Establishing a community of faith, centered in Truth, grounded in love.

• Community: We believe that God’s Spirit dwells within all who believe and, therefore, we have that connection to one another – thus we are a community.(See 2 Corinthians 13:14). It is also in community where true change comes. At The Gate, this change will happen as we emphasize that in this life we are not alone: we are here to walk with each other and challenge each other on our journeys of faith.
• Truth: In John 14:6, Jesus says of Himself that He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Therefore, at the The Gate we will always preach The Truth and the truths, no matter how messy or challenging they may be. We also know the the Bible can be challenging, but as we wrestle with the texts we will discover truth and change. We do this weekly through interactive sermons and challenging Bible studies.
• Love: God is love! 1 John 4:8 says that if we do not know how to love then we do not know God, because God is love. Just as God has loved us and accepted us for who we are, we will endeavor to do the same to everyone that walks through our doors. “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”(John 13:35 The Message Bible) Therefore each time you walk through our doors, you will feel welcomed and safe.

What We Believe: The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Pastor Eric & Maria Schwartz

Pastor Eric and Maria have been married for over 19 years and have 2 beautiful daughters. They both have a passion to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Pastor Eric has worked as a youth pastor, young adult pastor, and discipleship ministries pastor at House on the Rock Family Church for 7.5 years before obeying God’s call to plant a church. He is also a graduate of Moravian College with a B.A. in religion, and is also currently enrolled in Moravian Theological Seminary, pursuing a Master’s in Theological Studies. Pastor Eric’s desire is for all people to come to know their Creator in an intimate and authentic way.

Maria served as House on the Rock Family Church’s Worship leader for over 4 years. Maria’s love for her Lord and Savior is what drives her ministry. She is not only passionate about music, but using that music to lead others into a more intimate relationship with Jesus. They have two beautiful daughters, Alaina and Carina.