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NOTL CAMPUS

NOTL CAMPUS of NWC

  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus FAQs

  • What is happening?

  • This fall, Gateway Community Church will become the Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) Campus of Niagara Worship Centre.
  • The official merger date is September 20.
  • Niagara Worship Centre will be ONE Church in TWO locations, united by one vision: Preparing People for Eternity.

  • Why is this happening?

  • Gateway Community Church has faithfully served Niagara-on-the-Lake since 1998, including significant ministry to families, youth, and migrant workers.
  • After a period without a permanent pastor, Gateway’s leadership connected with Niagara Worship Centre through the PAOC District.
  • This transition creates an opportunity to continue and strengthen Gospel-centred ministry in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

  • Will the church have a new name?

  • Gateway Community Church will become Niagara Worship Centre’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus.
  • Both campuses will share the Niagara Worship Centre name, vision, values, and leadership.

  • What will happen to Gateway’s staff and board?

  • Gateway currently has no paid staff.
  • Gateway’s existing board will dissolve as part of the merger.
  • Gateway members, including current board members, will transfer their membership to Niagara Worship Centre.
  • Niagara Worship Centre will operate with one board serving (our existing board) for both campuses.

  • What will happen to Gateway’s finances and facilities?

  • Gateway does not own a building and has historically rented space for services.
  • The church has no debt and is in a healthy financial position.
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  • Where will the NOTL Campus meet?
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  • A launch location has not yet been confirmed.
  • Several rental options are being explored, including spaces previously used by Gateway.
  • Location details will be shared as soon as they are finalized.

  • Who will be the Pastor of the NOTL Campus?

  • Since we are ONE Church in TWO locations, Pastor Tim will continue to serve as the Lead Pastor.
  • Pastoral staff and campus ministry leaders will support the campus as it develops.

  • Who will preach at the NOTL Campus?

  • Services will use a hybrid preaching model.
  • Some Sundays will feature the same sermon shared live by video from the Niagara Falls campus.
  • Other Sundays will include live preaching at the NOTL Campus by other members of our team, such as: Pastor Mitch & Pastor Christine.
  • Pastor Tim will also preach in person at the NOTL Campus periodically, although he will be at our NF Campus the great majority of the time.

  • What will Sunday services look like?

  • Services will reflect the same heart, vision, values, and priorities as Niagara Worship Centre in Niagara Falls.
  • Live worship and children’s ministry will be part of the Sunday experience.
  • Both Niagara Worship Centre and existing Gateway volunteers will help build the campus teams.
  • Each campus will have its own local expression, so some practical differences will exist based on space, equipment, and available volunteers.

  • Will there be mid-week ministries in NOTL?

  • Mid-week ministries will not begin immediately.
  • The initial focus will be on building healthy, sustainable Sunday services.
  • Life groups, prayer gatherings, and other ministries will be developed over time.

  • Can NOTL attendees participate in ministries in Niagara Falls?

  • Yes.
  • The two campuses are one church, and members may participate in ministries offered at either location.
  • This includes young adults, youth, seniors, men’s, women’s, and other ministries that may initially be based in Niagara Falls.

  • Is the goal to duplicate every Niagara Falls ministry in NOTL?

  • In short - no.
  • The goal is to share the same vision, culture, and commitment to Jesus while allowing each campus to develop according to its local needs.
  • Both campuses will focus on preparing people for eternity, while acknowleding that each community will have unique needs, challenges & opportunities for ministry.

  • What is the long-term vision for the NOTL Campus?

  • The vision is for the campus to grow into a healthy, self-sustaining church with dedicated local leadership and ministry teams.
  • In time, the goal is to release the NOTL Campus as its own autonomous PAOC church.
  • The timeline is not fixed; the commitment is to serve Niagara-on-the-Lake faithfully for the long term.
  • This is also an opportunity to raise and release future pastors, worship leaders, children’s and youth leaders, evangelists, and other ministry leaders.

  • How can I be part of the launch team?

  • Individuals and families are invited to prayerfully consider committing to the NOTL Campus for one year.
  • The launch team will help establish key ministry areas, including first impressions, worship, children’s ministry, and more.
  • A commitment form (see below) and further details will be made available for those who feel led to take part. 
  • NOTL LAUNCH TEAM FORM