Getting to know us
Who We Are
The Name of our Church, the Gathering, defines who we are. It is derived from the greek word “Ekkelesia,” which the New Testament commonly translates as “Church.” An Ekkelesia was a GATHERING of like-minded people with a common mission, and that’s exactly who we are. We are a GATHERING of like-minded people in the belief that Jesus died for the sins of the world. We have the common mission of making disciples through preaching the Gospel, teaching disciples by applying the Gospel, and sending disciples in the power of the Gospel. Despite the different backgrounds, cultures, races, ages, activities, and interests of the members of our GATHERING, we are all united under our common beliefs and mission. We are not a religious organization or social club, but a GATHERING of people who are redeemed in Christ and living on mission for him.
Whether your a seeker who wants to know more about who Jesus is, or a committed follower of Jesus, we invite you to join us on Sunday mornings as we Gather to worship and study God’s Word.
Our Mission
Making Disciples through the preaching of the Gospel. Growing Disciples by applying the Gospel. Sending Disciples in the power of the Gospel.
Beliefs
Click here for our Statement of Faith and Foundational Beliefs. For further questions please reach out to an elder.
Distinctives
Each Church has a personality that is driven by it’s core values. Our Distinctives shape how we do ministry.
Church Bylaws
If you would like to obtain a copy our church bylaws can be digitally downloaded from the button below.
Get to Know Our Amazing Team
Ryan Burgess
Lead Pastor, Elder
Before coming to Fort Walton and serving as the Lead Pastor with The Gathering, Ryan has served in various ministerial positions in Texas. Most recently he has served as an associate pastor with a church plant in Fort Worth, TX. Ryan has a Master’s in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For the past six years he has also ministered in Kenya, Africa alongside International Living Streams. In his free time Ryan enjoys exercising, playing sports, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Adam Novak
Worship Director
Adam, a Florida native, grew up in Auburndale. He was called to vocational ministry his freshman year of college at Warner University. As a second generation worship leader, he has been involved with worship in some capacity since age 12 and has been leading since he was 16. Adam and his wife Bree met in 2012 while serving in Warner’s chapel band. They’ve been happily married since October 2015. Aside from worship, Adam has a passion for all things baseball. He also enjoys reading and good conversation over a cup of coffee.
Lindsey Martin
Children and Families Director
Lindsey is originally from Mississippi but moved to Fort Walton Beach in 2012 when she married her husband Chris. Lindsey has served as a missionary in India and has been a teacher here in NWF. She has a Master’s of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Now, outside of leading the families of The Gathering, Lindsey spends her day with her daughter Ila who was born in 2014. Lindsey loves sweet tea, games, people and Jesus. As a former kid herself, she is excited to serve at the Gathering and love on the future generations.
Lindsey.Martin@ComeGather.com
Shelagh Tatum
Administration Communication
Shelagh is a New Mexico to Florida transplant after she met her husband of 4 years, Patrick, online. Together, they own and run a local coffee shop that serves to minister to the community. Apart from serving there and taking care of administration duties at the church, Shelagh is usually outside playing with her son, Judah and her dog, Elsi. Currently Shelagh and her Patrick are expecting a baby girl to be born in November. They are excited about seeing their family grow!
Shelagh.Tatum@ComeGather.com
Nicci Weinfurter
Connections and Hospitality
Nicci has spent nearly her whole life in the Southeast. She moved to Fort Walton almost three years ago when her husband Eric was assigned here with the Air Force. Nicci and Eric have been married almost 10 years and have two children, Hannah and Hunter and lots of pets! Since her early twenties God has blessed Nicci with the opportunity to serve Him and others in various ministries. She is passionate about encouraging beleivers in their relationship with God and connecting other believers together to build the body of Christ!
Nicci.Weinfurter@ComeGather.com
Brittany Lanier
Children & Families Intern
Born in South Georgia, Brittany moved to the Fort Walton when she was 15 years old. After marrying her husband, Andrew, in 2013, they have lived in Georgia, Alabama, and now back here in NWF, where they began attending Gathering Church in June of 2016. Brittany and Andrew have two children, Chaz and Caroline. Brittany enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her children, Mexican food, and meeting up for coffee. Brittany is excited to be able to serve the church body here at Gathering in the Children’s Ministry.
Dewey Johnson
Church Elder
Todd McGinnis
Church Elder
Chris Martin
Church Elder