​

A Year of Restoration and Celebration

2025

Welcome to a landmark season in the life of Gate Church International! We are thrilled to
embark on a journey of faith, restoration, and celebration as we look forward to our Jubilee
year. This e-book is your guide to the exciting events and special guest speakers who will
be joining us in the coming months. We pray that this season will be a time of profound
spiritual renewal for you, your family, and our entire church community.
A Word from Pastor Gordon and Fiona Stewart
We want to emphasise how this 50th jubilee is a massive milestone for us as a church.
Jubilee signifies reset and freedom for us, and our heart is to celebrate what God has done
over the last 50 years. Still, we also want to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us as a
congregation with all the guest speakers that are coming, and we also desire to believe in
faith for greater things in the coming years, for the glory of God.
We truly want to celebrate the people of GCI, and we are preparing for a celebration night
and also a Jubilee conference in March 2026. We will communicate once it all comes
together.
The first part of this short e-book highlights the speakers who have been confirmed so far.
Part Two features our Revival Worship Nights, and Part Three gives a biblical summary of
the jubilee's meaning in scripture.

——————————————————————————————

Table of Contents

Part One: What is Happening
Guest Speakers
Dez Johnstone - 31st August
Jimi Dowds - 14th September
Janek Pallase - 21st September
Matthew MacNeil - 26th October
Amanda Conner - 23rd November
Sarah-Jane Biggart - 25th January
Part Two: Revival Worship Nights
September 21st - Sunday
October 26th - Sunday Evening with Matthew MacNeil
November 30th - Friday
January 23rd - Friday
February 22nd - Sunday
Part Three: The Significance of Jubilee
The Significance of Jubilee in the Bible and Its Application Today
1. The Jubilee in Scripture
2. Jubilee Fulfilled in Christ
3. Applying Jubilee Today
Conclusion
Jubilee Conference Weekend
Our Worship Team

Part One: What is Happening
Guest Speakers
Dez Johnstone - 31st August
Dez Johnston, the Director of Alpha Scotland, brings a powerful and inspiring testimony of
God's redemptive power. With a background that includes working as a bouncer and
overcoming addiction, Dez's story is a testament to the transformative love of Jesus Christ.
He is a dynamic and engaging speaker who is passionate about seeing people encounter
God in a real and personal way.
Dez's journey to faith is a remarkable story of hope and restoration. He shares openly about
his past struggles with alcohol and drugs, and how a crisis prayer in his darkest moment led
to a life-changing encounter with God. After waking up the next day with no desire for
cocaine, he embarked on a journey of faith that led him to the Alpha Course, where he
found a safe space to explore Christianity without judgement.
From there, Dez's life was completely transformed. He moved into ministry and youth
work, and eventually became the Director of Alpha Scotland. He is also the President of
The Boys' Brigade and the Alpha Youth Director for Europe, the Middle East, and North
Africa. His passion is to see others experience the same freedom and fulfilment he has
found in Jesus.
We are thrilled to have Dez with us to kick off our Jubilee speaker series. His message of
hope and transformation is the perfect start to this season of celebration and renewal.

——————————————————————————————

Jimi Dowds - 14th September
Jimi Dowds, our apostolic covering, is a man with a global vision and a heart for seeing
people experience the "far more abundant" life that God has for them. With over 40 years
of experience as a church leader and 20 years of chaplaincy experience in various sectors,
Jimi brings a wealth of wisdom and insight to the body of Christ.
Jimi's ministry is characterised by a passion to introduce people to the God of Ephesians
3:20 - the God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. He
believes that many have heard of the loving and forgiving God, but not as many have been
introduced to the "far more abundantly God." He draws inspiration from biblical figures
like Abraham and Joseph, who experienced God's abundant provision in their moments of
greatest need.

As a life coach, Jimi helps leaders and individuals find breakthroughs in their careers,
relationships, and personal lives. He is a gifted public speaker who has preached to
thousands across five continents, and he is known for his ability to connect with audiences
and deliver powerful messages of hope and inspiration.
Jimi's global vision is to "ignite the greatness hidden deep within one billion people on
planet earth." He believes that everyone has a divine purpose and a grand plan for their
lives, and he is passionate about helping people discover and walk in their God-given
destiny.
We are honoured to have Jimi Dowds as our apostolic covering, and we are excited to hear
the word that he will bring to us during this Jubilee season.

