It's been one solid year now, and GATEWAY has officially become our church home!!! We love coming to Gateway because they open their doors with a welcoming heart and a no-judgment approach. Heck, it's even their church motto, "no perfect people allowed". I'm personally drawn to sermons that pair Scripture with practical, everyday applications and personal stories, and their pastors deliver every single time. Though we started at the South campus location, we've been branching out to the other locations to switch things up. We've seen Carlos (senior pastor of Gateway) and the North campus several times on screen, but unfortunately never in person, so we decided to take a little road trip. Campus size, HUGE. Production, HUGE. Number of churchgoers, you can guess what my answer is. While we were unable to catch Carlos this time, we had the pleasure of Justin, executive pastor preaching to us instead. We're looking forward to our next trip! read more

I'm sure this church is doing a lot of good work, but I left with some concerns. The sermon focused heavily on being mindful of our behavior outside of church because people--especially younger generations--are watching us. We were encouraged to be intentional about how we speak, act, and even how we treat people in everyday situations. What we do can easily turn a young mind away from Christ. That message made the music choices particularly concerning to me. Secular music was playing when we walked in, and immediately after the sermon, as we were leaving, Beyoncé was playing while we were being encouraged to stay for a children's event. Given the very intentional message about what influences we expose ourselves and our children to, I found that contradiction difficult to understand. There is so much excellent Christian music available that I found it surprising that a church would choose secular music, particularly music from an artist whose imagery and spiritual themes may be concerning to some Christian families. Beyonce in particular is well known for her anti-Christian beliefs, satanic imagery, and the obvious provocative displays. Not someone a church should promote even if you do like her music in private. I recognize that others may have a very different perspective on this, and perhaps this was simply an oversight or an indication that the church is more liberal-minded than I realized. For me personally, though, these details matter. In an age when children are constantly exposed to competing, and demonic, messages and influences, I believe churches should be especially intentional about what they normalize and promote. Because of this, I don't think this is the church for me, but I wanted to share my experience for others who may have similar concerns. The sermon was otherwise fine. read more

Come as you are UNLESS you ask questions, don't quickly change to become what they expect or accept, are gay, are ok with people being questioning leaders. They will judge you and dismiss you unless you quickly believe what they believe without questioning. If you do question they tell you that you will understand when you are not a "baby Christian". They are interested in their size, attendance, number of buildings and most of all your money to keep them going and growing. My God is far more kind and less judgmental than these people. read more

This is a beautiful church with truly beautiful people that is non denominational and CHRISTIAN. Nobody speaks of any politics or preference and Pastor Carlos and the entire team are truly genuine and REAL. This is not evangelical yet it has beautiful songs and moving interactive services. Very unique and fun church for all ages!!! Join a group/class.. those have changed my life! read more

See all

We heard about the church while we're living in Virginia and about the book 'No perfect people allowed" so when we moved to Texas we visited. We wanted to get more involved so we went a small group in Cedar Park for a while. I also worked with a young fellow who attended the church. Then we interacted with members on Facebook . The common thread is that they HATE. Not brown people , not poor people but Republicans. I don't remember any of them calling attention to Jesus . No room for anyone of different viewpoints. It's an "us" versus "them" hotbed. . So much for "no perfect people ... emphasis on the word ALLOWED since they no doubt run everyone else off. One of their "members" Nancy even said on FB that NO Christian SHOULD honor Charlie Kirk. I'm sure it's a wonderful place if you believe there should be only one political party in the US. .... Something about the culture there since it's the common denominator , Right ? If it's a root level ground swell of members so be it ... but if it's a top down thing : James 3:1-12 Amplified Bible (AMP) Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. read more

I've been visiting churches around the South Austin area. And so far this is my favorite one. I enjoyed the praise and worship along with the space that's in this church. Didn't feel cramped at all. The sermon was pretty good the only issue was they were on a screen filming from another location. I just prefer the speaker in person. Hopefully when I go back there is an in person sermon. read more

