Tom Kearney

I desire to proclaim Jesus as Salvation to the local and global community that they may know true, living hope and salvation. My calling is to provide the tools for believers to grow in their spiritual walk with God. Through discipleship, I guide believers to pursue the adventure of discovering God's will for their lives. My passion is to help others love the LORD God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and to empower disciples to make disciples.

Connections Pastor at Community Church at Lake Wylie (2025-10 – Present)

• Spiritual formation of the adult discipleship department including developing "Next Step" pathways for new believers and members and overseeing adult education, Bible studies, and small group systems.
• Manage the first impressions process and team to ensure guests feel welcomed.
• Recruiting, training, and inspiring volunteer teams for Sunday morning roles.
• Acting as service host, leading elements like communion, pastoral prayer, baptism, and advent readings.
• Providing general pastoral care, counseling, and officiating at weddings or funerals as needed.
• Preach sermons periodically throughout the year (3-5 times per year).

Family and Kids Pastor at First Baptist Church Elkhart (2023-08 – 2025-09)

• Provide direct teaching and Biblical counseling to parents, families, children and youth.
• Perform wedding ceremonies, premarital counseling, baptisms, baptism class, parenting class, baby dedication class, Next Steps training, and discipleship lessons for families of the congregation.
• Recruit and train volunteer teams for Kids and Youth ministries
• Oversee and train students and children's ministry staff and volunteers.
• Create online systems for sign-ups, recruitment, equipping, and discipleship and digital media content.
• Produce visual content and oversee technical production of a 300+ children's program.

Child Advocate and Community Outreach Ministry Leader at The State of Arizona / Grace Retreat (2019-08 – 2023-07)

• Advocate for and train individuals in the foster care system.
• Partner with an Orphanage in Imuris, Mexico to provide for the needs of Mexican orphans.
• Collaborate with local ministry teams to implement opportunities for people to connect and serve.
• Recruit volunteers for service projects, missions trips and community outreach events.
• Inspire people to take their next steps after Growth Track to connect with Life Group and to serve.

Children's Ministry Director at Patrick Henry Family Services (2019-01 – 2019-07)

• Provide spiritual care and direction for families with children within the program.
• Oversee the Biblical Christian education and training for volunteers and staff.
• Serve as an evangelical ministry partner within the local church network.
• Recruit and develop volunteers and future staff.

Remote Ministry Program Director at Teaching Family Association (2017-05 – 2018-08)

• Engage in planning and developing training systems.
• Maintain effective communication and discipleship opportunities.
• Provide Biblical counsel and guidance to staff and volunteers.
• Direct and oversee daily operations and the financial budget of the ministry.
• Strategic planning and fundraising initiatives.

Children and Youth Director at Sunshine Acres Children's Home (2015-05 – 2017-05)

• Create Biblical curriculum, daily devotionals and weekly lessons for children and youth.
• Promote age-appropriate service projects with local community partnerships.
• Organize monthly family events and quarterly outreach opportunities for the children and youth.
• Recruit and train volunteers quarterly to enhance and grow the ministry.

Children's Ministry Director (church plant volunteer) at New Hope Church (2014-10 – 2015-04)

• Core member of church plant ministry and leadership team of 10 people.
• Encourage, empower, and develop future church leaders.
• Develop systems in goal setting, leadership development, and spiritual direction staff and volunteers.
• Connect children and their families to Christ through experience and teaching.

Generational Ministry Leader at CenterPoint Church (2008-10 – 2014-08)

• Develop, train, equip and recruit volunteers for the Generational Ministry (birth – college age).
• Lead teacher for the children's (evening edition), middle school youth, and college-age ministries.
• Serve as the team leader for the media and production ministry.
• Organize and lead local mission trips, camps, and outreach events for families and children.

Bachelor's Degree in Communication – Gordon Bible College (2004-08 – 2008-05)