Upon arriving at Gateway Church, it's good to follow the signs that lead you to the parking lot. I parked in an area that I thought was up front (because it was very close to the entrance), but I ended up having to walk around to the back of the building to get to the entrance. It wasn't a long walk or anything, but I could've saved myself a few steps by paying attention. I decided to attend the 12:30 service (there are three on Sunday) because, quite frankly, it's nice to be able to sleep in and still make it to the morning service. There is a courtyard area where quite a few people had gathered and were talking. Upon entering the auditorium, it really feels more like a movie theater. There are large screens up front with a stage and stadium seating (with cup holders). People dress comfortably. I saw everything from your typical "church clothes" to people in jeans and even shorts. The atmosphere is very relaxed. On stage, there were band instruments and also some props that emphasized the theme of the sermon series, which was money. In fact, prior to the service starting, there was an old educational video about currency (the kind you used to see in school) running. It was interesting noting the preparation for the theme.
The music was very good. The band played contemporary Christian music. I'm starting to think you have to work really hard to find bad music at a church in Austin. This city is so full of musicians! After a few songs, announcements were made, the offering was taken up (with Seven Nation Army playing during that time - first time I've ever heard that song in a church service!). Strangely enough, I did a little research and found out the Seven Nation Army is what the writer of the song used to call the Salvation Army when he was a little kid. Who would've thought that song had anything to do with Christianity? You learn something new everyday!
The sermon was the fourth in a series on money. The series was called Ka-Ching-Onomics. Before I go into that, let me mention that during the taking up of the offering, there was a video with two guys talking about churches trying to get money out of people. It was pretty humorous, but also interesting. The point of the interaction was basically that one didn't have to feel obligated to give money if they didn't want. The pastor at Gateway, John Burke, delivered the sermon. John comes out in jeans (at least I seem to remember jeans - if not, maybe I put that in my head) and a simple shirt. He is very relaxed and personable. Listening to him talk is like sitting across the table at lunch and chit-chatting.
The entire sermon, which was about 35-40 minutes, was based on tithing. John said up front that some people may be offended at this teaching and he made it clear it was not his goal to get people to give out of guilt. From what I could tell, the entire series seemed to revolve around not letting your life be controlled by money and to have your priorities in order. John said people tithe for 4 reasons (with each reason being a "higher reason" than the previous). Guilt is the bottom motivator (and shouldn't be an appropriate reason to tithe). Second was to fill a need. People see a need and want to help out. Third was out of spiritual obedience. Last, and what John said it was his goal for people to give for, was love. Love for God. That was the basic sermon. Since the service was mostly preaching, I'll comment on the impression I got from his sermon.
First, I thought it was a gutsy sermon. For a church that has a reputation for being "seeker sensitive," John didn't pull any punches when preaching on one of the most difficult topics one can preach on. There is no doubt this sermon offended some. However, he felt God led him to preach it and he did. Second, John talked about his experience growing up and seeing television evangelists rise and fall and the corruption that was associated with them. He assured the congregation that Gateway has an "open book" policy and that anyone who wants to know where every penny goes is free to ask. He then talked about all the many ministries and activities going on at Gateway and laid out what percentage of money brought in goes to what ministry. Third, he issued a challenge. He challenged people to try tithing for three months. He said he was sure they would be blessed. He made a point to say, "This isn't God lotto." However, he believes God has promised to take care of those who tithe. He also said that if you try it and something disastrous happens, come to the church and they will bail you out! He also said if you weren't comfortable with Gateway or didn't trust them, tithe elsewhere. Give to another church you do trust. Last, John made it clear that visitors didn't need to feel obligated in any way to give. He recognized there are seekers among them and he felt it was more important they have an opportunity to learn about God.
In some ways, I felt like I had entered a private conversation between a pastor and his people. Listening him talk about all the many, many things Gateway was trying to accomplish was inspiring. I didn't get the impression he was bragging - in fact, he continued to tell the people, "This isn't mine. This is what you've done and are doing!" Listening and watching this unfold, looking at the bulletin given to me when I walked in and seeing all the activities going, I couldn't help but feel that being a part of this church is truly being a part of something bigger than yourself. I can't stress "action oriented" enough. They are doing something, not talking about it. They are moving forward, not making excuses. They believe in relationships and cultural relevance, not individuality and irrelevance. They are making an impact in people's lives through their many ministries, groups, teachings, and opportunities for service. If you want to be part of something big, this is a great place to dive in.
Stay tuned! As I said, I took in a second service this weekend at Austin City Church. I'll be posting about it very soon.
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