Thom Clark Thom hails from the small town of Dix, Illinois where he grew up and went to church at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.  Right before entering High School he became a Christian and by his Junior year he felt the calling to go into full time ministry.

He went to Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri and double majored in both Religious Education and Church Recreation.  While there he served on a traveling drama team as leader for 3 years.  After college Thom took his first ministry position in Eldorado, Illinois where he served for 7 years.  While there he met and married his wife Michelle who was the church pianist.  They had their first child Will before they left Eldorado and went to Seminary full time in New Orleans.  Though it seemed like such a strange move at the time, God was at work as he put Thom in a position where he could become Recreation Director for the entire campus.  While there he implemented kids after school programs, Redemption playgroups, disc golf group, as well as oversaw the on campus youth ministry program.  By the time the family left the south with another son in tow, Jameson, they were headed our way.  With a Masters degree in Religious Education with a recreation emphasis, and having sat under the teaching of one of the premiere youth ministry experts Allen Jackson he seemed a perfect fit for Reidland Baptists search for a Youth and Recreation minister.  Since partnering with us we've added Upward Basketball, Cheerleading, and flag football to our menu of recreation.  Youth numbers are averaging 50 and the ministry team has put forth a new aspect of ministry on Sunday nights to make it even better. He even took upon himself to increase the nursery roll by he and his wife having their daughter,  Samantha.  Don't be surprised if you see him at the movies or out at the disc golf course, he tries to recreate himself every chance he can get.