I can't say enough about this church! We were new to Austin a few years back and was searching for a "come as you are" church and my Google search recommended this place. The environment is welcoming, with no awkward pressure to do anything. We were just spectators for a long time while just exploring faith. Eventually I started to serve and get more involved. God is good and this church has helped me in my spiritual growth. read more

It's just impersonal. Which sadly, is increasingly looking to be par for the course these days--I have been visiting churches in the area. When it comes to Sunday morning worship, they do seem to have all their ducks in a row. But not much else. I tried multiple times to connect, but only got automated or mass group responses back. Was never connected to a small group, after I asked specifically that. I even got officially invited to their Newcomers' class--AFTER I had just attended it. They sure remembered me, I see. A church is supposed to be a community of believers, iron sharpening iron...but at Gateway, it's just walk in on Sunday, sit for one hour...out. Have lunch by yourself. Thank you for coming. read more

Amazing community! Been part of various campuses at this multi-site church for about 6 years now, and truly love this place. If you're looking for a genuine, messy, and REAL community of people walking out faith and life, this is your place. read more

Worship is incredible. Some of the greeters have said things to my husband and I that were strange.

This place has got Austin style - The first time I walked in, they were playing Alanis Morisette on stage, the people were in flip-flops and jeans, and everyone had food & coffee in hand. (Read: free coffee & food & Movie/stadium seating with cup holders) They've also got a LOT to do with the creative arts. Expect to see your favorite live music, dramas, short films, dance, pop art, poetry slams, clips from popular sitcoms, swingin' stage design, and cool graphics....I think the venue has been used for some SXSW events? (Btw, they've got groups for all things creative - I think they're always looking for new talent. So if you're looking to jam out w/ your gifts, jump on board.) Anyway, the motto is "No perfect people allowed" - (So NOT what I expected when I heard the word "church"....) and they mean it. It's a come-one-come-all-no-matter-where-you're-at kind of place. No one's expected to "have it all together" (not even the guys talking on stage). No facades, no lies, just life. And if you've got doubts....bring em. They're welcome - and so are you. read more

See all

My first thought God is amazing, my Journey in Texas has been rough but thanks to Gateway church its become uplifting. I thank God for putting my Gateway family in my life. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who feel they want to fulfill an empty space in their life. I have been able to meet and serve with so awesome people because of Gateway church. read more

This was a good "get back into church" church for my family. I really enjoyed the messages when I first started attending and felt myself growing in my faith. The kids area was awesome and my daughter always had a nice time it was a bummer they didn't take kids under 2 so my youngest just stayed home with dad. The worship music is ok a little better at times. I think I started to feel disconnected when it was political season and they would make references that didn't sit good with me. After Easter season I feel like the series started getting kinda off and turned more into lectures. I haven't been the biggest fan of my daughter still having to wear a mask but understood for the time being. They recently just stated they would have different sections for vaccinated and unvaccinated and that's when I felt it may be time to move on, as I feel church should be bringing people together and not making people feel different and more apart. I will be grateful that this church got me back into faith and I've realized it's ok to outgrow places and find what works best for your beliefs and family. read more

Come as you are! This is a wonderful and welcoming community! The people here are so loving and non judgmental. The pastors are great at giving thought provoking messages to help you grow in your faith wherever you may be. read more

My sister attended this church and was pretty involved as a volunteer and when she was dying no one even called to speak to her and offer her, or the family, any pastoring. If you want music and evangelism then go here. If you want someone to care about YOU, don't. read more

