In the movie Lilo & Stitch, Ohana says, “Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” One of our goals for starting Gateway is to cultivate a family atmosphere. We have experienced much growth in the first two months, but we must think smaller. Our generation is labeled as independent, but still desires community. Our goal is that everyone get involved with two teams because people will leave if they do not feel a part or make friends. Here is our simple strategy:

1. “Get in” by joining a fellowship team
On April 27, we will paint a picture of what our teams will look like. Friends in our church will have an opportunity to join one of two different types of teams starting in May all over the Helotes and San Antonio area. This will only last for several weeks and will focus on managing our money better (Financial Peace University) or Spiritual Growth (Nooma). Long term, our desire for teams of same gender friends to form teams that are more organic because it will be the life blood of GFC.

2. “Get out” by joining a volunteer team
Being a volunteer twice a month helps us feel alive, gives us a reason to get up on a Sunday morning, help others, and an opportunity to make friends. This Sunday at 9:30 a.m. we will have our first volunteer orientation to hear more about our teams and take the tour. Any one interested in learning more needs to come and choose a team to try out for a couple of months.

My role as the lead pastor is to:
1. Create family at all costs in the d.n.a. of GFC church.
2. We are going to share our lives and families with people in our church by being authentic.
3. Realize it is not lights, intelligent, sound, screens. Those things compliment the ministry. People will not come back because of that. They come back if they feel cared for and they connect with friends. There are several churches that are doing the “show” much better than us, but we will be different because of our intentional focus on the family feel, relationships, and spiritual growth.
4. Leaders model stable marriage and family for those that don’t have it. Family is #2 priority after God. We must live it out loud.
5. I can’t build close relationships with everyone in our church. That is unfortunate, but life. These teams will be HUGE.