Who We Are

Our mission matters: Gather differently. Welcome everybody. Love abundantly.

This is how we follow Christ in our community to make a difference in our world for the Kingdom of God.

Gather Differently

Church is not a building. It’s a community. We worship on Sundays. Sometimes that’s at The Foundry or on the Tomoka River. We sing karaoke, bless pets, and put faith in action. We meet in homes, at coffee shops, at the beach. And God is already there. In all of it.

Welcome Everybody

Each and every person is made in the image of God. All are welcome and wanted, all are affirmed and celebrated. Yes, we mean all. Because God’s love is for all. You have a seat at Christ’s table and you have a seat at The Gathering Place.

Love Abundantly

Jesus says to love God and love neighbor. We take that seriously. We partner with local organizations that are already transforming our neighborhoods. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

Kayaks & Communion @ Tomoka Outpost! #gatherdifferently

Super Serve Sunday @ Westside Elementary! #loveabundantly

What’s Important to Us

  • Getting Real.

    At The Gathering Place, we believe that faith is a journey, not a destination. Part of that journey includes wrestling with those big topics of faith. We don't shy away from the tough stuff. We welcome your doubts and your questions as we all explore what it means to follow Jesus.

    Find Your People

  • Being Transformed.

    We explore opportunities to transform ourselves, our community, and the world through Jesus' radical and all-encompassing love. This can happen in worship and prayer, small groups and studies, or serving our community. If you’re starting your faith journey, or coming back to it after some time, we’d love to help you take the next step in following Christ.

    Take Your Next Step

  • Slowing Down.

    Church should not just be another thing to add to your growing "to-do" list. We cultivate moments of rest and renewal in a world plagued by busyness. Ever get that overwhelming feeling you're not doing enough or YOU'RE not enough? Jesus invites us into the counter-cultural practice of slowing down.

    Practice Your Faith

Deland’s Love is Love Fest! #welcomeeverybody

Christmas Carols @ Tango’s! #gatherdifferently

We Believe

Together, The Gathering Place and First United seek to:

  • Faith is a journey, not a destination. There is always the next step, to take both as individuals and as First United. We don’t always take the easy way, as sometimes Jesus calls us to go where we can’t on our own. We don’t have all the answers. We are willing to wrestle with the hard questions, because in seeking we will find.

  • We are created to live in community and we need each other to be fully human, fully alive, regardless of our differences as individuals. Together we are better. It is in real and authentic relationship where we love, support, and care for each other, for each of us is significant to God.

  • Everyone is unique and has something to offer. God calls you to the spaces and places where your talents, abilities and resources intersect a need; that’s your sweet spot.

  • We will honor God and work to build God’s Kingdom here by serving and giving with all our passion. We strive to do this with excellence – not perfection. This means we will take risks because we are more afraid of missing opportunities than making mistakes.

  • Where Heaven touches Earth, God is at work and we have a lot to celebrate. We have fun living, laughing, working, playing, praying and worshiping together.

  • God is always calling us into a new place out of our traditions, comfort zones, and previous ways of thinking. We embrace change realizing that in doing a new thing God is accomplishing the plans to give us hope and a future.

  • God loves you, period. We are called to love God and love others the way we are loved. We demonstrate love through generous, selfless service. We serve, we give, we help, we accept because we are loved.