Gateway Church of Visalia
Annual Celebration 2025
Annual Celebration 2025 Matthew 28:16-20 Pastor Lance Ainsworth June 19th & June 22nd, 2025
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Thursday 6:45 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Introduction:
Matthew 28:16-20 NASB
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Distinguishing Characteristic #1 – The primacy of Jesus Christ in our life.
Distinguishing Characteristic #2 – Knowing Jesus through obedience.
Distinguishing Characteristic #2 – Knowing Jesus through obedience.
Moving closer to Jesus one step at a time.
Invite others in. 95 people went public with their faith in Jesus through water baptism.
Connect through relationships. 1,396 people connected in a group to study the Bible together this year.
Develop our purpose. 697 people used their gifts to serve God through GateWay this year.
Serve our community. We served our community by donating $370,000 to mission organizations, along with 3,250 pounds of food to Visalia Emergency Aid, 375 shoeboxes to Samaritan’s Purse, 500 backpacks to local schools, and 350 packs of school supplies for students.
Every number has a name, and every name has a testimony.
Special Guests:
Hope of Life International – Carlos Vargas & Henry Cordon
Iglesia Bautista Evangelica Zacapa – Pastor Nerry and Lourdes Milian
Hope of Life International – Carlos Vargas & Henry Cordon
Iglesia Bautista Evangelica Zacapa – Pastor Nerry and Lourdes Milian
Annual Celebration 2025
GateWay Church of Visalia
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Matthew 28:16-20
June 19
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: What do you think of when you hear the word disciple?
Read Aloud: Matt. 18:16-20
1. Why do you think some of the disciples still doubted, even after seeing the risen Jesus? What can we learn from that moment of honesty?
2. What does it mean that “all authority in heaven and on earth” has been given to Jesus? How should this shape the way we follow Him?
3. What are some practical ways we can “make disciples” in our everyday lives—at home, at work, or in our community?
4. Jesus calls us to baptize and teach obedience. Why do you think both are important for making disciples, not just one or the other?
5. How does Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” encourage or challenge you personally in your faith journey?
GateWay Church of Visalia
Pastor Lance Ainsworth, Matthew 28:16-20
June 19
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: What do you think of when you hear the word disciple?
Read Aloud: Matt. 18:16-20
1. Why do you think some of the disciples still doubted, even after seeing the risen Jesus? What can we learn from that moment of honesty?
2. What does it mean that “all authority in heaven and on earth” has been given to Jesus? How should this shape the way we follow Him?
3. What are some practical ways we can “make disciples” in our everyday lives—at home, at work, or in our community?
4. Jesus calls us to baptize and teach obedience. Why do you think both are important for making disciples, not just one or the other?
5. How does Jesus’ promise, “I am with you always,” encourage or challenge you personally in your faith journey?