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LEADERSHIP TEAM

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CHURCH LEADERSHIP

We Aim to be Servant Leaders

Our goal as a leadership team is to submit ourselves to the authority of Scripture and use our God-given talents for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim Merlino from The Gathering in Corbin City, NJ

Tim Merlino

Lead Pastor

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Pastor Matt Kirms from The Gathering in Corbin City, NJ smiling

Matt Kirms

Worship Director

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Dakota Kirms, Director of Children's Ministries at The Gathering in Corbin City, NJ, smiling

Dakota Kirms

Director of Children’s Ministries

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Julie Merlion, Director of Youth Ministries at The Gathering in Corbin City, NJ smiling

Julie Merlino

Director of Youth Ministries

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Judy Wright

Director of Women’s and Prayer Ministries

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MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS

We Don't Do This Alone

Our deacons and ministry team leaders are instrumental in carrying out the mission and values of our church.

Philip Smith

Deacon

Thomas Flood

Deacon

Andrew Donohue

Deacon

John Moore

Deacon

Simon Farmer

Ministry Leader

James Armstrong

Ministry Leader

Peter Jackson

MInistry Leader

Andrew Young

Ministry Leader

Tim Merlino

Lead Pastor

Tim serves as the Lead Pastor of The Gathering, where he provides pastoral care, teaches the Word, and equips the church to grow in Christ. He is passionate about cultivating a healthy, Spirit-led church marked by biblical faithfulness, deep community, and shared, servant-hearted leadership. Alongside his pastoral role, Tim runs a small business to remain financially self-sustaining in ministry and to model a bivocational lifestyle that’s rooted in service. When he’s not teaching or working, you’ll likely find him with his family, out on the water, or building something with his hands.

Matt Kirms

Worship Director

Matt leads the Worship Ministry at The Gathering with a heart to see people encounter the presence of God through Christ-centered, Spirit-led worship. He is passionate about creating space for the church to respond to God with authenticity, reverence, and joy. Matt is also committed to developing worship leaders and musicians who serve with humility and skill, always pointing others to Jesus. Outside of ministry, he enjoys time with his family, music of all kinds, and meaningful conversations over good coffee.

Dakota Kirms

Director of Children’s Ministries

Dakota leads The Gathering’s Children’s Ministry with a deep desire to see kids grow in their knowledge of God and experience His love at every stage of life. She creates safe, fun, and gospel-centered environments where children can learn the Bible, build friendships, and feel genuinely valued. Dakota also equips volunteers to serve with joy and intentionality, partnering with parents to disciple the next generation. When she’s not serving in ministry, she enjoys time with family, creativity, and quiet moments with a good book.

Julie Merlino

Director of Youth Ministries

Julie leads the Youth Ministry at The Gathering with a passion to see students know Jesus personally and grow in their faith during these formative years. She creates space for teens to ask honest questions, study God’s Word, and build meaningful relationships rooted in trust and grace. Julie is committed to raising up young disciples who understand their identity in Christ and their calling to live out the Gospel. Outside of youth nights, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and sharing life with the church community.

Judy Wright

Director of Women’s and Prayer Ministries

Judy leads both the Women’s Fellowship and Prayer Ministries at the Gathering. In Women’s Fellowship we seek to create a welcoming environment for the ladies to get to know one another better, pray with and for each other and study God’s Word together. We hope to see you at our next ladies’ gathering! In Prayer Ministry we hope to establish a space for one another to come for prayer—whether in person at the altar after each service or via our prayer chain. We would love to pray for you!

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