LOCAL PASTORS CREATE A TRUE GATEWAY FOR THE COMMUNITY
JACKSONVILLE , FL - Two local pastors are looking at their ministry work a little differently . Their non-traditional views on community outreach have brought them together to transform the Gateway to Heaven Christian Church .
The Gateway to Heaven Christian Church is a 9-thousand square foot facility located in Gateway Shopping Center in Jacksonville , Florida . It is a unique outreach ministry designed to empower churches and their members through education and training . This unique approach is what distinguishes Gateway to Heaven Christian Church from more traditional churches .
The church focuses mainly on what Christ came on earth to do - to go where the people are . The Gateway Christian Church is not so much about a physical building , but more about people . This focus on ministry also de-emphasizes the importance of a building and drives its pastors to take their message into the communities they serve .
" We want to teach people how to change their life through education ," said Rev . Dr . Carlton Jones . " And , that education , first and foremost , begins with the Word of God ." The church strives to provide a true and deep understanding of the Bible ' s more complicated words and concepts . " No one talks about giving back your time as a way of serving God . We teach and use that ," Jones said .
Previously , The church ' s primary work - driven by the vision of Deacon James Bryant and his wife , Claudette - has been supporting exoffenders as they transition from prison back into the community . The church will continue to support exoffenders , but now it also includes efforts such as providing affordable housing , teaching financial literacy and building strong youth , family and married couples ministries .
Gateway to Heaven Christian Center Dr . Carlton Jones , Walter Johnson Jacksonville , Florida Summer 2013
CHRISTIAN CENTER
Jones met Walter Johnson when he was substituting as music director at First Baptist Church in St . Augustine where Jones also worshipped . It was here that the two fully realized their mutual passion for ministry and used that as a catalyst for the Gateway to Heaven Christian Church . Together , they are now co-pastors bringing their passion to life for the community they serve .
Jones may be best known as a developer , entrepreneur , publisher of The People ' s Advocate and managing partner of Gateway Town Center , he has also worked extensively with not-for-profit organizations and has been preaching for nearly 20 years .
Johnson , a retired pastor , previously worked for the Jacksonville Network for Strengthening Families , a city organization devoted to community building . He also served his community as an avid support of non-profit organizations .
Now , together these men are focusing on creating an educational gateway for the community - a place where peoples ' lives can find meaning and be transformed by better understanding the word of God and through service to their community .