Jen Janney
Jen began attending Gateway in 2000, when it was still Abundant Life Methodist Church. By 2002, she was on staff and has been ever since – 23 years!
Before working on staff, she served in Arts Ministry (singing, drama, lighting), Student Ministry, and Children’s Ministry, and was a trustee (Her name is one of the signatures on the paperwork purchasing the current Gateway property.). She joined the staff as part-time Early Childhood/Nursery/Childcare Coordinator – in charge of volunteers and two childcare workers for the three Sunday morning services and for midweek childcare, handling curriculum, training and setup for 7 classrooms. It was meant to be an 8-week temporary assignment while Dee Gress was on maternity leave but continued when she didn’t return to work.
When we transitioned to Gateway, Tim Sims put Robert Sherrill, Tina Lamar and Jen in charge of learning and implementing the Fellowship One check-in system – so we had computer-assisted check-in from day 1 in our new location. “I think we had a week to get it up and running!”
After a time, she sensed that her time in Children’s Ministry was coming to an end and asked if she might be useful in a different role. Dean Truitt recruited her as an administrative assistant for Alpha Ministry, leading to a role in Connect Team Ministry.
Her love of getting the details right led to the next position as Administrative Director of our team of administrative assistants, oversight of our Team Gateway Coordinator, and an invitation to the senior staff. Somewhere in those years, the responsibility of church communications was added, too. She learned about strategic website navigation, introduced our first Gateway App and put her fascination about how people think to work, writing web and announcement copy, and editing church-wide correspondence.
Jen says she loves seeing staff members develop their skills and passions and seeing them come together to work as a body. It’s been wonderful to watch and celebrate our differences allowing each of us to display the gifts we’ve been given for the glory of God.
“I love seeing the younger generation engage in church and the rich legacy of ministry that has called our children into God’s service,” Jen said.
In response to why she serves, Jen said, “From the time I was a young adult, I only ever wanted to be at church…it’s where I felt connected, felt loved, and felt purpose.”
Many can attest to the long hours and dedication that have marked Jen’s tenure. “Jen serves sacrificially, even if her project is sending an email, creating a slideshow, or figuring out a database glitch,” said Kathryn Holmes. She added, “Jen spends time sharing her knowledge and is always available to listen or to help anyone.”
Understandably, Jen’s family and friendships often took a back seat. “I want to invest in both with more intentionality in this next season,” she said.
Jen “can’t wait to see how Gateway will continue to be unleashed in the future. Jason has shared a vision for our staff to empower and activate our church body in ministry. I believe that is healthy and right, and I pray that God will continue to guide and lead Gateway to draw those who don’t know Christ into a thriving relationship with Him.”
Before working on staff, she served in Arts Ministry (singing, drama, lighting), Student Ministry, and Children’s Ministry, and was a trustee (Her name is one of the signatures on the paperwork purchasing the current Gateway property.). She joined the staff as part-time Early Childhood/Nursery/Childcare Coordinator – in charge of volunteers and two childcare workers for the three Sunday morning services and for midweek childcare, handling curriculum, training and setup for 7 classrooms. It was meant to be an 8-week temporary assignment while Dee Gress was on maternity leave but continued when she didn’t return to work.
When we transitioned to Gateway, Tim Sims put Robert Sherrill, Tina Lamar and Jen in charge of learning and implementing the Fellowship One check-in system – so we had computer-assisted check-in from day 1 in our new location. “I think we had a week to get it up and running!”
After a time, she sensed that her time in Children’s Ministry was coming to an end and asked if she might be useful in a different role. Dean Truitt recruited her as an administrative assistant for Alpha Ministry, leading to a role in Connect Team Ministry.
Her love of getting the details right led to the next position as Administrative Director of our team of administrative assistants, oversight of our Team Gateway Coordinator, and an invitation to the senior staff. Somewhere in those years, the responsibility of church communications was added, too. She learned about strategic website navigation, introduced our first Gateway App and put her fascination about how people think to work, writing web and announcement copy, and editing church-wide correspondence.
Jen says she loves seeing staff members develop their skills and passions and seeing them come together to work as a body. It’s been wonderful to watch and celebrate our differences allowing each of us to display the gifts we’ve been given for the glory of God.
“I love seeing the younger generation engage in church and the rich legacy of ministry that has called our children into God’s service,” Jen said.
In response to why she serves, Jen said, “From the time I was a young adult, I only ever wanted to be at church…it’s where I felt connected, felt loved, and felt purpose.”
Many can attest to the long hours and dedication that have marked Jen’s tenure. “Jen serves sacrificially, even if her project is sending an email, creating a slideshow, or figuring out a database glitch,” said Kathryn Holmes. She added, “Jen spends time sharing her knowledge and is always available to listen or to help anyone.”
Understandably, Jen’s family and friendships often took a back seat. “I want to invest in both with more intentionality in this next season,” she said.
Jen “can’t wait to see how Gateway will continue to be unleashed in the future. Jason has shared a vision for our staff to empower and activate our church body in ministry. I believe that is healthy and right, and I pray that God will continue to guide and lead Gateway to draw those who don’t know Christ into a thriving relationship with Him.”
From Josh Mouser:
For more than 20 years, Jen has been one of the steady, faithful people who keeps Gateway running quietly behind the scenes. A lot of what Jen does has never been seen from the platform, but it has been felt across every ministry in our church. Jen has truly been the glue that holds things together. Whatever needed to be done, big or small, Jen would always step in without hesitation. She went above and beyond in every task, often before anyone even realized help was needed. Her attention to detail, her calm presence, and her willingness to serve anywhere have shaped Gateway in countless ways.
For many years, Jen was also a trusted voice alongside Pastor Randy. She carried our history, knew our systems, and helped bring clarity and wisdom into so many decisions. She also found the appropriate way to communicate, while communicating in a graceful way that reflects our church. If there was a new initiative that Gateway started, Jen was often found right in the middle of the implementation.
What stands out most about Jen is her servant’s heart. You could find her sweeping floors, helping others clean up after hours, supporting every ministry event at Gateway, and much, much more. She simply loves this church and shows it through her faithfulness, humility, and joy.
For more than 20 years, Jen has been one of the steady, faithful people who keeps Gateway running quietly behind the scenes. A lot of what Jen does has never been seen from the platform, but it has been felt across every ministry in our church. Jen has truly been the glue that holds things together. Whatever needed to be done, big or small, Jen would always step in without hesitation. She went above and beyond in every task, often before anyone even realized help was needed. Her attention to detail, her calm presence, and her willingness to serve anywhere have shaped Gateway in countless ways.
For many years, Jen was also a trusted voice alongside Pastor Randy. She carried our history, knew our systems, and helped bring clarity and wisdom into so many decisions. She also found the appropriate way to communicate, while communicating in a graceful way that reflects our church. If there was a new initiative that Gateway started, Jen was often found right in the middle of the implementation.
What stands out most about Jen is her servant’s heart. You could find her sweeping floors, helping others clean up after hours, supporting every ministry event at Gateway, and much, much more. She simply loves this church and shows it through her faithfulness, humility, and joy.
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