Pastor Tommy Weems earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Southern Arkansas University; he finished his degree in 2 years and 10 months!  He worked for 6 years as an accountant, eventually serving as Chief Accountant for the Cesco Division of Browning Ferris Industries, before being led by the Lord to prepare for the ministry.

From Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, he received his Master of Divinity.  After graduation, the Lord opened a door for Pastor Tommy to lead Trinity Baptist Church in Tacoma, Washington.  After many years, he left to serve as pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Stonewall, Louisiana, just outside Shreveport, Louisiana.  During the five years he pastored in Louisiana, he completed all of the required seminars for a Doctor of Ministry degree before leaving to pastor First Southern Baptist Church of Santa Maria, California.

Under Pastor Tommy’s guidance, the churches he has led have changed from states of decline to states of growth.  On a number of occasions, he has led initiatives to build new buildings and/or pay off balances from previous loans. One of the distinctive elements of his ministry has been an emphasis upon the inerrancy of Scripture in all matters of faith, doctrine, and daily life.  Pastor Tommy is a Bible expositor who occasionally teaches various subjects, but basically preaches through books of the Bible.  Pastor Tommy believes it is a must to celebrate the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ in both the church and individuals.  Celebrative worship services filled with an emphasis on intercessory prayer have also been vital to his service, and strong Wednesday evening prayer services have characterized his ministry.

His wife of 44 years, Ms. Judy, has always been a partner in his ministry, helping wherever she could.  Pastor Tommy and Ms. Judy have 3 children (2 daughters and a son), and 4 granddaughters.