——————————————————————————————

Janek Pallase - 21st September
Pastor Janek Pallase, from Missio Church in Tallinn, Estonia, represents a significant and
long-standing connection with Gate Church International, spanning over two decades. His
ministry is rooted in a vibrant community church in the heart of Tallinn, where he serves as
a co-pastor.
Missio Church, under Janek's leadership, is dedicated to fostering a strong Christian
community and actively engaging in social outreach. They hold regular Sunday services
and are deeply involved in supporting local families, including those from Ukraine, through
partnerships with organisations like the Tallinn Food Bank. This commitment to practical
love and community service reflects the church's belief in living out the Gospel in tangible
ways.
Janek's teaching ministry focuses on practical Christian living, addressing themes relevant
to everyday life and spiritual growth. His sermons, often shared online, cover topics such as
finding purpose, navigating life's challenges, and living a life of faith and trust in God. He
is passionate about helping individuals discover their unique gifts and calling within God's
plan.
The enduring 20-plus-year connection between Missio Church and Gate Church
International highlights a shared vision and a deep bond of fellowship that transcends
geographical boundaries. We are delighted to welcome Pastor Janek as he brings a fresh
perspective and strengthens this cherished international partnership during our Jubilee
celebrations.

Matthew MacNeil - 26th October
Matthew MacNeil, the dynamic Youth Pastor at Martin's Memorial Church in Stornoway
on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, is a passionate voice for the next generation. Hailing from
the Hebrides, an area with a rich history of spiritual revival, Matthew carries a deep desire
to see God move powerfully in his nation and beyond.
His ministry is characterised by a fervent prayer for revival, echoing the historical
awakenings that have impacted the Isle of Lewis. Matthew is actively involved in youth
ministry, seeking to disciple and empower young people to live out their faith boldly. His
association with Awakening Ministries and The Send UK/Ireland further underscores his
commitment to broader evangelistic and revival-focused initiatives.
Matthew is a gifted communicator, and his speaking engagements reflect his insight into
reaching and inspiring young people. He is dedicated to helping them discover their
identity in Christ and to be agents of change in their communities. We are excited to
welcome Matthew to our Jubilee Conference, believing that his passion for revival and his
heart for the youth will ignite a fresh fire within our congregation.

——————————————————————————————

Amanda Conner - 23rd November
Amanda Conner, Senior Pastor of Mosaic Church in Coventry, England, is a powerful
voice in the UK and beyond. Together with her husband Jason, she leads a thriving church
with a mission to "fuel people to light the world." Amanda is a gifted speaker and leader,
and she carries a rich family legacy of faith and ministry.
Amanda is the daughter of the late Tony Miller, who had a significant connection with Gate
Church International for over 30 years. This long-standing relationship between the two
churches is a testament to the deep bonds of friendship and partnership in the Gospel.
Amanda continues this legacy with her own dynamic ministry, which is characterised by a
passion for inspiring people, building lives, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
As a seasoned minister, Amanda has served in nearly every area of church life. This has
given her a unique understanding of the local church and a heart to see people flourish in
their gifts and callings. Her teaching ministry is both practical and prophetic, and she is
known for her ability to communicate God's word with clarity, humour, and power.
We are thrilled to welcome Amanda Conner to our Jubilee Conference. Her message of
hope, her passion for the local church, and her family's deep connection to our own church
make her a very special guest. We know that she will bring a word in season that will
inspire and equip us to be a brighter light in our city and beyond.

——————————————————————————————

Sarah-Jane Biggart - 25th January
Sarah-Jane Biggart is a seasoned prophet, author, and teacher with a passion for seeing
people encounter the supernatural power of God. As a Seer Prophet, she is gifted in
activating the prophetic senses in believers and equipping them to operate in the invisible
spiritual realm. Her book, "Seeing Beyond: How to Make Supernatural Sight Your Daily
Reality," is a practical guide to interacting with the unseen Kingdom of God.
With a background in corporate business, Sarah-Jane has spent 15 years in full-time
ministry. Her ministry is characterised by a deep love for the Word of God, a passion for
worship, and a commitment to prayer. She is dedicated to helping ordinary people be
equipped by an extraordinary God to influence culture and affect change in nations.
Sarah-Jane's teaching is both practical and profound. She has a unique ability to make the
supernatural accessible and to help people grow in their spiritual gifts. She is a gifted
communicator who ministers with authority, clarity, and a genuine love for people. Her
heart is to see the body of Christ flourish and to see believers walk in the fullness of their
identity and authority in Christ.
We are delighted to have Sarah-Jane with us for our Jubilee Conference. Her prophetic
ministry and her passion for equipping the saints will be a tremendous blessing to our
church. We are believing for a powerful time of impartation and activation as she ministers
to us.

