How do I start to meet some people and get involved?
Come along on a Sunday or to one of our Cafe Church events. We also hold regular socials (most involved food which we do particularly well!) and we would love you to come along to one of these. Check out our events page for information on upcoming activities.
Why do church so unconventionally? What’s wrong with traditional church?
Absolutely nothing is wrong with traditional churches. People need to connect with God in places that meet their needs and speak their language, as well as places that will give them a strong foundation in faith. Unfortunately, ours is a generation that has abandoned traditional church. Every culture and generation must take the timeless truths of the Bible and seek to communicate them in a way that makes sense and is relevant to their lives. That’s what we hope you experience here.
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 life.
Why do you make such a big deal out of getting involed in a small 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 served, 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 don’t do this.
The service on Sunday seems to be focused on the basics of a relationship with God. How will I get fed spiritually and continue to grow deeper in my faith?
It’s true, the Sunday service tends to be geared towards people who are checking out faith or who are just taking first steps. That doesn’t mean that those who’ve been in a relationship with God for years aren’t going to get a lot out of the service. We deal with hard-hitting, everyday struggles and questions that we all face and see what the Bible has to say about those issues. We desire for everyone to grow deeper in their faith and relationship with God and provide other opportunities for that beyond our Sunday service. We have fortnightly prayer meetings that provide a time for us to spend some time worshipping through music, sharing stories about what God is doing among us, praying together and sharing communion together. We also encourage you to go to a small group where there will be opportunities for you to connect with people who will challenge you to go deeper.
What denomination are you?
We’re not part of any denomination. And we’re not the only Christians in Caerphilly. 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 a member of New Wine Cymru which is a coalition of Churches, leaders and ministries who share common values and want to partner together for the advance of the Kingdom of God in Wales.
What do I wear?
Come as you are. We care about you — not what you wear.
How much does it cost to go there?
Nothing. We do have an 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.