I met with John Burke- lead pastor of Gateway-yesterday, as he wanted to hear me out on the topic I presented above. To paraphrase him, he indicated it's not the goal of Gateway to pursue 'Diversity'; their goal is to pursue a culture of inclusiveness......regardless of race or ethnic background. I take John at his word. Now, I still have concerns. Why? My concern remains in that Gateway does have a pastor, on staff, and in a prominent position, that does -AT PRESENT- define diversity by a quantitative measure of having more racial variance in the congregation. I emphasized the 'at present' because John indicated that he is working with this particular pastor on this. I've decided that rather than to go to a different church, or go back to Gateway, I'm going to do two things, and see where they go: 1.) Let Gateway, be Gateway, and see where things turn out somewhere down the road; 2.) Use the time to actually open up and study the Bible and be more educated about my faith. (TO the latter, John, at my request, did forward some information to me to aid in that pursuit.) Thanks to John Burke. read more

I've been here a couple times... and I'm thinking of rating churches more often. You see, here's the thing. A church, no matter what kind of church, should have it's main religious entity at the center. The church should also be welcoming and able to accommodate people who haven't been to church before, or in a very long time. I took a year off, so I'm visiting churches with a new perspective. The show is on at this church! And Jesus Christ really doesn't seem to be at the center. It starts off with a countdown to "worship" instead of just... starting? Call me crazy, but a countdown is a little cheesy. And when the worship starts, you're supposed to focus on God while there are bright shining lights in your face. And singing songs that you don't know because they've written them. So that's a little awkward because you're just standing there listening to "bottled" songs. The same words. In different orders. As far as the teaching goes, definitely good. It was Bible based. And although he skipped around a bit, which made it hard to follow, it was good. I learned some things, and the speaker had a great way of teaching people. I will say the timing and segment was exactly the same both times. 3 songs, 2 people telling you "church happenings," a video or 2, then another song, and teaching. They've got it down to a T. Anyway, this church looks like all the other "mainstream" churches with coffee, music, everything being timed/scripted, and cold to the general public. If that's your scene, go for it! read more

I used to go to this church, but moved wayyyy down south. I know there is another one closer to me but I haven't checked it out yet. I'm not sure why people are giving this church bad reviews because it's not conservative enough for them. It's certainly a different type of church, not your run-of-the-mill kneeling and hymn singing joint. If it's not your cup of tea in that aspect, wouldn't you just chalk it up to your own preferences? Would you go to a french restaurant and get super pissed because they don't serve Pad Thai?? Some of us grew up with churches that claimed to be holier than thou, but were in fact as corrupt as a politician's private life. And seriously, Thank God I found this place. It made me realize that there is a place for everyone. It's full of grace and the sermons are funny to boot. It helps you get through this thing called life. I totally get how some people think it may be too "produced". It does feel like a production of Chicago sometimes. I convinced my non-church-going boyfriend to accompany me one Easter, and almost the whole service was a musical. The horrified look on his face was priceless!! People really dig the Christian rock music though. I just can't get into it, but that's me. Church is meant to help people. It's meant to give you the tools to live a good life. It helps you deal with your demons. No matter what church it is, if it has helped even a hand-full of people, that deserves 5 stars in itself. read more

I stopped going to church after high school, almost 20 years ago. When living in Charlotte, NC I tried a few places and never felt totally comfortable. I moved to Austin a few years ago and decided to search out a church here. I can't remember how I happened upon Gateway, but it was the first place I tried and I'm so glad I did. "Come as you are" doesn't just mean how you are dressed, but also where you are in your relationship with God. I had and continue to have questions about my faith. Gateway is the first church where some of those questions have been answered and the first one where I didn't feel like I had to have it all figured out. The Sunday morning services are great if you want a service that speaks to you and your everyday life. The "Deepen" services on Sunday evening seems to be more of what you might expect out of a traditional service. If you need a bible study, check out one of the small groups. At the very least check out their website, go to a service on Sunday morning. Gateway has turned this skeptic into someone who enjoys working on her relationship with Christ. A few words about the music. No typical church hymns and sometimes it can be a little loud, but everyone worships in his or her own way. read more

I was raised an atheist, I've been to churches previously as part of a relationship. All kinds of churches. Now, for a variety of reasons I'm questioning and doubting many things. I've done a fair bit of meditating, which I recommend, but I realized I need something else. I choose gateway because a number of people I know spoke highly of it and it's gets great yelp reviews. (Thanks again yelp!ers). This is a spiritual, very warm, and very open community. The services I find incredibly touching and moving. It is very modern church, but the cross and the gospel are still central to it. I'm not a "believer" yet I feel welcome here. The tag line, "come as you are" is very true. The good Friday and Easter services touched me deeply. read more

Another great church in the Austin area. Dive in, get involved. Your life depends on it.

