November 3, 2025
Fifty years ago, a young couple, Nick and Kathy Champlin, said yes to God. They didn’t have all the answers, but they had faith. They believed God could build a church where His presence would dwell, where lives would be changed, and where sons and daughters would discover who they really are in His family. From that, ‘yes’, Faith Christian Church was born, later becoming Gateway Christian Fellowship. And for fifty years, God has proven Himself faithful, again and again.
Pastor Nick tells this story, and you can view it here.
It’s essential to look back to see the fingerprints of grace. As one young husband and father said to me, “My favorite part was hearing the history. I never considered all the lives God has changed in this place. I needed to hear the history.” Prayers answered. Lives transformed. Marriages restored. Prodigals returning home. People are discovering that Jesus is more than enough. We see people who have carried the baton faithfully, generation after generation, running the race marked out before them. And now, that baton rests in our hands. This is our moment.
When I think about the next chapter of Gateway’s story, I hear three words echoing in my spirit, three words that capture who we are and who we’re becoming: Ekklesia. Doxa. Ekballo. They’re not just ancient words; they’re invitations and reminders to us that we’re not here to attend church; we’re here to be the church. What does that mean…to be the church? Here’s what I offer.
Ekklesia means “called out.” Jesus didn’t say, “I’ll build a nice place where people can feel good.” He said, “I’ll build my ekklesia”, a people with Kingdom authority, assembled for divine purposes. Gateway, we are not spectators in the stands; we’re runners in the race. We’ve been called out of convenience and called into a mission.
Doxa means “glory.” For fifty years, Gateway has been a house where the presence of God dwells. But we’re not settling for stories of what He used to do. We’re pressing in for more, more of His presence, more of His power, more of His transforming glory. Because when we behold Him, we’re changed. And the world around us is changed, too.
And then there’s Ekballo, a fierce word that means “to thrust out.” It’s the word Jesus used when He said, “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.” This is who we are: a sent people. We’re not waiting for the world to come to us; we’re going to them. From Egypt to our neighborhoods, from the nations to our own workplaces, God is thrusting us into His harvest fields.
So here we are, fifty years in, standing on the shoulders of those who’ve gone before us. The baton is in our hands. The race continues. And the Spirit is saying, “Run! Run with perseverance. Run with faith. Run with joy. Run together.” Because if you want to run fast, run alone, but if we're going to run far, run together.
Gateway, the next fifty years have begun. Let’s be His ekklesia. Let’s carry His doxa. Let’s live sent, ekballo, for the glory of God and the good of the world.
May the Lord Jesus and His peace be upon you!
GATEWAY EVENTS: Click here.
WHERE TO ENGAGE:
Gateway Groups (a community where you can experience, be family, and share the love of Jesus with others)
SUNDAY SERVICE:
Gateway’s 50th Celebration: Entire Service or Pastor Lance’s Message
CHURCH FINANCIAL REPORT:
Giving Report: (*weekly income needed $22,500)
November 2: Financial Office Closed This Week
November 9:
November 16:
November 23:
November 30:
Greater Things YTD 2025: $59,409.47
Current Mortgage Balance: $396,579.48
Click here to learn more about Greater Things (our accelerated mortgage elimination commitment) and participate.
Stay hopeful and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Transforming Lives Together,
Lance and Darlene Bane
Lead Pastor
Phone: 203-934-0880
Email: office@yourgateway.com