Empowering multi-generational Christ-followers to engage a ready world with the hope and joy of Christ.

Moving closer to Jesus one step at a time.

Invite others in.
Connect in relationship.
Develop our gifts.
Serve the community.

For more than 150 years, Gateway Church of Visalia has been part of the story of faith and community in the Central Valley. Our journey began in January 1868, when First Baptist Church of Visalia was established. Through the years, the church experienced seasons of growth, change, and transition—including several moves and three periods when the church temporarily ceased meeting—before establishing a permanent home in 1909 under the leadership of Pastor Bliss.

As the church continued to grow, so did its vision for serving the community. In 1960, a new 631-seat worship building was completed under Pastor John Epp. During his years of leadership, the church experienced significant growth, with Pastor Guy and Patty Guthrie playing an important role in that season. Pastor Harold Meers later served as senior pastor and brought strong organizational leadership to the church. Before his retirement in 1998, Pastor Meers helped lead the church through the development of what would become our current worship center.

A significant chapter began in 2004, when the church developed a new mission and vision under the leadership of Dr. David Miller. First Baptist Church of Visalia became Gateway Church of Visalia, transitioned from the ABC-USA, and became a non-denominational church affiliated with Transformation Ministries, now known as Aspire Network.

In 2011, Pastor Ed Kemp became senior pastor and challenged Gateway to “invite every not-yet believer to cross the threshold of Gateway Church to hear the Gospel.” During his leadership, Gateway continued to grow and expand its facilities, including updates to the Preschool and Children’s buildings, the addition of the Café and lobby space, and the development of our outdoor Quad.

Following Pastor Ed’s retirement in 2023, Pastor Lance Ainsworth was appointed to lead Gateway into its next chapter. Today, our vision is to move closer to Jesus one step at a time.

Our story is still being written. After more than 150 years of God’s faithfulness, we are grateful for those who came before us and excited about what God will continue to do through Gateway Church of Visalia. We have the privilege of carrying this legacy forward—making disciples, serving our community, and helping people take their next step toward Jesus.

1. ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us.  It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit.  It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living.  Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.  2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 1:13, Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6, Proverbs 30:5

2. ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe.  He has eternally existed in three persons:  the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  These three are co-equal and are one God.  Genesis 1:1,26, 27; 3:22, Psalm 90:2, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Corinthians 13:14

3. ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is co-equal with the Father.  Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross.  He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death.  He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.  Matthew 1:22- 23, Isaiah 9:6,   John 1:1-5, John 14:10-30, Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, Romans 1:3, 4, Acts 1:9-11, 1Timothy 6:14, 15, Titus 2:13

4. ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God.  He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation.  He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.  He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved.  As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.  2 Corinthians 3:17, John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:18

5. ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although  every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude  separates people from God and causes many problems in life. Genesis 1:27, Psalm 8:3-6, Isaiah 53:6a, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:1, 2

6. ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting  in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.  When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in  faith we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus  Christ into his life by faith.   Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8, 9, John 14:6, 1:2,Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26, Romans 5:1

7. ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever.  We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell.  To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal  existence. John 3:16, John 14:17, Romans 6:23, Romans 8:17-18, Revelation 20:15, 2 Corinthians 2:7-9