Tom Ellsworth served as the preaching minister of Sherwood Oaks Christian Church for 40 years. In 1981 he and his wife, Elsie, moved to the small university town of Bloomington, Indiana. During the ensuing four decades, the congregation grew from 80 to over 3,000, transitioning through a building fire, relocation, five building programs, and the addition of two multisite congregations. He prepared for a lifetime of service with degrees from St. Louis Christian College and Cincinnati Bible Seminary.
Tom has traveled the country and overseas to speak as well as train Christian leaders and ministers. He has published numerous articles and written five books. Currently, he is privileged to serve as president of the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission for Christian Churches. And in 2001, he served as President of the North American Christian Convention.
Tom is currently serving with Bob Russell in helping lead the Times of Refreshing Retreats to encourage ministers. In addition, he serves as an interim minister, an associate team member with “E2-effective elders,” a cohort leader with the Christian Church Leadership Network, a mentor/coach with ministers and elderships and is privileged to serve as president of the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission for Christian Churches. He enjoys writing and has published numerous articles and written five books.
He and Elsie have been married for 48 years and have two wonderful daughters, Emily and Rebekah, two terrific sons-in-law, Matt and Errek, and six awesome grandchildren – pure joy! When not ministering, you’re likely to find Tom in the woods behind their house, spending time with his family or building memories with his grandchildren. His favorite places to visit are the majestic scenes of God’s creation. He loves reading a good mystery thriller novel, being a pilot, tinkering with cars and woodworking.