“Alone,” says Nirup Alphonse, pastor of LifeGate Church in Denver, “I can go faster, but together, we can go further.” Such is the philosophy that guides this church plant in Colorado. “If we don’t have a leader and a team,” Nirup continues, “we don’t do it.” Based on the premise that serving is the best way not just to contribute but to connect, LifeGate gets people involved right away. In addition to the five teams that manage the Sunday service, members support a variety of non-profits throughout the city, making connections in the process.
“Our goal has never been to start a ton of ministries,” says Nirup. “Instead, we ask, ‘Who in our city is doing great things?’” Through ministries sponsored by the Denver Dream Center, such as Adopt-a-Block and a prison ministry, as well as a local kickball league through an organization called Activ8, LifeGate members interact weekly with un-churched people who want to find out more about the church. In addition, they employ a wide range of marketing efforts. The approaches are working. Since the launch date on February 8, LifeGate has grown steadily, with 176 people attending the first Sunday, 200 the next week, and 250 at Easter. “We are so thankful for all the great ministry partners who support us through prayer and finances,” says Nirup, “as well as all the great leaders and people who serve.” To learn more about LifeGate’s progress, visit lifegatedenver.com.
