Tom Mount

Pastor

Raised in an atheist home in southern California, I would have made a good candidate for the "least likely to end up in ministry" award. Through the influence of another guy on my wrestling team, though, I came to know Christ my first year in college and soon sensed a call to vocational ministry. I met my future wife, Lynn, a year later, and we were wed in March of 1983, moving to Chico in 1985. We have four kids, three of whom are grown. Before joining the Neighborhood Church staff in February 2001, I served as Senior Pastor of Valley Community Church for ten years.

Ministries
I have a range of pastoral responsibilities including teaching, preaching, counseling, mentoring, coordinating several ministries, evangelizing the unchurched and shepherding those who call Neighborhood their home. I also work with our staff to help them achieve their personal and professional goals and assist with leading staff meetings, retreats and other training events. Finally, I am responsible for our Adult Spiritual Formation ministry, a program designed to help Christians become fully devoted followers of Jesus. In addition to teaching regular classes, I oversee and write curriculum, coordinate the other instructors, and provide personal spiritual direction for individuals. I am also an adjunct instuctor of theology at A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary in Redding.

Education
I am doing a Ph.D. program in theology at the University of Exeter in southwest England. My B.A. was in History from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and my M.A. in Christian Leadership at A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary.

Interesting Facts

• My dad was a rocket scientist (literally!)
• I attended a Jewish nursery school
• I can insert my whole fist in my mouth
• I love spending time with my family and friends
• I also love reading, traveling, good poetry, great literature, and Far-side humor!