why do we say "gathered"?

First Church was founded or, using the historical term, “gathered,” in 1635. Congregationalism has as one of its key biblical texts these words of Jesus: “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20, NKJ). That means that we are not dependent on some outside authority such as a bishop or presbytery for authenticity or direction because Lord Jesus, the Supreme Authority, is in our midst, available to authenticate the church, orchestrate each gathering, and give us direction and guidance.