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PURSUING HIS PRESENCE

If you’re looking for passionate lovers of God and people, you’ve come to the right place. We’re so glad you’re here! Consider this your first of many East Gate hugs. Our heart’s cry is to love on the forgotten, wounded, broken, rejected, and misunderstood. We’ve been there ourselves and experienced first-hand how God makes beauty from ashes. We don’t pretend to have all the answers or claim to be perfect, but we’ll never quit pursuing God’s heart or give up on His people. We hope you’ll feel at home here, no matter your background or age. We believe no one is too young or too old to be used by God, and that all generations are equally anointed, gifted, called, and valuable. As an activation center, we help people discern God’s truth, grow in their gifts, and release life-changing hope and renewal into our families, city, region, and nation.
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Pastor Nikki

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13. This is written on her heart and lived out in her actions. Nikki, our lead pastor, is also our loyal friend. Nikki’s heart burns to create a place where all generations will be honored, celebrated and walk in the fullness of what God has for them. Her leadership and friendship is transforming lives by joining people where they are at, calling out the treasure in them and extravagantly and radically loving them like Jesus would. Her love for Jesus is tangible and contagious, creating an invitation for all to experience the presence of God and encounter Him personally. Her messages are shared from a place of deep connection with the Father and His heart. Relevant and real. Simple and pure, always pointing back to the One who is her source. 

pastor Hennie

Pastor Hennie is on a journey to understand how to love others as Jesus taught and demonstrated in his ministry. He takes seriously the words of Jesus when he says that they will know you are mine when you love each other. He shares his daily experiences, his challenges, and the benchmarks when God is able to use him to encourage someone else. He invites others to join him in his journey, to share what God is doing in their heart.

Linnea | Worship leader

Linnea Barr has been our worship leader for decades! She is passionate in pursuing the presence of God and brings others in that pursuit with her. She doesn't say much, but when she does you want to lean in and listen because her words are deep and full of wisdom. She is strong, steady and faithful and has laid her life down at His feet over and over. The body of East Gate is truly blessed to have her leadership.

Worship Team

Owen, Craig, Abby, Linnea, Matt, Brittney, Sheri

MISSION

We’re here to lead people to Jesus, help them grow strong in their faith, and equip them to share the Gospel. Whether it’s in our own city or across the world, we believe God is moving — bringing revival, healing, and unity to His people, just like He promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

VISION

Our heart is to see lives changed — in Freeport, across the region, and around the world. We’re building up believers who walk in faith and Holy Spirit power, partnering with others to spread the Gospel and advance God’s Kingdom together — just as Jesus called us to in Matthew 28:18–20.

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Little Ones

Led by Ashly

Ashly has been a part of East Gate since the day she was born. She's known for her kindness, compassion and deep love for nurturing the little ones who call East Gate home.

Ages 4-8: We want every child to experience a real and personal relationship with Jesus. In our ministry, they learn how to talk with Him, pray boldly for themselves and others, believe for miracles, and stand on the truth of God's Word. Through worship, games, and engaging lessons, we lead children into a Spirit-filled life rooted in the Bible.

Youth

Led by Sara

Sara has been a part of the East Gate body since she was a teenager. She is faithful and loyal to God and to those He has entrusted to her. Her hearts desire is for young people to know God and to be known by Him.

Our youth meet the first Tuesday evening of the month, from 6:00 -7:30PM,  for a night of worship, the Word, and real community. We’re learning to see ourselves the way God sees us — chosen, loved, and called. It’s all about building a real relationship with Jesus and stepping into the destiny He has for us.

Adults

Led by Bill and Ann Kurtz

Together, Bill and Ann reflect a sincere love for Jesus that shines through in all they do. Their faithfulness, longevity and loyalty - to Christ and to our congregation - are a powerful testimony and an inspiration to us all.

Bill and Ann bring wisdom, experience, and a genuine heart for the Word. Each Wednesday, from 6:00-8:00PM, this group gathers for meaningful Bible study, powerful prayer, and uplifting fellowship. At the core of it all is a deep love for God’s Word and growing together in faith.

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A tribute to

pastor steve

"Pastor Steve Barr was a loving father and friend who always had time to hear your heart and love on people. He loved his kids and had an incredible father's heart for them and their friends.

Pastor Steve helped start Mission Freeport and was an important part of city prayer and events over the years working to encourage the "whole church" to bring the "whole gospel" to the "whole city". He is the only Pastor I have ever known who spontaneously had his entire congregation leave their church to visit another church in town unannounced in order to encourage that congregation and give the pastor an offering. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, the East Gate Congregation as well as the entire regional church.

Pastor Steve has been my personal friend for 30 years. Pray for God's grace and comfort to overflow for his dear family and East Gate Church. I thank God that as we grieve we also know where he is and that his work is not done.

His beautiful family, church body and all of us, as his friends, will carry on his legacy of love and heart for the kingdom. We will miss you dearly Steve. We thank God for your life and all the many ways you have shown us His love and truth."

  • Jon Eastlick

Contact

If you’d like to learn more or meet with our team, please contact us. We look forward to getting to know you!
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