belong. believe. become

  • This Mission Statement meshes very well with our doctrinal beliefs in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition; stemming from Paul's writings to the church about the mission God in Christ has called to the Church to ( Rom. 8:29, Eph. 1:4, Gal. 4:19).

  • Each aspect of Gateway Church of the Nazarene’s ministry is aligned with the vision statement as we focus on the important and relevant.

  • Gateway’s core beliefs are in alignment with the global Church of the Nazarene, and are what is used to evaluate our programming, message, and activities.

BELONG

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELONG? BELONGING TO A GROUP, BELONGING AS A PART OF SOMETHING, BELONGING TO SOMETHING OR SOMEONE?

To belong means to be accepted just as we are (broken people) on the journey toward faith in Christ. To belong means to find community among like-minded people.

Finding community can mean finding that safe place where you can grow, learn, experience life, and become more like Jesus. It may look like joining one of the Sunday morning classes (aka Sunday School). It may be finding a group of Believers to hang out with during the week. Attending one of the many small-group Bible studies is yet another way to belong.

Sunday Morning Bible Classes

belong. believe. become

BELIEVE

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO LEAD US TO TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS. WE COME TO FAITH IN CHRIST AS WE RECOGNIZE THAT HE ALONE SAVES US AND WELCOMES US INTO THE FAMILY OF GOD.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2: 8-9

Having believed, and turned to Christ for the forgiveness of sin, we can utilize persons and materials to help us grow in the experience of saving faith in God. When we explore what we believe, we should daily read the Bible, ask trusted friends for guidance, and utilize study materials designed to instruct and inform.

The Church of the Nazarene is the largest denomination in the classical Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God, cleansing the heart from original sin and filling the individual with love for God and humankind.

belong. believe. become.

BECOME

THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS ENCOURAGE US TO BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST ON OUR FAITH JOURNEY. THAT IS WHAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS.

Connecting with a group, studying to understand what and why you believe, and participating in worship experiences, help us as we become followers of Jesus who live Christlike lives. This might look like partnering with someone who can mentor you, speaking with a Pastor about sanctification or baptism, or inquiring about where you can volunteer to help others grow, as you continue to become who Christ challenges you to be.