Our Story
Gateway Church Cymru, originally called Aberaman Pentecostal Church, began in 1910 when a small group of people left Gwawr Chapel and held services in various homes across the Aberaman area.
In 1919 the evangelist Stephen Jeffries came to Aberaman and held a meeting at Libanus Chapel. Following this meeting the people decided to form a church, and purchased the Prince of Wales pub (known locally as the ‘Gin Palace’). This is still the present site of our church. As the numbers increased the building became too small. Between 1923 and 1926 the building was expanded with the work being carried out by the members, many of whom were miners and unemployed during the depression and 1926 strikes. In 1985 the church purchased the house next door, and built a minor hall and kitchen which opened in October 1986.
Previous Pastor’s include: Pastor Danny Davies, the first minister, up to 1954; Pastor E. Lee 1957-1960; Pastor Phelps 1960-1965; Pastor Cyril Chick 1965-1971; Pastor Ian Jennings 1972-1975; Pastor Henry Drabble 1975-1979; Pastor William Morgan 1980-1993; Pastor Chris Thomas 1995-2000; Pastor Colin Hurt 2005-2009 and Pastor Robert Baldwin 2010-2017.
Over the years, more than 40 members have taken up missionary work and pioneering new churches in the UK, Australia and America.
In October 2017 Luke Morgan became the Senior Pastor at Gateway. His heart is to see the promise that God has given the Church come to pass: "‘This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.’ Decree of God-of-the-Angel-Armies."Haggai 2:9 (MSG)
Our Vision
At Gateway Church Cymru, we see a future shaped by God’s promises.
We’re from a small place, but God has given us a significant name and called us to have a seismic impact.
1. A Church Of 1000 People.
Isaiah 60:22 NLT
[22] The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen."
2. Household Salvation.
Acts 16:29-32 NLT
[29] The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. [30] Then he brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" [31] They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household." [32] And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.
3. Forgiveness And Return.
Jeremiah 3:22 NLT
[22] "My wayward children," says the LORD, "come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts." "Yes, we're coming," the people reply, "for you are the LORD our God."
4. An Even More Glorious Future.
Haggai 2:9 MSG
[9] "'This Temple is going to end up far better than it started out, a glorious beginning but an even more glorious finish: a place in which I will hand out wholeness and holiness.' Decree of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies."
This is more than a vision for our church. It is an invitation for you to be part of it. Join us on this exciting God-given journey where we become what we believe by the power of God and for the glory of God.
Our Mission
We exist to lead Aberaman into its God-given future. We believe that future is found as people grow in Christ, are strengthened in Community, and step into their Calling.
1. Christ
Everything we do leads people towards Jesus. In every gathering, every message and every ministry, our heart is to help people meet Him, hear His Word, and be changed by His presence.
Colossians 1:28 NLT
[28] So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.
2. Community
We want people to find a place where they belong. Through small groups, next-generation ministries and everyday relationships, we help people build real friendships and do life together. We also serve our local community in practical ways that reflect the love of Jesus.
Acts 2:42 NLT
[42] All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer.
3. Calling
We believe God has a purpose for every person. Our heart is to disciple people, raise leaders and help each person discover their gifts so they can step into the life God has prepared for them.
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
[10] For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Our Culture
Our culture is formed by the things that matter most. These are not words to read. They are the habits and attitudes we want to practise every day.
We Put Jesus First
Everything begins and ends with Him. His presence, His word, His way - above everything else. This shapes how we worship, pray, preach, and live.
Colossians 1:16 NLT
[16] …Everything was created through him and for him.
We Depend On The Holy Spirit
We don’t rely on human strength or clever ideas. We seek the Spirit’s leading, power, and transformation in all we do.
Galatians 5:25 NLT
[25] Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
We Love People Deeply
We choose compassion, kindness, patience, and genuine care in our church family and across our valley.
John 13:34-35 NLT
[34] “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [35] Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
We Grow On Purpose
Discipleship isn’t accidental. We pursue spiritual maturity, godly character, and everyday obedience. We help people take real steps - not just attend.
Colossians 2:6 NLT
[6] And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.
We Serve With Open Hands
God has given each of us something to offer. When we use our gifts and serve together, the whole church becomes stronger.
Ephesians 4:16 NLT
[16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
We Look To The Future
We believe God is still working. Whatever the past has looked like, we trust that what’s ahead will be even more glorious.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
[11] For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Our Beliefs
As part of Assemblies of God Great Britain, our Statement of Faith expresses the biblical beliefs that guide our life and ministry. We invite you to read through them and see what grounds us as a church.
Life Of Jesus
We believe in the Virgin Birth, Sinless Life, Miraculous Ministry, Substitutionary Atoning Death, Bodily Resurrection, Triumphant Ascension and Abiding Intercession of the Lord Jesus Christ and in His personal, visible, bodily return in power and glory as the blessed hope of all believers
Trinity
We believe in the unity of the One True and Living God who is the Eternal, Self-Existent “I AM”, Who has also revealed Himself as One being co-existing in three Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The Bible
We believe that the Bible (i.e. the Old and New Testaments excluding the Apocrypha), is the inspired Word of God, the infallible, all sufficient rule for faith and practice.
Fall Of Man
We believe in the fall of man, who was created pure and upright, but fell by voluntary transgression.
Salvation Through Faith
We believe in salvation through faith in Christ, who, according to the Scriptures, died for our sins, was buried and was raised from the dead on the third day, and that through His Blood we have Redemption.
New Birth
This experience is also known as the new birth, and is an instantaneous and complete operation of the Holy Spirit upon initial faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism By Immersion In Water
We believe in both Water and Spirit baptism as essential and empowering aspects of the Christian experience.
Baptism In The Holy Spirit
We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an enduement of the believer with power for service, the essential, biblical evidence of which is the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
Gifts Of The Holy Spirit
We believe in the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of Christ in the Church today.
Holiness Of Life
We believe in holiness of life and conduct in obedience to the command of God.
Divine Healing
We believe that deliverance from sickness, by Divine Healing is provided for in the Atonement.
Breaking Of Bread
We believe that all who have truly repented and believe in Christ as Lord and Saviour should regularly participate in Breaking of Bread.
Resurrection Of All Who Truly Believe In Jesus Christ
We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the everlasting conscious bliss of all who truly believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and the everlasting conscious punishment of all whose names are not written in the Book of Life.