Our Story
Gateway Church Cymru, originally called Aberaman Pentecostal Church, began in 1910 when a small group of people left Gwawr Chapel and held services in various homes across the Aberaman area.
In 1919 the evangelist Stephen Jeffries came to Aberaman and held a meeting at Libanus Chapel. Following this meeting the people decided to form a church, and purchased the Prince of Wales pub (known locally as the ‘Gin Palace’). This is still the present site of our church. As the numbers increased the building became too small. Between 1923 and 1926 the building was expanded with the work being carried out by the members, many of whom were miners and unemployed during the depression and 1926 strikes. In 1985 the church purchased the house next door, and built a minor hall and kitchen which opened in October 1986.
Previous Pastor’s include: Pastor Danny Davies, the first minister, up to 1954; Pastor E. Lee 1957-1960; Pastor Phelps 1960-1965; Pastor Cyril Chick 1965-1971; Pastor Ian Jennings 1972-1975; Pastor Henry Drabble 1975-1979; Pastor William Morgan 1980-1993; Pastor Chris Thomas 1995-2000; Pastor Colin Hurt 2005-2009 and Pastor Robert Baldwin 2010-2017.
Over the years, more than 40 members have taken up missionary work and pioneering new churches in the UK, Australia and America.
In October 2017 Luke Morgan became the Senior Pastor at Gateway. His heart is to see the promise that God has given the Church come to pass: "‘This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.’ Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies."Haggai 2:9 (MSG)
Our Vision
At Gateway Church Cymru, we see a future shaped by God’s promises.
We’re from a small place, but God has given us a significant name and called us to have a seismic impact.
1. A Church Of 1000 People.
Isaiah 60:22 NLT
[22] The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen."
2. Household Salvation.
Acts 16:29-32 NLT
[29] The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. [30] Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" [31] They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." [32] And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.
3. Forgiveness And Return.
Jeremiah 3:22 NLT
[22] "My wayward children," says the LORD, "come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts." "Yes, we're coming," the people reply, "for you are the LORD our God."
4. An Even More Glorious Future.
Haggai 2:9 MSG
[9] "'This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.' Decree of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies."
This is more than a vision for our church. It is an invitation for you to be part of it. Join us on this exciting God-given journey where we become what we believe by the power of God and for the glory of God.
Our Mission
We exist to lead people into an even more glorious future with Jesus.
We believe every person has a future that can only be found in Him. Our desire is to see lives changed by His presence, built on His Word, and empowered by His Spirit. Everything we do flows from that. It is why we Preach, Teach, and Reach.
1. Preach.
In every service, every ministry, and every part of life, we lift up the name of Jesus. We believe His message still changes hearts, restores hope, and brings new life.
Mark 16:15 NLT
[15] And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone."
2. Teach.
We’re a church built on God’s Word and led by His Spirit. As we learn from the Bible, pray, and walk together in community, we’re shaped into who God has called us to be.
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT
[19] "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
3. Reach.
We believe every believer has a part to play in God’s plan. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we equip and release people to make a difference wherever God places them.
Acts 1:8 NLT
[8] "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Our Values
Our values are the things we really care about. It’s important to us that these aren’t simply words on a website, but these are characteristics which are true of our church culture.
We Put Jesus First
Everything we do is about Him. We follow His example, trust His promises, and want others to know His love too.
Colossians 1:16 NLT
[16] …Everything was created through him and for him.
We Build Our Lives on the Bible
The Bible shows us how to live. It teaches us what’s true, helps us grow, and gives us strength for every season.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
[16] All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. [17] God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
We Pray Always
Prayer changes things. When we talk with God, He listens, moves in power, and gives us peace and direction.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
[6] Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
We Rely On The Holy Spirit
We need God’s Spirit every day. He gives us strength, guides us, and works through us to help others.
Galatians 5:25 NLT
[25] Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
We Care For People
Everyone is welcome here. We care for each other, support one another, and grow together as a church family.
John 13:34-35 NLT
[34] So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [35] Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
We All Have A Part To Play
God has given each of us something to offer. When we use our gifts and serve together, the whole church becomes stronger.
Ephesians 4:16 NLT
[16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
We Look To The Future
We believe God is still working. Whatever the past has looked like, we trust that what’s ahead will be even more glorious.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
[11] For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Our Beliefs
We invite you to explore our beliefs and join us in our pursuit of living out our faith in boldness and passion.
Life Of Jesus
We believe in the Virgin Birth, Sinless Life, Miraculous Ministry, Substitutionary Atoning Death, Bodily Resurrection, Triumphant Ascension and Abiding Intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His personal, visible, bodily return in power and glory as the blessed hope of all believers
Trinity
We believe in the unity of the One True and Living God who is the Eternal, Self-Existent “I AM”, Who has also revealed Himself as One being co-existing in three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The Bible
We believe that the Bible (i.e. the Old and New Testaments excluding the Apocrypha), is the inspired Word of God, the infallible, all sufficient rule for faith and practice.
Fall Of Man
We believe in the fall of man, who was created pure and upright, but fell by voluntary transgression.
Salvation Through Faith
We believe in salvation through faith in Christ, who, according to the Scriptures, died for our sins, was buried and was raised from the dead on the third day, and that through His Blood we have Redemption.
New Birth
This experience is also known as the new birth, and is an instantaneous and complete operation of the Holy Spirit upon initial faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism By Immersion In Water
We believe in both Water and Spirit baptism as essential and empowering aspects of the Christian experience.
Baptism In The Holy Spirit
We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an enduement of the believer with power for service, the essential, biblical evidence of which is the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
Gifts Of The Holy Spirit
We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of Christ in the Church today.
Holiness Of Life
We believe in holiness of life and conduct in obedience to the command of God.
Divine Healing
We believe that deliverance from sickness, by Divine Healing is provided for in the Atonement.
Breaking Of Bread
We believe that all who have truly repented and believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour should regularly participate in Breaking of Bread.
Resurrection Of All Who Truly Believe In Jesus Christ
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the everlasting conscious bliss of all who truly believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and the everlasting conscious punishment of all whose names are not written in the Book of Life.