LEADERSHIP & STAFF
LEADERSHIP
PASTOR
Joey Presutti
Joey and Taylor met on MySpace where everyone had a friend named Tom. They were high school sweethearts and were married in 2011. They moved to Jacksonville, Florida where Joey graduated law school in 2014 and began his career as an attorney. Taylor also worked for a decade as a dental hygienist and has transitioned to a work-from-home role. They have three daughters: Caroline (10), Everly (10), and Eden (3).
Since 2015, Joey and Taylor have had a deep love for the area and people of St. Johns County. Around 2020, they felt called to plant a church in the community. They received four years of training and mentorship from The District Church in Jacksonville, Florida. With excitement, they moved their family to SilverLeaf and immersed their lives into the community. They truly believe that St. Johns County is one of the best places to live in Florida and want to see the area flourish with the Good News of Jesus. With humility and eagerness, they are excited to gather and serve with people who want to enjoy life together!
Joey has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Political Science. He has a Juris Doctor, and is licensed to practice law. He is finishing his Master’s of Arts in Theological Studies from Reformed Theological Seminary.
RANDOM FACTS: He loves to read (way more than he should), he does do leg day at the gym even if you can’t tell (IYKYK), he has a passion to see men discipled and lead their families with grace and love, and he enjoys family vacations.
STAFF
WORHIP DIRECTOR
Declan Dean
Declan and his wife, Kathryn, live in Jacksonville. He has a heart for worship, creativity, and the local church. Originally from Northern Virginia, his journey has taken him through Nashville, Tennessee; Riverside, California, and Charleston, South Carolina—each season shaping his love for ministry and community. In 2019, he moved to Jacksonville to complete a worship residency with The Church of Eleven22, later returning to Charleston before ultimately feeling called back to Jacksonville, a city he deeply loves and now calls home.
Declan has been leading worship at Gather Church since November 2024, beginning with one of Gather's very first events, a Night of Worship. With over a year of worship leadership experience, he is passionate about creating spaces where people can encounter God alongside the worship team aiming to serve with excellence and authenticity.
RANDOM FACTS: He is obsessed with coffee and will gladly try every local coffee shop he can find, loves going to the movies with his wife, has a soft spot for motorcycles, classic cars, and old trucks, and finds joy in making pizza—especially experimenting with new flavor combinations!
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Taylor Presutti
Taylor is from East Tennessee but considers herself an official Floridian after being here for over 14 years. She is a daughter of King Jesus, wife to Pastor Joey of almost 15 years, and mom to Caroline (11), Everly(11) Eden (4), and the newest edition, Mr. Teddy, their adorable Cavapoo puppy!
She has a bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene (which means she can judge your flossing habits!). At her previous church, she served on staff as the Creative and Events Director. She now serves as the Administrative Assistant to Pastor Joey.
RANDOM FACTS: Her superpower is making balloon arches (but she is not for hire), she is a trip planning mastermind (cue the spreadsheets), and she loves a good cold brew!
NEXT GEN DIRECTOR
LISA MONTOYA
Lisa and Matt along with their 5 children: Remi, Levi, Jude, Finn and Crew, live in St. Johns County. After meeting in college and getting married in south Florida, they decided to return to Matt’s hometown and plant roots of their own. Lisa’s passion for children and serving and Matt’s adventurous spirit, resulted in growing their family through foster care and private adoption.
Lisa has a Bachelor’s Degree in exceptional student education with a background in behavior analysis. She spent several years teaching both in the public and private school system and currently homeschools her own kiddos. She has served in various churches both in children’s and special needs ministries.
RANDOM FACTS: Her dream pet is a Highland cow, she may show up on any given Sunday with an extra child (or two) in tow, and a joyshot from Elliano’s is her lifeline!
KIDS DIRECTOR
Ashland Banister
Ashland married her high school sweetheart, Emory, in 2018, and together they’ve built a lively little crew of four: Pierson, Paisley, Bowen, and Millie. They chose to plant roots right where they grew up — Saint Johns County — so their kids can grow up close to family (and so grandparents are never too far away for backup)!
Ashland earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and spent five years teaching Physical Education. After becoming a mom, she stepped into the best of both worlds: staying home with her kids while still working part-time in the fitness world. She has joyfully served in Gather Kids since launch day in December 2024 and brings her “organized chaos” skillset with her every Sunday.
RANDOM FACTS: She has run two full marathons and will never run another, she pours her milk before her cereal and she may definitely have an iced mocha latte addiction.
PARTNERSHIPS
Acts 29 Network is a global organization and network that is focused on planting and empowering churches across the world. With its Gospel-centrality and theological distinctives, Acts 29 believes the Great Commission is furthered as churches are planted and God's Kingdom is expanded to the world! Gather Church is proud to be in the Acts 29 Network as we share the Good News of Jesus in St. Johns County and equip other planters to do the same in the regions they are called!
Bridger Church is a new church launching in 2026 in Bozeman, Montana. Gather Church is excited to partner with finances, prayer, and support, for the Hickox family and Bridger Church as they begin the bold work of sharing the Gospel to the people of Bozeman!
Living Waters Church is a church plant in Costa Rica. Gather Church is excited to partner with finances, prayer, and support, for the Alvarez family and Living Waters Church as they gather people from across Costa Rica for the glory of God!