Empowering multi-generational Christ-followers to engage a ready world with the hope and joy of Christ.

To invite every not-yet-believer in Visalia to cross the threshold of GateWay to hear the Gospel of Christ.

Invite others in.
Connect in relationship.
Develop our gifts.
Serve the community.

The church began with an organization meeting in December, 1868. The members, led by Brother Stephen Riley (1868-1871), met in the courthouse. There were many financial difficulties for the next few years and the church went through a re-organization on May 17, 1903 and again on March 31, 1907.

A lot was purchased at the corner of Mineral King and Garden Street for $750 and on April 28, 1910 the church started construction on a new building. On February 12, 1911 the church was dedicated.

The church built a new facility and opened on April 17, 1958 at 1100 South Sowell Street. A new Worship Center complex was added and opened on September 11, 1991. The old sanctuary was remodeled into classrooms and a gym. In 2005, the church changed its name to Gateway Church of Visalia.

Pastor Ed Kemp came to be at Gateway in 2011 and strives to teach the ancient text of the Bible in a way that communicates 21st Century real life applications. Each Sunday, we ask ourselves the most important question "So What?! What difference does any of this make?” The answer to that question is discovered as we learn together the application of God’s Word to everyday life.

1. ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.  2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6, Proverbs 30:5

2. ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three personalities:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.  Genesis 1:1,26, 27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14

3. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  Matthew 1:22- 23, Isaiah 9:6,   John 1:1-5, John 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, Romans 1:3, 4, Acts 1:9-11, 1Timothy 6:14, 15, Titus 2:13

4. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved.  As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.  2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18

5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although  every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude  separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1, 2

6. ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting  in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.  When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in  faith we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus  Christ into his life by faith.   Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8, 9, John 14:6, 1:2,Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1

7. ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist externally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in  union with Him is eternal life.  Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal  existence. John 3:16, John 14:17, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:17-18, Revelation 20:15, 2 Corinthians 2:7-9