What can I expect for my first visit?

Visiting any church, for the very first time can be a tough experience. Where to go? What to wear? What time to show up? What’s here for my kids? What can I expect? These and many more questions surface. Well, we want to put you at ease. Your first visit to Gateway Baptist will be refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable for your whole family. We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where you feel welcome and “at home”! Here are a few answers to your questions and what you might expect on your first visit.

Where do I park?

Ample and convenient parking is available for all visitors in the main car park for Building A &B.  Once you exit your car, simply follow the blue church signs up the covered foot path. We also have parking spots designated for the elderly and handicapped. These spaces are located in front of the Building A.  Also for the elderly and handicapped, there is a lift to bring you to Level 1 where we meet.

What is the difference between your Family Bible Study and Morning Service?

Family Bible Study – 10:00 a.m. to 10.45 a.m.

Currently, we have 3 studies: one for teens and adults, one for ages 7 and up, and one for ages 6 and under. These are smaller group settings where you are invited to meet people, enjoy perhaps some coffee, and hear a teaching lesson more directly applicable to your life situation. The best way to get to know people at Gateway Baptist Church is to visit one of these Family Bible Studies.   As Gateway grows, we will be adding more study groups.

Morning Service – 11:15 a.m.

Then at 11:15 a.m. we meet in room 34 for our Morning Service where we enjoy the beautiful and inspiring music. The music is always followed by a clear, helpful, and challenging Bible message from Pastor. This service is a little over one hour in length. You can expect the following order of service on most Sundays.

• Our pianist will play uplifting prelude music before the Service begins, then the Song leader will invite the congregation to sing some inspiring songs and hymns.
• Occasionally, we will pause for a brief time to shake hands and welcome one another.
• We are a church that believes in prayer. Throughout the service, prayers are led by different men. Some of these prayers deal with the needs and requests of our church family and friends, while others simply praise and thank God for His goodness and faithfulness.
• One of our pastors will make any necessary announcements and ask the ushers to receive the offering. We do not expect our guests to give in the offering.
• After the offering, we will sing another song and the children 4 & under will be dismissed to Children’s Church.  This is a time of singing, crafts, and a Bible story for their age level.
• After this you will be challenged by the clear, relevant and practical Bible message of our Pastor.
• At the conclusion of the service, the Pastor will sometimes give an invitation or an “altar call” or invite those with questions or needs to come see him following the service. This gives opportunity for those who have made decisions during the service to come forward for a special time of prayer if they would like to do so or to see the pastor in private.

What is there for my children?

At Gateway, we truly believe that “children are an heritage of the Lord”. (Psalm 127:3)  Each child is a precious gift from God to their families.  Every Sunday, we have a children’s Sunday school at 10:00 A.M. and a children’s church for ages 4 & under at 11:15 A.M.  The Sunday School and Children’s church are fun, friendly, and Bible-centred classes.  These classes are staffed with trained, friendly, and well-qualified teachers and helpers who will make church exciting and memorable for your child.

What if I forgot my Bible?

Bibles are available at the Welcome Table for you to borrow for the service.  If you do not own a Bible, please see Pastor.

Do you have services at different times?

Yes. We have a Sunday evening service (completely different from Sunday morning) that begins at 6:00 p.m. Again, in this service you’ll enjoy the music as well as a challenging and helpful message from Pastor. We also meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. for a mid-week Bible studies and prayer time.

How should I dress?

Everyone is welcome at Gateway Baptist Church. While many of our members dress up a little for church, there is no formal dress code. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional “Sunday” dress. However, please know that we are glad you are here, however you come. We believe that God is interested in our hearts first and foremost.

Am I expected to participate in the offering?

No. We don’t invite you to Gateway Baptist Church for your money! We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God’s Word, and a place where you can grow in God’s grace. Please don’t feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest no-one here will ever compel you to give. All giving is voluntary and is used to support the church and its ministries.  We give because we want to, not because we have to. We see our giving as something we do for the Lord.  We do not expect our visitors to give, but if you want to be a part of giving you are welcome to do so.

Any other Questions?

If there’s something we missed on this list, just give us a call, or ask someone when you arrive. Whether you’re new to the area and looking for a church home, or if it’s been a long time since you’ve attended church at all, we hope your first visit at Gateway Baptist will be uplifting and encouraging! We exist to serve you and your family, and we are looking forward to meeting you personally. We hope you’ll feel right at home from the very first moment you step onto our campus! Let us know how we can serve you better, and we hope to meet you this Sunday!