I've visited the past two Sundays, and while I will finish attending their current sermon series, I doubt I'll return and become a regular. The pastor is a talented orator and uses scripture throughout his message, which I like a lot. He is currently tackling a normally taboo church subject, which I greatly admire him for. The problem is the lighting in the church service gives me a headache. They use these obnoxious neon back lights, trying to look like a rock show, even during the sermon, and they trigger my migraines, regardless of where I sit in the auditorium. I'd recommend they rethink their light and audio. One last thought, this isn't a particularly diverse congregation. In a city the size of Austin and as diverse as it usually is, it makes me wonder why..... read more

I LOVE this church. I grew up Luthren, then Baptist, a little 7th day Adventist and eventually what was nearby only on holidays. I knew it was good for me to go so I'd try to sit still, listen & not let my mind wander but I always had a hard time getting much from it. I couldn't really hear the message or maybe I wasn't truly looking to at the time. I started feeling like church was just a bunch of different Pastor's opinions and how was I to know which one was right? I thought maybe I needed to find my own opinion, my own truth, and started reading the bible. You shall seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 Gateway is the first church I've gone to where I can actually hear what they are saying. I can hear God. The messages are straight from the bible, the testimonies always put tears in my eyes & the whole place is filled with such joy for Jesus it's overwhelmingly wonderful. As soon as I walk through the auditorium doors I can feel good in the air. The kind of "good" you want to be a part of and share with everyone. I don't sing, but listening to the music here makes me want to jump up on stage myself and join in:). read more

I am totally SO disappointed with Gateway Church. I have been going to Gateway Church now for six years and what once was a spirit filled meeting has become a study in philosophy. I felt like I was attending a philosophy class than a worship service. Seems to me that Gateway is confused in what they are. What are you Gateway?? Are you Christian, Buddist, Muslim, Hindu... what do you believe? Seems to me you have no clue. I am SO disappointed in this outcome. I really liked John Burke but his last service was pathetic and confusing boring and left me really unnerved. Also, kids Quest has some definite issues there. The lady who was in care of my 21 month old looked at me like some stranger when I came to pick up my child like she wasn't going to release my child to me. All in all it was a terrible experience. I wouldn't leave my child with your group no longer. It is so sad. I truly was a big supportter of Gateway and it saddens me because now I have to search for another group. I guess Shoreline will be my next stop. Thanks but no thanks! read more

My husband & I have been in search for a church that preaches directly from the bible & believes in all the gifts of the holt spirit. When I came to this church, it was our last hope. (We have been to 6+ churches in the last year) the people there greeted us with a warm welcome, & made us feel at home. He preached directly from the bible, didn't sugar coat a thing. Which is very big to me! He was doing a series on understanding the Old Testament. (Which is very helpful for those who are super confused with it) The only thing I didn't like was that worship was super short. I LOVE worship, it's my favorite part of church. Just you & God connecting through music, but it only lasted for 10 minutes! Make the services longer if you have to! I enjoy this church & feel Gods presence, just wish they would extend worship for 10 more minutes. Other than that, great place! The Holy Spirit dwells in that place! read more

