Quartely TGC Shepherds Gatherings
What are these quarterly gatherings?
A regional chapter of The Gospel Coalition in Orlando, FL, hosting quarterly gatherings for local pastors and ministry leaders, along with an annual men’s workshop for our churches. These events are designed for fellowship, equipping, and refreshment, providing a space to build gospel friendships, receive sound biblical teaching, and strengthen one another in the calling to shepherd Christ’s church with endurance and joy.
Who are they for?
This regional chapter exists to serve pastors and those training for gospel ministry throughout the greater Orlando area, brothers united in Christ and committed to the faithful proclamation of the gospel, the building up of the local church, and the mission of making disciples of all nations.
Why do these gatherings exist?
Because ministry is hard, and many pastors are quietly weary, discouraged, and on the edge of burnout. We long to create a space where these men can be met with grace and truth, where they can breathe again, and where they are reminded they are not alone.
We are called to “keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16). This is our heartbeat, and we believe we need each other to do it well. These gatherings will offer a safe, Spirit-led space to grow in godliness, to walk in grace-fueled accountability, and to rekindle gospel joy among fellow laborers.
To that end, our gatherings will center around four essential pillars:
Identity – Our worth is rooted not in our performance but in Christ.
Family – Before we lead in ministry, we are called to lead in the home.
Ministry – Relationships within the church must be shaped by grace, not striving.
Mission – Whether planting, revitalizing, or sending globally, we’re all on mission.
But to become a healthy gospel community with healthy pastors, four indispensable elements must be cultivated in each gathering:
Humility – a willingness to learn, confess, and depend on Christ
Honesty – a commitment to speak truth and walk in the light
Health – a pursuit of wholeness: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and relationally
Honor - a culture that esteems those who labor quietly for Christ, giving dignity to the unseen, gratitude to the faithful, and recognition to those whom the world overlooks but heaven celebrates.
When these Spirit-wrought graces are active, we believe God will produce what we long to see: healthy families, healthy pastors, healthy churches, and healthy communities flourishing together for the glory of Christ.
How are we organizing these gatherings?
We will meet quarterly on Wednesday mornings from 9:00–11:00 AM for fellowship, worship, rich biblical teaching focused on one of the four pillars, and roundtable discussion. These discussions will include three anchoring questions that help us walk in humility, honesty, and health:
Where is the Lord inviting you to slow down and listen?
What truth about Jesus are you struggling to believe right now?
Where do you need prayer for growth in health—spiritually, emotionally, physically, or relationally?
We will also host an annual men’s workshop in November to equip and encourage the broader body of men from our local churches. This will include teaching, worship, meals, fellowship, and breakout discussions.
When are these gatherings happening?
Quarterly Gatherings (Wednesdays, 9:00–11:00 AM):
August 26, 2026 (Held at First Baptist Church of Longwood)
Optional lunch nearby will follow each quarterly gathering for continued fellowship.
Annual Men’s Workshop:
November 13–14, 2026
This year's speaker is Samuel Emadi
Theme & Topic is on Biblical Brotherhood & Friendship
Where are these gatherings located?
We will rotate between local church partners to ensure accessibility. Our primary host locations are:
First Baptist Church of Longwood
Central Church Sanford
Orlando Baptist Church
TGC Orlando Regional Chapter Leaders:
Arthur Gonçalves – Elder, Restoration Church of Sanford
Eric Scholten – Pastor, First Baptist Church of Longwood
Dan Mastrapa – Pastor, Sent Church
Ethan Crowder – Pastor, Central Church Sanford
Dustin Janney – Pastor, Orlando Baptist Church
Gabe Forsyth – Pastor of Missions, Mosaic Church