Purpose
gatekeeper316 is a resource for like-minded pastors, ministers of music and choir leaders who share a similar philosophy concerning corporate worship…that preaching and singing the Gospel is still relevant…that the Scripture is inerrant and infallible…that the choir ministry is a vital part of worship and that a wide variety of styles and sources of music can be used to worship and exalt our Lord.
The name gatekeeper comes from the concept that, primarily, pastors and ministers of music determine the direction and basic elements of corporate worship in their respective churches. In other words, we are the gatekeepers of what is permitted in our church services. The number 316 comes from Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
The goal of gatekeeper316 is to network pastors, ministers of music and choir leaders. We seek to accomplish this goal through web resources, conferences and a residency program. The gatekeeper316 website helps connect church leaders with ideas and information. Regional gatekeeper316 conferences are being scheduled for 2010 and a national conference is anticipated in 2011. These events will be inspiring, refreshing, encouraging and times of blessing, as well as, opportunities for spontaneous interaction. A residency program for those preparing for evangelistic church music ministry provides promising college and seminary graduates the opportunity to serve with some of the finest, most effective music leaders. gatekeeper316 has purposed to be a credible and helpful resource for recommending residents to permanent places of service.