed to receive Christ, but was never discipled. At the age of 16, a girl in high school began witnessing

“… this man was either crazy or Jesus was real!” to me, and I went to church with her. The pastor gave his testimony about walking away from professional baseball to follow Christ. I was an athlete and knew this man was either crazy or Jesus was real!

OUT OF ALL THE PLACES YOU’VE TRAVELLED FOR MISSIONS, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE? I have been to 38 nations in the last 15 years, so it’s hard to pick just one.

However, I have seen the most fruit and built the deepest relationships in Kenya and Honduras.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE? John 14:12–14: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? I have two: Pure Country and Seven Days in Utopia FAVORITE ACTOR? Robert Duvall WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIAN? Singer: Kari Jobe. Drummer: Caleb Jobe.

DO YOU PLAY ANY INSTRUMENTS? Yes. Piano, drums, saxophone and harmonica.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person by E. Stanley Jones WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT AND FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU? Chicken fajitas from La Hacienda Ranch.

WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I grew up in country music. My piano teacher is now George Strait’s piano player.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE HOBBIES? Playing golf, boating and playing with my grandson.

SO FAR, WHAT HAVE YOU MOST ENJOYED ABOUT THE GATEWAY GRAND PRAIRIE CAMPUS? The people! This place is filled with awesome people, each with a destiny I can’t wait to see unfold.

WHERE DO YOU SEE IT IN FIVE YEARS? Filled with on-fire worshippers and servants filled with Jesus and reaching out to the community around us. We are also planning on multiple services, including Saturday nights, very soon.

FOR MORE ABOUT OUR GATEWAY PASTORS, VISIT BIOS.GATEWAYPEOPLE.COM.

JACK HAYFORD MAX LUCADO BILL HYBELS MIKE HUCKABEE PRISCILLA SHIRER

JANUARY 4–8 · GATEWAY CHURCH

TWO

CHRISTMAS CLASSICS

IT’S A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES

DECEMBER 13, 14 & 15

DECEMBER 21 & 22

An Original Gateway Christmas Production

with Pastor Robert (and a few surprises!)

Join Us at Any of Our Gateway Campuses

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