Gate 56 Ministry is a stepping stone between Rock Solid and Grove Student Ministries.
Gate 56 is for 5th and 6th graders
Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (hang out until 8:30)
Sunday, 10:30-11:45 a.m.
Gate 56 Ministry was birthed out of the tweener revolution. A revolution noticed, and maybe even created, by marketers who saw the huge potential in the 10 to 12 age range to influence their families’ purchasing habits! They saw a completely new demographic that is not into “child’s play” but not quite into the “teenage” sphere either. They saw a demographic in need of products and messaging uniquely created just for them. And let me tell you, boy have they ridden that discovery home to the bank! We as the church can not ignore this huge finding and need for a ministry that bridges the gap between childhood and “teendom” and its need for unique translation of scriptural truths.
The Gate 56 name bears the imagery of John 10:7, 9 which says, “Therefore Jesus said again, ‘Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep… 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.’” This is a very comforting passage spoken by Jesus, yet one that is surrounded by warnings of thieves and robbers that lurk, waiting for the opportunity to pounce. Jesus is the entrance point to the safety of the fold.
Gate 56 was created to be just that—a safe, transitional gateway wrapped in the love of Christ; a gateway that provides a place for tweeners to cross that barrier from childhood to teendom successfully. Our hope is to provide the students biblical teaching in a way they can understand, specifically addressing the changes they are going through. As well as hopefully fostering an environment where friendships can develop that will help carry them through these years.
I believe this is a wonderful ministry with a huge potential. We (the Gate 56 team and I) hope that you will support this endeavor by getting your students involved! We would love to have them!
