Name: Tom Stocks

Job Title: Field Strategist for Valley and Southside regions (more than 400 churches)

Years at BGAV: 11 as a field strategist and 26 as a pastor (Rosalind Hills and Bon Air Baptist, during which he also served two terms on the mission board and for a time as a BGAV minister in residence—the deacon training specialist)

Retirement Date: January 31, 2026

Tom’s highlights/favorite memory from working at BGAV:
‍"Building relationships with pastors and seeking to provide them with resources has been the highlight of my tenure and the joy of my calling. There is no greater pleasure than being a support to a pastor as they seek to fulfill the mission, vision, and culture of their church. In addition, I take memories of deep friendships built with many of these pastors. Working alongside the team of Field Strategists has been life-giving as we have toiled, laughed, and grown together."

What Tom plans to do in retirement:
"I look forward to continuing my preaching through interim work and at the same time discerning where God would have me serve, so that I can add value to his kingdom. We are looking forward to traveling the world, keeping up with our kids and grandchild, and pouring into friends."

Advice Tom has for everyone as he’s retiring:
‍"Take yourself less seriously and take God more seriously! God is good…all the time, and all the time...God is good! And for when times get rough, remember: As a Christian, the worst thing that might ever happen to me will NEVER be the last thing that happens to me!"

‍