Well as you have read in other reviews, Gateway is a different kind of church. Thus the disparity in the reviews stems from that. Are you a traditional Orthodox or Catholic churchgoer? Are you a brand new Christ follower? Are you trying to find your way back to God? Depending on your answers will let you know whether Gateway is for you. For me I'm the raised Catholic trying to reconnect with God type. Gateway was good for me in that aspect. Its sermons are laid back (occasionally you have to ask yourself how does the discussion tie into the Bible). But that's what I needed. I wouldn't have found my way back if I had tried to go back to a Catholic Mass, with all the "Amens" on cue and other genuflecting that comes with it. "Come as You are" You'll hear it over and over in these reviews and if you attend a service. We're all at differents points in our lives with respect to our relationship with God. That's why Gateway is good. It allows you to grow no matter where you start at. A little advice: Don't just attend service on Sunday. You'll get more out of it if you get involved and are not just passive. I've only recently discovered this after being a passive attendee for four years. So are you looking for a no pressure laid back environment with cool music, cool people, who love you no matter what? Then this is the place for you. If you like the more traditional type of service with the ceremonies and rituals along with traditional hymns, then Gateway probably won't be for you. So while you read these reviews keep that in mind. This type of church isn't for everyone. But if it is the kind you're looking for then come on in. you won't regret it read more

Wow!!! Krispy Kreame and Starbucks opened a Church and they called it Gateway. :) I told that joke to the Worship Pastor who used to be the bass player in Sixpence none the richer and Plumb. This was my church home but its way too north for me to be driving from the big city of Kyle. I also know the Realtor who sold the land to Gateway. This place is very cool. This is also a "come as you are" church. If I lived further north, this would be my church home. Check it out.. grab some free Starbucks and Krispy Kreames. (Then you will get the joke about Starbuck and Krispy Kreame opening a church. hehehe) read more

I have been going to Gateway Community Church for a little over 7 years and I'm so thankful for this community of people that have rallied around me in some of the most trying times of my life. For the first two years I set back watched and listened to Sunday services. Every time I go the message speaks to me in away that I thought the message was meant just for me. Come to find out I wasn't alone in how I felt and as I started connecting with others at Gateway, God showed me that I'm not alone. I have seen the changes & challenges that Gateway has gone through for the past 7 years and it wasn't always done perfect, but the church leaders are always looking to God on how to create an atmosphere of authenticity & reality that we are not perfect and that's why Jesus died on the Cross for our sins, so that we can have a relationship with him. To admit that you don't always get it right the first time, second time ect. is very commendable to me and that's why we have to get back up and try again. I'm now very involved at Gateway & love what their doing to help the broken hearts of people all over the world. I'm very thankful for them helping me to mend my broken heart back to a feeling of wholeness. Thank you God for leading me to Gateway! Amanda Miller read more

Gateway Community Church - Churches Near Me - Austin, Texas

Inspiring, uplifting, and non-threatening. The Gateway pastors, team and staff are truly passionate and compasisonate. I grew up Lutheran MO synod, where you were told you were going to burn in hell and the standard non-unique red hymnal worship literacy and hymns would put anyone to sleep. Im sorry if I offend, its still meaningful, bible based God fearing style of worship, but oafter 26 years of it I was burnt out and working for the church not on my own spiritual grown and relationship with God. That got me on some wrong paths. I moved to Austin and hear Gateway commercial on 101X in late 1999, I started to attend services in early 2000 at the theater off 290, then the Red Lion then the Synagog off Bull Creek, and was rejuvenated by what I felt, heard, saw and experienced. Some folks think that this is the 'cool' church that offers coffee plays rock or covers hits and has a come as you are, flip-floppy, shorts atmosphere, ....and to some or most that is the way it si and thats fine....but its still about the connection, bible believing God fearing nondenominational Christian principles and the impact that Gate way has on individuals thru the day, week and years, and the community...but the most important thing is STILL....you and your relationship with God...not the band or the coffee drinkers....those relationships will flourish only after you get right and reconnect realign yourself with the Lord God Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and invisible. Check out the Gateway at gatewaychurch.com, listen to the messages by John burke (lead Pastor) on "why you should believe" and "is God real"....for starters....then rock out to Jacob and the band.... John is motivating and inspiring a true patriot warrior of god and his Family are jems....blessing from God...Thank you Beau read more

