Leadership
GATHER is led by a team that values collaborative ministry and place-based mission.
Our Leadership Team
Tom Deakin
pilgrimage & partnerships lead
Tom ensures GATHER remains a safe and welcoming space for all. He is deeply committed to community wellbeing and contextual mission. As an outdoors guide, he is at home in wild spaces, and leads this element of our church.. He is also a Minister of the Word and teaches during gatherings and retreats.
Rev'd Eileen Harrop
GATHER Advisor
Eileen is the the former Minister with oversight for GATHER. She has a heart for the pastoral work of GATHER in particular, as we share the love of Christ. Eileen is now an Advisor to the Leadership team, having moved on from her role. She often attends GATHER events as a participant and we value her wise council.Â
Sheila Jones
COordination & pastoral lead
Sheila has spent years exploring different new forms of church in rural settings. She bridges the gap between traditional heritage and modern community needs, and responds to GATHER's pastoral needs.  She also provides support to our microchurch leaders and volunteers, and helps us run smoothly.Â
GATHER and St Mary's, Gainford
GATHER was originally a Church Planting project of St Mary's Church, Gainford:- which has grown into a church in its own right across multiple locations and places, drawing in different communities and people across the county and beyond. St Mary's Gainford continues to be our key partner who helps us do this by holding our Governance structures such as oversight of our Legal, Finance, Safeguarding; in addition to working closely with St Mary's to ensure we are coordinating local mission where we are able to. We also work with the Prayer Team from St Mary's who eagerly want to commit GATHER"s work to prayer and to ensure we are fully supported.
We continue to be thankful of this provision through the key people involved with St Mary's, and of the opportunity this gives us to work to the high standards of C of E policy in maintaining a safe, healthy, and thriving church open to all.Â
Our Volunteers
GATHER thrives on the energy and commitment of our community. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our church, bringing hospitality and creativity to everything we do.
Organise Retreats
Help us create meaningful moments and inspiring spaces. Assist with logistics, hospitality, or site coordination for our seasonal gatherings in Creation.
Deliver Workshops
Share your skills with the network. Whether it's craft, spiritual practice, or outdoor skills, we invite you to lead a workshop during one of our retreats or pilgrimages.
Host a Lifegroup
Open your home to build community. Our hosts are some of our most important members who enjoy facilitating deep conversation and connection in a microchurch setting right where you live.