Pastor Tom Nelson

Senior Pastor

Tom Nelson was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, where he grew up and attended college in his hometown. Tom began his career in travel by becoming a motor coach driver. In his fourteen years in the travel industry, Tom found success in the group travel business by being named Assistant VP of Special Operations for Educational Field Studies. After working in radio and print advertising, Tom answered a personally described “lifelong call” to ministry in 1996 by entering Duke Divinity School where he obtained his masters in divinity.

Upon graduation in 1999, the Bishop appointed him as Associate Pastor to First UMC of Kissimmee. Tom was then appointed to First UMC of South Miami from 2002 until his appointment to First Church/Port Orange in 2008. Tom served on the Executive Board of South Florida Urban Ministries and served as their chair from 2003-2005, the Board of Directors for the Wesley Foundation at University of and Miami, the Miami District Committee on Superintendence, The South East District Transformation Team where he has served as the chair, and the South East District Leadership team. Tom currently serves on The East Central District Committee on Ministry as Vice Chair, the Wesley Board at Stetson University, and as a Conference Transformational Coach.

Tom and Michelle have been married for over 15 years and have three children, Alyssa, Andrew, and Anthony. Tom’s favorite pastime is bicycle riding and he loves singing.

Email: Tom Nelson
Phone: 386.767.6161 ext. 107