Part Two: Revival Worship Nights
As part of our Jubilee celebrations, we are hosting a series of special Revival Worship
Nights throughout the year. These evenings will be focused on seeking God's presence
through extended worship, prayer, and ministry. We believe that as we gather to worship
and seek God's face, He will pour out His Spirit in powerful ways, bringing revival to our
hearts, our church, and our city.
September 21st - Sunday
Join us for our first Revival Worship Night of the season. This special Sunday evening
service will be a time of passionate worship, fervent prayer, and expectation for God to
move in our midst. Come with an open heart and a hunger for more of God's presence.
October 26th - Sunday Evening with Matthew MacNeil
We are thrilled to have Matthew MacNeil from Martin's Memorial Church in the Isle of
Lewis leading our October Revival Worship Night. Coming from an area with a rich
history of revival, Matthew carries a passion for seeing God move powerfully in our
generation. This evening will be a special time of worship and ministry as we seek God
together.
November 30th - Friday
Our November Revival Worship Night will be held on a Friday evening, creating space for
extended worship and ministry. This will be a perfect opportunity to end the month by
encountering God's presence and receiving fresh vision and strength for the season ahead.
January 23rd - Friday
As we begin the new year, join us for a powerful evening of worship and prayer after a time
of fasting and prayer. This Friday night gathering will be focused on seeking God's
direction and blessing for 2026, as we continue our Jubilee celebrations and look forward
to all that God has in store.
February 22nd - Sunday
Our final Revival Worship Night before the Jubilee Conference Weekend will be a special
Sunday evening service. This will be a time to prepare our hearts for the culmination of our
Jubilee year and to seek God for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit upon our church and
community.
All Revival Worship Nights will begin at 6:30 PM and are open to everyone. We encourage
you to invite friends, family, and anyone who is hungry for a deeper experience of God's
presence. Come expectant and ready to encounter God in a powerful way!

Part Three: The Significance of Jubilee
The Significance of Jubilee in the Bible and Its Application Today
The concept of Jubilee in the Bible is one of the most powerful expressions of God's
justice, mercy, and desire for restoration amongst His people. Found in Leviticus 25, the
Jubilee was to be celebrated every 50th year, after seven cycles of seven years. It was a
time of freedom, restoration, and renewal for individuals, families, and the land.

1. The Jubilee in Scripture
The Jubilee carried several key features:
• Release of enslaved people: Israelites who had become servants due to debt were set free (Leviticus 25:10). This symbolised restored dignity and liberty.
• Return of Land: Property that had been sold was returned to its original family, preventing long-term generational poverty and maintaining Israel's tribal inheritance (Leviticus 25:13).
• Rest for the Land: The land itself enjoyed a Sabbath, as no sowing or harvesting was permitted. People were to trust in God's provision (Leviticus 25:11–12).
• Economic Reset: Debts were forgiven, and property values were adjusted based on the years remaining until the next Jubilee. This stopped exploitation and kept wealth from being permanently concentrated.
These practices reminded Israel that the land and the people belonged to God (Leviticus
25:23, 55). Jubilee was about resetting society according to God's design—restoring
freedom, equality, and balance.

2. Jubilee Fulfilled in Christ
The deeper meaning of Jubilee points to Jesus. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declared that He
came to proclaim liberty to the captives and the year of the Lord's favour, directly
referencing Jubilee. Through His death and resurrection, He brought ultimate freedom from
sin, spiritual restoration, and new beginnings. The Jubilee foreshadowed the Gospel itself:
God's grace breaking chains and offering complete renewal.

3. Applying Jubilee Today
Though we no longer observe Jubilee as an ancient calendar event, its principles remain
highly relevant.
• Spiritually: Jubilee calls us to forgive, release grudges, and restore broken relationships. It is about living in Christ's freedom and extending it to others.
• Socially and Economically:The spirit of Jubilee challenges us to fight systemic inequality, address crushing debt, and care for the marginalised. Advocating for fair systems, debt relief, and economic justice reflects God's heart.
• Creation Care: The rest for the land reminds us of the importance of environmental stewardship, allowing creation to thrive and not exploiting it for endless gain.
• Community: Jubilee inspires generosity and compassion. Churches and believers can live out Jubilee by giving, supporting those in need, and creating opportunities for restoration. It also encourages the practice of Sabbath rest, ensuring balance in work, family, and faith.
Conclusion
The Jubilee is more than an ancient law—it is a divine vision of freedom, justice, and
renewal. It reminds us that everything belongs to God, and He desires His people to live
free, restored, and whole. In Jesus, we live in the reality of Jubilee, and our call today is to
embody its spirit in our personal lives, communities, and societies.

Jubilee Conference Weekend
6th - 8th March 2026
Mark your calendars for the culminating event of our Jubilee year! Our conference
weekend will be a time of powerful worship, inspiring teaching, and joyful celebration. We
will be joined by all of our guest speakers from the past few months, and we will have a
special Ceilidh on the Saturday night (to be confirmed).
This will be a weekend to remember as we celebrate all that God has done in our midst and
look forward to all that He has in store for us in the future. More details about the
conference weekend will be released closer to the time, but for now, save the date and
make plans to be with us for this historic occasion.

Our Worship Team
We are blessed with a gifted and anointed worship team at Gate Church International. They
lead us into the presence of God each week with passion, skill, and a genuine love for
Jesus. We are so grateful for their ministry and for the way they help us to connect with
God through music.
During our Jubilee Conference, our worship team will be leading us in extended times of
praise and worship. We are believing for powerful encounters with God as we lift up the
name of Jesus together.

Gate Church International
Dundee, Scotland
2025