Hi! I am the Senior Pastor of Thrive Church, an exciting and creative church focused on reaching the lost, un-churched and de-churched in the Katy/Richmond, Tx area. I was born and raised in Peoria, IL, he began my 18 year career in Student Ministry. After serving churches in Illinois, Michigan and Texas, my wife Jackie and I felt a calling to plant a church in the Katy/Richmond area.
My passion it to speak the truth in a relevant and down to earth approach. On Sundays we use practical illustrations and humor to share God’s word with the people of Thrive Church. My vision is to make it easy for people to find and follow God.
Prior to founding Thrive Church, I served as the Director of Student Ministry at Lakewood Church under the leadership of Pastor Joel Osteen. I am passionate about using my 18+ years of ministry experience to teach others how God can utilize our past to launch us into our future.
My wife Jackie and I have been married for 16 years and reside in the Katy/Richmond area with our two awesome kids Molly and Cole.
Here are some books I have loved to read and suggest you dive into:
- IT, how churches and leaders can get it and keep it – Craig Groeschel
- Tale of Three Kings – Gene Edwards
- The Unchurched Next Door – Thom Rainer and San Rainer
- Tribes: We need you to lead us – Seth Grodin
- Starting your Best Life Now – Joel Osteen
- The 4:8 Principle – Tommy Newberry
- Shaping the Spiritual Life of Students – Richard R Dunn
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Tom & Jackie -
We’re excited for you and know that Thrive Church is going to make a huge impact in the lives of thousands of people. We wish you the best of luck in your adventure!
Love you both…
Dave & Rindy
Tom!! That’s awesome you are starting a church! I will pray for you and the church and the baby! Awesome news.
Wow! I’m so excited for you guys, can’t wait to see what God will do, all becuase you are willing!!
Hey pastor tom i am so glad i got to be apart of your life and to serve as one of your ushers. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you and your family. Thank you
Tom and Jackiee,
I think it’s exciting that you are embarking on a journey that has been founded centuries ago. I think the greatest churches are the ones that are christocentric and are commited to being accountable and connected. Tight knit! Paul carried so many burdens with different churches. I pray you will cary the burden of the Body Of Christ and stay focused to building up the Kingdom!
Bri (Elle Es)
Tom!
I can’t believe it! Starting a new church, and Jackie is pregnant!! Unbelievable! I am so happy for you both… what an amazing new journey. You deserve it.
Much love,
Bethany Baird (Altman)
(theEDGE!!)
Tom & Jackie,
What awesome gifts God has bestowed upon you. I know you will continue planting more seeds where ever you touch God’s people. We wish you many blessings and exciting adventures to come with your new mission and child to come. How so exciting-I still remember giving birth to all my three-Krystle, Angie and Eric. God bless you Tom in all that you do.
Whoa. I had no idea you were starting your own church! Dream big and let God bless!
Take care,
Jean
Who could be more proud than I to have a brother like you. You and Jackie have come so far and will continue. You both are a insperation to me and our family. God has a reason for everything. I love you all.
Love your sis,
Misty
It is always amazing what God can do. From Star Wars to reaching for the stars and beyond.
May the force(of GOD) be with you!
Tom!
Jackie’s pregnant?! You’re planting a church?! Your life is so exciting! You’ve got a ton of people praying for you up here in Michigan. We all miss you!
Anna
Tommy,
Wow what a year! Good luck to you and Jackie, I will be praying.
Remember: Matthew 19:26
See you soon, Love, Susie
Hey Tom from all of us here at next level student ministries we wish you the best and believeing that God is going to make a way no matter what obstacles come. I pray that as you embark on this new adventure in ministry that God prosper you and your ministry in every aspect. Hope to see you seen and remember you always have a home here in Miami, Fl.
Kiki
How incredible that after four short paragraphs I kinda feel like I know you a little bit all over again. I am so excited for you and Jackie and your growing family- both personal and church! Gods Blessings!
-Cathy
Tom & Jackie:
CONGRATULATIONS to you on both the upcoming birth of your new baby AND your new church.
God is still in the miracle business, isn’t He?!
Is Richmond close to Houston? My daughter still lives in Houston.
LOVE YOU!
BY Gods grace alone i was healed. I knew from the very first time i herd you speak Tom something amazing was going to preached into these kids (young adults) haha.
It like i herd your voice somewhere remember i told you that, though spirit i was lead to the L7 group and slowly i understood more you taught me a lot Tom its sad though i only got to hear you preach for 2 months tough.
You are an awesome pastor , very charismatic and fun kinda reminds me of myself, you would have been an awesome mentor to me ,but in a way you planted some really good seed into this student ministry.
I WISH YOU THE BEST MR.ElMORE YOU AWESOME MAN OF GOD!!!!!
good luck at your church we will keep in touch!