About Life Gate
Life Gate Baptist Church is a vibrant, loving church in the community of Hixson, Tennessee. We strive to faithfully serve God and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We also seek to serve our community through preaching, praying, outreach, adult ministry, teen group, and children's church.Our Beliefs & Values
God has instructed the church to be a light to all the world. Life Gate Baptist Church was established to fulfill that purpose. We are a church that seeks to take the message of the Gospel to all the world through preaching, outreach, and worldwide missions.
Truth
We are committed to teaching the entire Bible with an emphasis on practical life application. We believe that the Bible is the Holy Word of God. The Truth in the Bible is essential for every person.
Worship
We desire to honor God in our lives and our services. We preach the Word of God every service. We sing songs that glorify the Lord and edify His people. We pray and give thanks for all He is and all He has done for us. Our service is a time devoted wholly to God.
Godliness
We believe every Christian has been called to Holiness even as God is Holy. We encourage one another to become like Christ and please Him in everyday life.
Salvation
God calls all people to Himself for salvation from sin and death in Hell. The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, taking upon Himself the punishment for our sin. If we will but call upon the name of the Lord, then we can be saved.
Church Family
We promote and nurture the strengthening of other believers in their relationship with God. We encourage people to be faithful with all that God has entrusted to them. We endeavor to establish and maintain the body of Christ in the bond of peace.
Who We Are
Our Pastors
Our pastors seek to faithfully serve Christ, care for His people, and lead Life Gate in fulfilling its mission.
Pastor Steven Burton
Senior Pastor
Pastor Steven and his wife, Michelle, came to Life Gate with their family in 2020. After serving as youth pastor and assistant pastor, Steven became the church’s senior pastor in 2026.
Steven’s desire is to help people know Jesus, grow as His disciples, and experience the strength of a church family that cares for one another. Outside of ministry, he enjoys spending time with Michelle and their three children, exploring the outdoors, visiting old bookstores, and cooking.
Pastor James Dunn
Pastor Emeritus
Pastor James Dunn founded Life Gate Baptist Church in 1981 and faithfully served as its senior pastor for 45 years. In 2026, he became Pastor Emeritus and continues to serve the church through preaching, teaching, mentoring, and discipleship.
Pastor Dunn’s faithful ministry has shaped Life Gate and helped generations of people know and follow Christ.