The Gathering

What is The Gathering?
The Gathering takes place at 10:30 AM in the Gym and runs simultaneously with the current service in the Worship Center.

Why did Tallowood start The Gathering?
We recognize that the growth of our city has not been matched by a proportionate increase in church attendance across the city. The Gathering is an opportunity to create a worship environment that can reach people who do not yet have a church family or a relationship with Jesus. We are called to be missional, reflecting the breadth of people in our city and community. This service is part of our mission to extend our reach and offer an additional worship experience for newcomers.

How does this align with Tallowood’s conviction to be one church?
The conviction that God wants to make us one remains strong. Both services remain connected through shared worship elements, teaching, and opportunities for fellowship. There has been beauty in moving from two services to one. We have grown in numbers, relationships, and impact. We hope to now build upon the foundation we’ve laid as one service and be a part of something new. Both services are multi-generational and multicultural in their composition.

Will there still be single worship services for the entire church?
Yes, once per quarter, we bring everyone together for a combined worship service, also known as an “All In Sunday,” in the Worship Center. These all-church services will help maintain our unity as one body.

Who leads worship at The Gathering?
Sarah & Nathan McCollum provide leadership in The Gathering every week. We are not moving towards a “traditional” versus “contemporary” divide. The current service in the Worship Center has elements rooted in tradition, held in partnership with new and fresh expressions of worship. The Gathering is best described as contemporary, seeking to be different without compromising Truth, authentic worship, or faith practice in any way.

Who preaches at The Gathering?
Pastor Brooks delivers the message for both services. The message is simulcast in the Gym for The Gathering.

Are the worship elements different in The Gathering?
While the Worship Center service retains its full musical expression—choir, orchestra, and band—The Gathering has its own unique style led by Sarah & Nathan McCollum, with music led by a band. The Gathering is designed to cultivate a space and time for people to encounter and meet with God. The planning of the service is steeped in prayer and intentionality, just like the Worship Center service, with a focus on helping people worship in their “heart language” and “native tongues.” Worship in The Gathering is not just about music; it includes prayer, scripture, community, liturgy, testimony, and more, all aimed at guiding us to meet with God.

At its core, worship is the most momentous, urgent, and glorious action that can take place in human life, as theologian Karl Barth expressed. Our goal is to create an environment where minds’ attention and hearts’ affection are centered on the Lord, humbly glorifying God in response to His greatness and His Word. Whether through music, prayer, or scripture, both services will remain faithful to Truth, authentic worship, and the practice of faith.

What is the atmosphere and lighting like in The Gathering?
The atmosphere in The Gathering is welcoming and inviting, with a focus on helping people engage in worship. The lighting in the room is used to illuminate the space and create a comfortable, open environment rather than being used as an element of entertainment. The space is meant to encourage participation and connection with God. Our goal is for the environment to invite all people into worship without turning the space into a concert venue. We want the focus to remain on encountering God together as a church family.