LEADRSHIP
OUR PASTOR
PASTOR MARIA BONNER
Maria is the Founder and Servant Leader of The Gathering Space. TGS, as it as become affectionately known, is a ministry that represents the Kingdom of God. Those that have partnered and joined are members of various ministries, different denominations, and represent various countries! TGS is focused on building people through discipleship and accountability. CHRIST – COMMUNITY – CONNECTION – are the foundational core beliefs of TGS.
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Maria is a proud alumna of Ashland Theological Seminary, where she obtained a Diploma of Theology in Black Church Studies and a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Counseling. Maria passed the National Board for Certified Counselors in November 2010, and since, has been licensed by the state of Ohio as a Professional Counselor.
Her passion for educating, equipping, and empowering individuals for the ongoing development and strengthening of the community has allowed her to build and use her skills in multiple settings - schools, homes, prisons,
businesses, ministries, and the community – to equip those individuals for involvement and impact.
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Maria also desires to build other like-minded and like-passionate individuals to walk out their destinies. As a
Strategic Leadership Consultant, she has developed a curriculum that has assisted aspiring leaders and
businesses to discover and reach their maximum potential. She understands that communities, cities, states, and
nations are best impacted when each individual occupies their rightful position.
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In 2013, Maria discovered a newfound passion for photography. In a short time, her photos have been featured
throughout the city of Cleveland and recognized by several media outlets. Maria’s heart for people and desire to
see them succeed, as well as her keen eye for beauty was merged together to form her first book, Be
Encouraged. Be Encouraged is an interactive devotional that includes both breathtaking snapshots and God-
inspired narrative.
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A loving wife and devoted mother of four, Maria operates under the supportive leadership of her husband, Joseph
Bonner. Her love for people and passion for Jesus Christ has lead her on a mission to gather souls for the
Kingdom and provide an illuminated path for those on a journey toward transformation!