How do I find out what’s going on around Gateway?
If you would like to keep up with what’s going on at Gateway, then you can always check out what’s here on this website. You can also subscribe to one of our Newsletters for the Gateway location you’re attending, and follow us on social media. Download the Gateway App (for Iphone or Android) too!
There are quite a few words/phrases I hear all the time around here – is there some kind of a dictionary of Gateway terms?
Network
A network is a group of 20 or more people who meet together regularly to serve their community, either at Gateway or in their neighborhood or a specific group of people in the city.
Life Group
A Life Group is a community of 7-15 people that meet together regularly to support, encourage and grow in their relationship with God and with each other. They meet either weekly or every other week in someone’s home or a restaurant to get to know one another and work through the spiritual growth path together.
Running Partner
No, we’re not that athletic. (Well, some of us are – but that’s not what we’re talking about.) This is our metaphor for two or three friends that do life together – meeting regularly to talk about their spiritual journey. Usually this works best when you and a couple of friends you know decide to be intentional about your relationship with God and use the running partner questions as a guide to encourage, be honest and hold one another accountable.
Way of Christ
This is what we call being intentional about spiritual growth or following Christ. In Gateway terms it includes loving God, building character, loving people and being the body.
Community
This is a group of people who do life together and have authentic relationships.
Connect
We’re forever telling you to get connected, right? As much as we believe life change happens in community it takes a decision on your part to step out, to show up, to engage with others – to connect with a Network and a Life Group. Take a risk. It may take some work to find your peeps – but keep showing up and engaging. That’s what we mean by “get connected.”
How do I become a “member” of Gateway?
We don’t have a traditional church membership. We’re not keeping attendance records. If you find community here and participate in the weekend services, a Network, and/or a Life Group – if you consider us your church home, we consider you a part of Gateway.
In an attempt to be culturally relevant, do you ever water-down the Bible?
No, God’s Word is our final authority. We never ignore truth because we want people to like us, but we do try to package truth within the language of our culture so that people can hear it in a way that makes sense and feels relevant to their lives. We use music, film and video that you might have seen online or have on your own playlist because we’re addressing the questions and thoughts already taking place in the cultural conversation. In our services, we hope you experience the message as much through the music and creative programming as through the speaker.
Why do you make such a big deal out of getting into a Network and a Life Group ?
Because we believe that’s where your life is going to change the most. That’s where you are going to grow. When you can get together regularly with the same group of people where you are known, loved, celebrated, and serve together, that’s when you are really experiencing church the way God intended it. You will miss out on the most exciting part of Gateway if you never serve with a Network or grow in a Life Group.
What denomination are you?
We’re not part of any denomination. And we’re not the only Christians, we’re just a body of people committed to being the church as described in the Bible. If you want to know what we believe, check out our statement of faith. We are, however, a member of the Willow Creek Association of churches, which is an inter-denominational organization of thousands of churches around the world who are committed to using innovative ways to connect people who are far from God with His love for them.
All decisions about our church are made by Gateway leaders, and all of our finances go towards Gateway ministries and our partners. All financial matters are overseen by a Board of Directors, and our financial books are open to anyone who inquires.
What do I wear?
Come as you are. We care about you — not what you wear.
Will you be asking for money?
We do give our offering every week, but it’s not for people who are checking out faith or the church. Gateway is supported financially by the people who have chosen to make it their church home. You won’t find us trying to squeeze cash out of you every time you walk through the door. Giving should never flow out of compulsion or guilt, but rather out of desire to love God and be a part of what He’s doing in and through the church.
What happens to the money people give?
Gateway is committed to being wise stewards of the financial gifts entrusted to us. Not only do we provide a facility and staff, we are committed to meeting needs in our community and around the world. Our books are open for anyone to view. You can make an appointment with our CFO, Sam_Amundsen@GatewayChurch.com.