The Gathering of Greater Springfield

Mission = Meeting the moral, ethical and spiritual needs of business, professional and government leaders to develop mature, reproducing disciples of Christ

Ben Bonham, Young Life
Drew Flamm, Cedarville University
Tony Hannon, Real Estate II
Jeff Horne, Real Estate II
Pat Rastatter, Security National Bank
Landon Wade, The Cerium Group
Michael Whitfield, Springfield City Schools
Ray Willis, First Steps

References

Professionals, especially men, travel through our days as solitary beings — overly connected to the world and disconnected from our God — most days. On Sunday, we step up to our commitment to family and church and live the life. But the other days, we just don’t have time. Actually, we don’t have the skill and opportunity, to live for God seven days a week.

That’s where Jeff Pinkleton and The Gathering come in — meeting us head on where we live. Constant, not so subtle, encouragement to “live the life meant for us by our Christ” every day. Connecting men with other men to talk these things out — over coffee, watching a game, at community events, or just about anywhere. You can’t escape Jeff, he’s everywhere!

My world is overcome with compassion fatigue — for patients, for the social issues that plague education and health care, for the overwhelming sense of burden on a society hooked on drugs and alcohol — and seemingly bent on self-destruction. I meet Jeff feeling that I cannot do any more — and leave ready to start another program. His energy is infectious (in a good way, I am a doctor) and it spreads among those in The Gathering.

I wholeheartedly endorse Jeff’s work in Springfield. He connects us in a unique way. He is carrying on Christ’s work in our community.

Stephen Feagins, MD, MBA, FACP
Vice President Medical Affairs, Community Mercy Health Partners
Board of Education, Springfield City Schools

In today’s society, there are so many issues and unfortunately so few who are willing to step up to the tasks that need addressed. I rarely see an organization or individual who is willing to step outside the box in an effort to take the lead and attempt to make a difference. All governments and businesses are having the same issues, budgets are tight, and time is no longer free, yet the reality is, the needs are greater than ever.

I want to personally thank the Gathering for their dedicated work in Springfield , Ohio . Jeff Pinkleton has established himself as a leader in the business world of Springfield . Jeff is diligent in establishing personal contacts with businesses that have Christian fundamentals as their driving force. Jeff not only establishes his contacts, he is constantly networking different businesses and leaders to work together.

To illustrate this, Jeff is to be commended for his vision, and untiring work to pull Springfield area churches together to offer a county-wide Men’s Conference called, Unleashed. Jeff’s vision was to cross racial boundaries, and create an atmosphere of hope for men to worship and hear the word of God. Jeff was able to organize this event to a successful conclusion. Without Jeff’s involvement, this event would not have been the success it was.

I want to personally thank the Gathering for the relentless work in changing our community. Please feel free to contact me at anytime.

Bruce A. Ludlow
Men’s Minister
First Christian Church

We live in a broken world, where pressures and temptations are too numerous to count. Our country’s business community in particular has been under fire from these pressures and temptations for too long, without an outlet for immediate relief. With no where to turn for open communication, pleas for help and christian leadership, many business leaders, politicians, educators, etc. have fallen victim to these various pressures and temptations.

Our mission is in full motion and picking up momentum! We have invited guest speakers to share personal testimony, created small group “locker rooms” to support one another in the daily mission, gathered in small groups to support and pray for government leaders, held lunches for open ” vulnerable” discussions and spent countless time targeting those in the businees community, who are non-believers and may want to explore the great message of Christ.

Your funding is critical to continue our mission and in advance of your consideration, we want to thank you and give you the assurance that every dollar will be spent sharing the great news about Jesus Christ.

Please feel free to contact me direct on my cell, should you need further guidance or testimony: 937-604-6316.

Phil Scott
Investment Advisor Representative
Sequent

From what I’ve seen and experienced, the Gathering in Springfield is an organization that is rather unique, even in ministry. Whereas missions go out into all the world and into the inner city or into the rural countryside to address the real physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people in distress, the Gathering seems to focus on—wait a minute—me.

I’m a businessman and community leader working for the Chamber of Commerce; I’m on multiple boards; I’m a dad of two girls (4 and 15); I’m working 60-80 hours a week—all the time. Stress through the roof. Discouragement frequent. Weariness common.

What do I need to keep going? To keep strong? A friend, a cup of coffee, some free sports tickets, access to some really good speakers, someone trying to encourage me here and there. And I need it when I need it; most of the time, my schedule is too hectic to take advantage of the benefits.

But the Gathering doesn’t pressure, doesn’t ask for me to commit to anything. It’s simply there to help me on the journey—and that’s not their slogan, it’s actually what I believe (and I’ve gotten somewhat cynical with age about motives). May not seem like a lot to some. It’s not feeding orphans in Turkmenistan or building irrigation systems in the Sudan or doing Bible School in the Loop in Chicago, but it does matter to me. I would miss it if it were not here.

David Zak
Vice President, Economic Development
The Chamber of Greater Springfield