Rev. Tom Stephenson, Senior Pastor; Tom.Stephenson@fumcorange.org

Rev. Tom Stephenson is a third generation Methodist. Originally from Houston, Tom has lived and served all over Texas, and enjoys the unique qualities of each place he and his family have called home. Tom’s home church is Bellaire UMC.

Tom earned a B.S. degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M University in 1982, and his M. Div. Degree from Perkins School of Theology at SMU in 1988. He has served appointments in the Texas Annual Conference from Houston to Texarkana to his present appointment in Orange.

Tom’s special interests in ministry include preaching and working with ministry candidates. “It is a special moment to see the gospel come alive in peoples lives; the moment that they experience the ‘aha’ of Jesus Christ.” At the 2008 session of the Texas Annual Conference, Tom was elected to serve as the Vice-Chairperson of Elders for the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Tom has served on the CBOM since 2000, and the Executive Committee since 2004.

Tom has been married to Wendy Garrett Stephenson, a native of Orange, TX since November 1984. Wendy is a 1980 graduate of Little Cypress Mauriceville High School. She received a BS degree from Baylor University in 1984. Tom and Wendy are the proud parents of Kyle Thomas Stephenson. Kyle is bright, engaging and a joy to his parents. He loves to swim and play with his friends. He is a tremendous blessing from God to the Stephensons. Wendy enjoys photography, Creative Memories scrap booking, and reading. Tom’s enjoys making a mess in the kitchen, woodworking, and spending time with his family.