Martin Trench has faithfully served as the lead pastor of Gateway Alliance Church for the past 13 years; investing time and energy along with the help of his family to build a vibrant, holy spirit filled church where people can encounter God’s love. The entire staff team, board, and church family have deep love, honor, and respect for Martin and his family, as their service has touched the lives of countless people in incredible ways.
With much prayer and counsel, Martin and his family have decided that this chapter of serving as the Lead Pastor at Gateway has drawn to a close, and on Sunday, February 27, 2022, he publicly announced his resignation. This decision has been prayerfully considered and thought through for several months, as they felt God calling them into a new chapter in their lives.
“My family and I have been part of Gateway for 13 years, so this will be a big change for us as well as for the church, and it will be heart-wrenching when the time comes” says Martin. “At the beginning of May, we will be moving to Lancashire in the north of England, where I will become the Senior Pastor at Crossgate Church UK in the city of Preston. Although we are sad about leaving Gateway and Canada, we are very excited about joining Crossgate and moving back to the UK. It couldn’t be clearer that this is God’s will.”
While there is sadness in this transition, we are incredibly grateful that Martin will continue to serve through the end of April 2022, and will be continuing to advise and mentor our new lead pastor designate for the foreseeable future.
Watch the full announcement here
Questions and Answers
How long did Martin Trench serve at Gateway Alliance Church?
Martin was on staff at Gateway for a total of 13 years, having first come to Gateway in February of 2009.
Was this a decision by the church board and leadership team for them to step down?
No, he was not asked or pressured to resign. This was a decision made by Martin and his family and has been something they have been processing with the Lord for some time. They are walking out their decision with the full support of Gateway Alliance Church.
Where is Martin going?
Martin will be returning to the UK to lead Crossgate Church in Preston, England.
Who is taking over now as Lead Pastor?
Under prayerful consideration, Martin and the Gateway Board have promoted Darien Chaffart (formerly Associate Pastor) to become the Lead Pastor at Gateway. Over the past 13 years, Martin has established a wonderful leadership team at Gateway that is full of amazing leaders who will continue to serve alongside Darien and many other capable leaders.
Over the next year, Martin will be mentoring Darien (alongside the Gateway Elders, Board, and former Executive Pastor Drake Farmer) to ensure a smooth transition and to equip Darien with all the tools needed to effectively lead Gateway. More information about this transition will be available in the 2021 Annual Report.