Presence-Driven
Pursuing God’s glory in every moment.
About us
Presence. Family. Transformation. Power.
Where God’s presence comes first. Families are strengthened and discipled, and where transformation takes place through the power and love of Jesus Christ.
Jesus at the center
Our core values
Family-Focused
Strengthening households through biblical truth.
Spirit-Empowered
Guided by the Holy Spirit in all we do.
Transformative
Committed to life change through authentic faith.
Our vision
The Gathering Place: a community where God’s presence comes first, families are strengthened and discipled. A place where transformation takes place through tangible love, service, and the power of Jesus Christ.
Who we want to be
Presence. Family. Transformation. Power.
Presence
God’s nearness comes first for us. We’ve experienced how everything changes when His presence fills a room—peace replaces anxiety, hearts soften, and people encounter the living God in ways that stick forever. Without chasing His glory in every moment, nothing else we do has real life.
“Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”” Exodus 33:15-16 (NIV)
Power
We believe the Holy Spirit isn’t optional—He’s essential. We’ve seen lives turn around through His power: addictions broken, healing released, boldness given where fear once ruled. We want every gathering, every serve project, every family moment to be guided and empowered by the Spirit so real change happens, not just good ideas. We believe God’s supernatural power should be the norm & not the exception.
“Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:19 (NIV)
Discipleship
Families are the foundation of everything. We’ve watched marriages heal, parents grow confident, and kids fall in love with Jesus when they’re discipled in biblical truth together. Strengthening households isn’t a side ministry for us—it’s core. We want The Gathering Place to be a place where families don’t just attend; they grow deeper in faith and love side by side.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)
Transformation
We’re not here simply for crowds or programs—we’re here for changed lives. When God’s presence shows up, His power moves, and people are discipled, transformation follows: broken relationships restored, hope where there was despair, justice where there was injustice, and a city that starts looking more like Heaven. That’s the end goal—real, tangible, lasting change in Americus through authentic faith and radical love.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Lead pastors
Meet the Edwards Fam.
We are the Edwards family: Nick, Jessi, Nash, Jasper, and Josie. Six years ago, God led us to southwest Georgia, initially for a ministry role we thought was our calling. Instead, it became a profound call to dedicate our lives to this community and region.
After over 13 years in vocational ministry across various churches, we sensed God stirring us toward a new path, one requiring deep surrender. Our focus shifted from ministry positions, platforms, or recognition to a burning desire to plant our family here and advance God's kingdom in southwest Georgia.
In the summer of 2024, the Lord specifically directed us to Americus and Sumter County. Through prayer, frequent visits, and time spent in the city, a gentle tug on our hearts grew into a fiery passion. After more than a year of navigating a challenging season of discernment, we believe we've heard God's clear call to establish a kingdom work in Americus, Georgia.
Our journey
The road to Americus
- Six years agoGod leads the Edwards family to southwest Georgia.
- Summer 2024The Lord directs them to Americus and Sumter County.
- 2025–2026A season of prayer and discernment, then the Matthew 18:20 Project renovation begins.
- NowPrelaunch gatherings at Wolf Creek Plantation as we wait for our permanent location.
Generosity
Help build a place to gather in Americus.
Every gift fuels the Matthew 18:20 Project as we renovate and gather in this prelaunch season.
Our city
Rooted in Americus.
