Grew up in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk Christian High (1971), Virginia Tech (1975), Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) (1982)

My wife, Mabel (married in 1975), has a heart for internationals. Our four grown kids are scattered along the East Coast. We have six granddaughters in whom we delight!

Watching leaders thrive, encouraging new leaders. Serving people in whom the Lord is at work and are looking for opportunities to serve each other and reach the world for Christ.

I like trying new things. I dabble in watercolors, enjoying the combinations you can make. Roller coasters, heights and scary movies don't do it for me. Days at the beach with Mabel do it for me. Love travel and new adventures.

Tom graduated from Virginia Tech in 1975 with a BA in Business Administration. While at Tech he was nurtured by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and joined their staff upon graduation, serving the Vanderbilt campus in Nashville from 1975-1978. Having benefited from the works of men like J.I. Packer and John Stott, Tom earned a Masters of Divinity at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia from 1978-1982. Part-time work in small group ministry at Chelten (Conservative) Baptist Church convinced him that the church was his calling. In 1982 the Tabernacle Church of Norfolk (where Tom grew up) began work on the Peninsula and called him to pastor the church planting effort. Tom and his wife Mabel have been with the Chapel since it started in 1983. Tom stepped down as Lead Pastor in May 2020 after 38 years in that position and spent the next four years serving as the Global Ministry Pastor. In May of 2024 he retired from his role on staff and was installed as Pastor Emeritus. Tom enjoys Friday dates with Mabel, reading the Economist and historical fiction, visiting the Chapel's global partners around the world and swimming at the YMCA. Tom and Mabel have four grown children.