
Tom Severson
Lead Pastor
An Iowa native, Tom came to Elgin near the time he began following Christ—the middle school years. Seeing the changes Jesus was making in the lives of his parents, he says, melted his own agnostic heart.
Tom holds a degree from Judson College, but an InterVarsity Bible study at Elgin Community College was even more life-changing—that’s where he met Jill. Married in 1983, they have seven adult kids and five grandchildren.
In 1995, Tom set aside a successful sales career when asked to pastor this congregation. He has a gift for preaching the Word and puts a high priority on prayer, worship, and the presence of God. His passion is to see the Church being the Church—not just on Sunday
Tom holds a degree from Judson College, but an InterVarsity Bible study at Elgin Community College was even more life-changing—that’s where he met Jill. Married in 1983, they have seven adult kids and five grandchildren.
In 1995, Tom set aside a successful sales career when asked to pastor this congregation. He has a gift for preaching the Word and puts a high priority on prayer, worship, and the presence of God. His passion is to see the Church being the Church—not just on Sunday
mornings, but every day, as a true, knit-together family with a heart for the lost, a heart for the poor, and a deep hunger for God’s presence. Tom’s heart beats for the oppressed and for seeing people set free from bondage to sin.
For 15 years he served Vineyard Midwest North Region as an Area Pastor, coaching and encouraging eight other senior pastors. He enjoys praying regularly with the leaders of other churches in the Elgin community.
In his free time, Tom can often be found reading (favorite authors are Charles Spurgeon and Charles Price), bike riding with Jill, and spending time with their family.
For 15 years he served Vineyard Midwest North Region as an Area Pastor, coaching and encouraging eight other senior pastors. He enjoys praying regularly with the leaders of other churches in the Elgin community.
In his free time, Tom can often be found reading (favorite authors are Charles Spurgeon and Charles Price), bike riding with Jill, and spending time with their family.