WHO WE ARE
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
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.
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 & Student Ministry 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.
June Johnson
Administration Communication
June spent most of her life in the Chicago area. She and her husband Dewey, settled here in Fort Walton Beach in 2017 to help care for Dewey’s mother and to be part of the Gathering Church. They have six grown children between them and eight grandchildren. June has a degree in Civil Engineering and retired as the Director of Transportation and Schaumburg Regional Airport Manage in 2014. Her experience with contracts, budgets and people management are what led her to become part of the staff at the Gathering.
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!
LaDonna Bradford
Kids Ministry Associate
LaDonna was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She moved to Navarre, Florida in 2018 when her husband Justyn transferred to the area for his job. LaDonna and Justyn have been married for 19 years and have two sons, Alex and Anthony. They both have served in kids ministry for more than 18 years. LaDonna loves to spend time with family and friends.
Dewey Johnson
Church Elder
Todd McGinnis
Church Elder
Chris Martin
Church Elder
Keith Bankston
Church Elder