We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Gates a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Andrea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
Legacy to me is something left for the next generation to pick up and continue. I understand my vision is bigger than me and will need others to carry and continue even after I am no longer in the earth.
I hope to leave a legacy that perpetuates the necessity to die empty, having done all you were born to do.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am the founding pastor of The Purpose Church, is which I founded along with my late husband in 2018. The ministry was started with approximately twenty committed partners and has now grown to hundreds.
We have successfully acquired land and a facility that we have now renovated. We look forward to phase two and expansion.
I can be found traveling to minister, building my real estate business, and also defining the space of public relations and marketing. Altogether, each role contributes to my ability to create. I have been called to build.
I am a BUILDER.
I am most proud of being chosen to birth and steward the life of my greatest blessing, my son Chris. He is an adult now, but I am so proud of his accomplishments and his heart for God.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn playing myself small and realize that confidence is not arrogance. It’s possible to maintain humility while also unapologetically knowing who you are.
Have you ever had to pivot?
After the sudden loss of my husband in 2021, I had to pick up the pieces and thrust forward in purpose while also managing the greatest heartbreak of my life.
Purpose demanded I not quit! I took a two month break to make sure I attended to my mental health. I committed to one year of therapy, followed by maintenance sessions, I had to get up and keep going even though my life had drastically changed in twenty-four hours.
I was leading alone, not just ministry, but my household. I can say, when the grace is on you, you can pivot with power.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andreagatesministries.com
- Instagram: @andrealynngates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/169R4emQHx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreagates76
