There Is No Church Without U

On Saturday the 15th March 2003, over 100 people gathered at Temple Hill Community Hall, Dartford for the commissioning ceremony to celebrate the birth of Gateway Chapel.

One thing was sure though. Despite the number of people, despite the celebrations, despite the high hopes – we knew that reality would set in hours later. We knew that we would struggle to have a handful of people at the inaugural Sunday service a week later.

And how right were we?

Only 15 people showed up at the inaugural service. Those who had come to praise God and rejoice with us had to go back to their own churches – which meant that we were now on ‘our own’.

Fast forward 20 years later. 

We are now a church of thousands of members, made up of both in-person and online community. We are made up of over 25 different nationalities. We now have three locations – with our main campus in Erith, a campus in Medway and another in Lagos, Nigeria.

What a difference God has made!

The journey has not always been a joyride, but our God has been faithful. Ever since the first Sunday service of the church, we have had a roller-coaster ride in regards to our membership. There was a steady growth between 2003 and August 2006 when we moved into our new home, Camp David. Our attendance took a massive nosedive with an almost 20% drop. By November 2006 however, we saw a massive increase in membership and the thought of having a second service started. We eventually grew so much so, that a year later – we started three services. Like most churches, we had another hit on our numbers during the 2020 Pandemic and ensuing lockdowns. But since then, we have grown in numbers to the extent that we are going to be starting 3rd service at Camp David in September 2023.

Mission oriented – To deliver the gospel to every major city in the world through the power of media

Marketplace – To develop creative and dynamic professionals into urban missionaries representing Christ in every people and professional group through the power of mentoring

Mega church – To display influence by the strength of discipleship through the power of ministry

Eddie Iduoze is an author, entrepreneur and home business coach. He is also the founding pastor at Gateway Chapel.

Eddie is a John Maxwell Certified Team Coach who is passionate about developing people in business and stewarding them through different life experiences. 

He has a heart for people and uses his writings, seminars, coaching and mentoring programmes to push them into their purpose. 

Eddie is a husband and dad of two, but a father figure to many.

Bola Iduoze is a qualified accountant with over 18 years experience in the marketplace. She is also a home business entrepreneur and an associate pastor at Gateway Chapel, UK.

Over the years she has worked in various industries while successfully managing Citywall Associates Limited, a business consultancy firm she co-founded with her husband over 15 years ago.

Bola is a wife and mother, and an inspiration to many. She empowers others through her home business coaching and her weekly blog.

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