The Gathering

The Gathering is an elder led church, which means that we have a group of four men who make it a priority to pray for God's guidance and direction for The Gathering.

Meet our pastor:
Jeff Wagner is the pastor of The Gathering in Coulterville. Jeff's family includes his beautiful wife, Leah, his children, Stephen and wife Georgia, David and wife Aubrey, Andrew, and Blayne. With the help of his family, Jeff works to serve God and the people around him.

Jeff grew up in Pinckneyville and received a bachelors degree at Union University in Jackson, TN. He is a partial owner of K&H Construction Inc.

Along with serving the people locally in Southern IL, Jeff also has felt a strong personal call to serve the people in Haiti, building homes, doing medical clinics, and women and children's ministry up until the last couple of years, as gang rule prevents missionaries from going there. God has also recently given him a love for the people of the Dominican Republic where he took a team to build a home for a widow and minister to women in the community.  He has had opportunities to minister to Haitian refugees there as well, and is excited to see where God leads him and Leah in that ministry.

Jeff never thought he would find himself pastoring a church, but God had other plans. We are grateful that when God called, Jeff said yes.

While Jeff is a wonderful leader, please know that our ultimate leader and example is always Jesus Christ.

Kevin Kuhnert is one of four elders at The Gathering. He and his wife, Kathryn Kuhnert, provide a great example of a God-centered marriage with a heart for serving the Lord.

Kevin is a retired contractor with K&H Construction, and Kathryn is a retired school teacher. Kevin and Kathryn have 4 children and 11 grandchildren. 

Kevin leads a missional community (small group Bible study), and Kathryn plays the keyboard for our praise team. They both have attended mission trips to Haiti about twice a year where they have built houses and schools/churches, helped with medical clinics, and helped plan and participate in programs for children and widows.  At this time, missionaries are unable to enter the country, but we still pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters living in such turmoil.

Kevin and Kathryn mention often that they love how caring and supportive The Gathering is to everyone who is seeking God, regardless of their background. They enjoy serving with our church family, and we appreciate the service, example, and encouragement that this couple brings.

Mike Millikin is one of the four elders at The Gathering. He is a retired utility superintendent in Pinckneyville and currently works for K & H Construction. His wife Alicia ministers through women in our community through Bible study and fellowship. Together they have three children, one grandson, and four granddaughters.

Mike and Alicia lead a missional community. They always help with set-up before our worship services, and they help with our children's classes as well.

Mike and Alicia have been blessed with a heart for people. When they offer prayer or help people in need, they truly mean it. We are privileged to get to serve God with this loving, caring couple.

Bob is one of four elders at The Gathering. He is married to his wife Barbara. Together they have four children and 10 grandchildren (5 boys and 5 girls). Bob and Barbara are retired educators and live near Sparta. They love to be with their grandchildren, travel, mentor young adults, and lead Bible studies. Bob and Barb host a missional community Bible study group in their home on Wednesday evenings at 6:30. All are welcome.