Your child is very important to us! The purpose of our youth ministry is to assist you in rearing your child for the Lord Jesus Christ. We seek to reach this goal through the following programs:

SUNDAY SCHOOL
A class setting where children are taught an understandable Bible lesson applicable to their daily lives by a loving, caring teacher

Our classes range from infants to the 6th grade. Each class is filled with children that are the age of your child, and every Bible lesson is applicable to their particular age group. In addition, all classes are designed to assist parents in raising their child to live for Jesus Christ.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH
A service designed on a child’s interest level that helps them worship God in spirit and in truth.

Gateway’s children’s churches provide children the opportunity to grow and learn to be like Jesus Christ every Sunday. The children’s services include a time of singing, object lessons, puppets, preaching of God’s Word, and a question time of review. There are also special promotions that take place with individual children’s churches throughout the year.

AWANA
A Wednesday night program designed for ages 3 to 12

The program is divided into 3 groups: CUBBIES (ages 3-4), SPARKIES (ages 5-2nd grade), & T&T (grades 3-6). AWANA is divided into four teams, and each child earns points for his team throughout the night at AWANA club. AWANA consists of Handbook time, Game time, and a Bible time. Used throughout our nation, the AWANA program helps inform, train, and equip children to serve God with their lives.

Handbook time is an opportunity for each child to learn as he works one-on-one with a qualified worker. This time includes memorizing Scripture, studying Bible truths, and learning biblical character.

Game time takes place on a giant AWANA game circle. There are literally hundreds of games that can be played throughout the year during game time. Some of the games include dodge ball, relay races, balance games, tug of war, and much, much more.

Finally, each division gathers together and listens to a relevant Bible message to challenge them to be and do more for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, clubbers are given the opportunity to make a personal decision for Christ.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)
A ten-week summer program to help challenge our young people to live for God throughout the summer

VBS is divided into three age groups and takes place in a decorated setting that compliments the theme of the program. A night at VBS can consist of adventure walks, outdoor activities, and indoor skits. Each night includes an opening assembly, game time, Bible lesson and challenge, snack time, and craft
time.

UPWARD SPORTS
A soccer and basketball sports program for boys and girls, K4-6th grade

Both soccer and basketball season take place on Gateway’s church property with teams in different divisions according to grade. Upward offers young people an opportunity to participate competitively in sports while learning truths from God’s Word. Following Upward’s philosophy that “every child is a winner,” each player gets equal playing time during the season. In addition to one practice and game each week, each child receives a player kit that includes a reversible jersey, Upward car magnet, and
various other items.

JUNIOR CHOIR
An opportunity for 3rd–6th graders to learn to sing praises to God with God-honoring music

Directed by Mr. Daniel Webster and Mrs. Tamela Hardison, Junior Choir meets every Wednesday evening at 3:30p.m. for practice. In addition, Gateway’s Junior Choir sings one Sunday night of every month. Presently, our Junior Choir is made up of about 35 juniors.

JUNIOR VISITATION
A program to equip children to be life-long soul-winners

Every Wednesday at 4:15 p.m., Jr. visitation begins with a preparation time to help equip our juniors to be able to talk with the lost one-on-one and be able to lead them to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Each group of juniors has one adult and usually contains 3 people. After visitation, we go to a fast-food restaurant for dinner together. The entire evening, our juniors are under adult supervision. Praise the Lord for several families who are now members of Gateway Church and were saved as a
result of Junior visitation.

JUNIOR ACTIVITIES
A chance for children to enjoy Christian fellowship

Each month Gateway has one youth activity for those in grades 3-6. Each activity consists of a spiritual challenge, tons of fun, and Christian fellowship. In addition, all activities are supervised by loving, caring adults who offer their time freely to help provide our young people with a wholesome Christian environment. Some of our activities include game night, laser tag, scavenger hunts, and much, much more.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Junior Camp (ages 8-12), Backyard Bible Clubs (all ages), Summer Day Camp (ages 4-12), and Children's Crusade (ages 3-12)