Meet our Candidate for Associate Pastor of Families and Education
Tom Devine
“God has been so faithful to me over the years, and has opened more doors than I can count. I became a Christian in 2007 as a freshman at the University of Central Florida, and was called to be a pastor about a year and a half later. Every step since then has been taken to grow closer to Christ and carry out the call to be God’s instrument as an influencer to shape the lives of God’s people for God’s kingdom.” Tom Devine
PERSONAL INFORMATION
DOB: 03/19/1989
Salvation: 08/2007
Ordination: 09/2013
Married: 04/18/2015 to Carolina
EDUCATION
University of Central Florida, Graduated May 2011 Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies,Minor in Multi Cultural Studies, Certificate in Judaic Studies
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Graduated May 2014 Master of Arts in Christian Studies
Liberty University, Graduated May 2016 Master of Divinity with a focus in Theology
What do you see as your spiritual gift(s) for ministry?
I believe that Christians all have a wide variety of spiritual gifts with some shining more brightly than others. For myself the gifts of shepherding, teaching, and exhortation are the most prevalent. Although teaching is my favorite gift to exercise, I do believe that the area that God has gifted me the most is in shepherding students from being new Christians to embarking on a call to full-time ministry.
What is your comprehensive vision for a family ministry?
My vision and model for family ministry follows directly with Dr. Crowe’s Vision 20/20. A successful family ministry equips small groups with effective and engaging teachers to invest in adults to be equipped with sound doctrine. A successful family ministry equips children to better know the Bible that they may come to know the Lord Jesus who is revealed in all of Scripture. A successful family ministry equips students with the knowledge of the gospel and how it affects their lives, their future, and their friend groups. A successful family ministry equips college students and young adults for their vocations, their marriages and most importantly their relationship with Christ. Lastly, a successful family ministry will create strong avenues for new families to get involved at South Orlando Baptist Church and to be exposed to the gospel.
How does your wife support you in your ministry?
In addition to being my biggest fan and someone that ministers to me in ways that no one else can, Carolina is also a tangible supporter in ministry. At my current church Carolina helps set up the children’s area on Sunday mornings, meets with new families to get them assimilated into the church, and she is great with the students on worship nights and retreats.
What others have told us about Tom:
“Tom is the greatest guy in Orlando that I have worked with in opening up Public High School campuses for Jesus. He has a sincerity and an energy that is unparalleled. I am excited at the prospect to have Tom’s help in opening up Freedom High School!” Kirk Freeman, Orlando Director of High School Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ).
“Tom has been successful in everything he has participated in. He has a heart for evangelism and he makes that apparent in all that he does. He brings the energy where and when it is needed. Tom’s a man of strong faith, an excellent recruiter, trainer, learner. I can’t say enough good things about him!” Charlie McDonough, Student Pastor at CrossLife Church.
“Tom’s relationship with the Lord will show up in all he does. Once Tom senses a student is lost or not a Christian, Tom will go out of his way to strike up a casual conversation and ask a few questions and listen and then bridge the conversation to the Gospel.” Rick Ray, Executive Pastor of CrossLife Church, Orlando.
Schedule:
Meet and Greet with Tom Devine:
Sunday Night, September 11, 6:30-7:30PM, Church Sanctuary
Student Ministry Meeting with Tom Devine:
Wednesday Night, September 14, 6-8PM, Oasis
Student Sunday School Meeting with Tom Devine:
Sunday Morning, September 18, 9:45-10:45 AM, Oasis
Tom’s Church Testimony:
Sunday Morning, September 18, 8:30AM & 11AM services, Church Sanctuary
Church Vote:
Sunday, September 18, After 11AM service, Church Sanctuary