I have an incredibly diverse background in religion that opened my heart to different believes including none Christian religions. In trying to understand it all and learn or fit in, Gateway is the place that spoke to me. It's large and intimidating but their come as you are mentality is very welcoming. You can walk in, sit anywhere you would like, sit back and enjoy a relatable to all message that will inspire you to seek more. They're sense of relationships, community and serving is a next step my husband and I are exploring and we look forward to growing spiritually. We love their online option for the "one of those days" you're not able to physically attend, although I know friends who have moved and this is how they stay connected and informed. Their app is pretty awesome too! Lots of resourceful tools and information. All the pastors are so inspiring and use everyday examples that are relatable for reflection. I love going to Gateway! read more

Give this place a try!! This place is HUGE, with plenty of parking!! The inside is gorgeous, modern, and inviting, with something for everyone! It's big enough you can blend in, but if you're looking to connect there are plenty of options. The music is chill evoking, and the sermons hit it out of the park. It is truly a place that meets you where you are in your journey! read more

I just love this church because you're allowed to experience God the way you see fit. It's not a church that is super pushy or even very traditional. They make you feel welcome, whether you're the highest saint, or the lowest sinner. Which is often taught, but rarely practiced in most churches I've grown up with. I also like the option to watch online when i can't make it to church. As someone who grew up in the church, this is the first church in a long time that i actually like to attend. I've seen a lot of "religious" services in my lifetime, but this place is really different. They truly encourage a relationship with God, which is & should be personal. No 2 humans are the same, & neither are our walks with God. They simply give you tools & help guide you down your path if you should need help. read more

This is a nice church that gives free coffee and has a nice praise band..unfortunately, it does not appear to have a full-time pastor. The few times I have visited, I've noticed it's a committee of guys speaking. Very nice people overall. read more

As a gay woman I was so excited to find a church that is accepting of me for who I am. I grew up believing in God and I try to serve him everyday. I have been to Sunday Services twice everything was great at first. I went to a social event last night that was associated with the church. For the most part everyone was very open and not judgmental. Towards the end of the evening one member came up to me. And basically said being gay is a sin. I was so disappointed I have been looking for a church for so long. I personally believe God died for our sins. My God is love in every aspect. I don't care if you're gay straight black orange a murderer or a drug addict if you love God and you're trying to better your life that's all that should matter. read more

The leadership at Gateway is committed to helping people experience the life they were meant to lead. This place is an amazing place for people of all backgrounds to seek something spiritual and explore their God given potential. I highly recommend it. read more

My band Chaney plays here all the time and we love this place! read more

Gateway Community Church - CHANEY band @ Gateway - Churches Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Since I moved close to the area, me & my friend decided to try this church. The music... worship music was simply awful. I might had a higher expectation but the music they played was like a rock style. Top of that hardly no one was singing along with the band. Well, the gal who was singing had way too high tone & the guy who was singing had way too low tone. But even so I try to sing along but the way they played the music wasn't the way I expected from the church. I mean I attend Austin Stone which they have a great music worship but I am not big fan of the sermon. Gateway church... Music was pretty bad but sermon was just ok. I guess I just have to keep trying to find that right church who has good music worship & a good sermon. read more

I really wanted to fit here. After having left a more biblically based yet unfortuntately legalistic church, I thought Gateway was for me. But with rude staff, yes rude, wishy washy messages and song lyrics that belong in a bar not a church, I must say this place should quit calling itself a church and just become a nightclub. In fairness, the place used to be a lot better before the move way out north and some staff changes. I, like others on here see a place that got too cute for it's own good. read more

Come as you are but don't stay as you are is their motto.. I love it, it's brilliant & very true. We are all there to be a better YOU! I like that they have 3 different times on Sunday to fit everyone's needs, or most anyways. Hope to see you there on Sunday's read more

I LOVE this Non-denominational, Come as you are church! If you've been burned by religiosity in the past, come check this place out. The music is Awesome too :) read more