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OUR MISSION

GATEWAY Theological Institute exists to provide a “gateway” to credentialing and ministry within the larger EFCA movement. GATEWAY offers language-specific, practical and accessible theological training for pastors, equipping them for effective ministry in their current contexts. GATEWAY is designed for leaders who have a need for theological and pastoral training but lack the time and resources to access traditional seminary education.

OUR STORY

In the summer of 2006, the Urban & Intercultural Mission surveyed ethnic pastors in the EFCA. When asked what they needed most from the EFCA, the number one response was biblical and theological training. The GATEWAY Theological Institute is the EFCA’s answer to that request.

“The Lord is bringing the nations to the U.S., giving the EFCA the wonderful opportunity to expand its vision to reach all people. We need to provide accessible training for the increasing number of immigrant pastors who do not have access to preparation for EFCA credentials in their heart language. I am ecstatic that GATEWAY will soon meet this need!”
                                                                                              — William J. Hamel, President, EFCA

OUR DISTINCTIVES

• Language-specific - For many of our ethnic ministers, language is a significant barrier to licensing and ordination. GATEWAY will begin with classes in English and Spanish, adding other languages as needed.
• Credible - The theological training is focused on the EFCA doctrinal statement and theological mastery for ordination. The trainers will be EFCA-credentialed, seminary-trained pastors within our movement.
• Accessible - Classes will be offered where there is a sufficient cluster of students and where there is a pastor to serve as a teacher/mentor.
• Practical - GATEWAY will offer practical pastoral training. The curriculum will include preparation for credentialing, leadership development, family ministry, and discipleship.

OUR VALUES

• Life-Long Learning - One of GATEWAY’s core values is life-long learning. GATEWAY seeks to instill a passion and value for learning throughout all stages of life.
• Shared Resources - GATEWAY will develop partnerships with local churches to host the courses. We are seeking several large churches that will serve as champions for hosting and resourcing the training.
• Kingdom-Minded - While GATEWAY is an EFCA ministry, we also desire to be a blessing to the broader evangelical community. Where we can, both doctrinally and practically, we will develop strategic partnerships with ministries that share our mission of developing ethnic leaders. 

COSTS & BENEFITS

Since learning will take place while the student remains in ministry, learning will be both grounded and practical.  The student will not lose touch with his flock and will have opportunity to put the training immediately into practice.

There will be a minimal cost for the development of the training, and students will be responsible for travel to the training site and the cost of the course materials.

Please Note:

GATEWAY is an educational center, and as such, obtaining a certificate from GATEWAY IS NOT a license or ordination in the EFCA.  In order for a license or ordination in the EFCA to be obtained the applicant must apply to the regional EFCA District.

GATEWAY training is not recognized as an organization that can give an I-20 Student Visa status.
 
In admitting a student to GATEWAY we will make no inquiry as to the immigration status of any student.  We welcome all students with open arms but it is up to the student to settle their status with the immigration authorities.  A certificate from GATEWAY speaks of your training only.