Tom Cox
Tom Cox grew up on base at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland--the son of the team doctor and the youngest of four boys. Although his family did not attend church regularly, some friends on base invited Tom to a Sunday school near the Academy chapel. An African-American Quaker midshipman led the class. It was there that Tom gained a strong affinity for God and a conscience to please him.
In the summer of 1983, Tom gave his life to Christ at a church camp after hearing the gospel explained so clearly that it "struck him right between the eyes." It was then that he knew that Christ was his only hope to have the relationship with God he wanted.
Tom went on to become both a Tar Heel and an ordained pastor. He graduated from the University of North Carolina with a B.A. in biology and received his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Tom now teaches biology and coaches soccer at Brentwood Academy; this is his seventh year at BA.
He is married to Amy, the woman of his dreams, and he's the proud father of five incredible children: Peter (17), Andrew (17), Luke (13), Ellie (10) and Audrey (5). Tom enjoys spending his spare time with his family, and some day he will return to the ski slopes and hit them with a vengeance.
Teaching is Tom's passion, and teaching and studying the Bible is one of his favorite ways to connect with other people. In fact, he first met Amy when she came to a Wednesday night Bible study he was teaching. He says he "really poured it on then," and that it was probably his best class ever.
Tom studied under Ray Ortlund at Trinity Seminary 13 years ago. He was thrilled when Dr. Ortlund came to Nashville, and he could sit under his powerful and passionate preaching once again. Although Ray is what brought the Cox family to Immanuel Church last year, it was the love and warmth of the people here that "sealed the deal" for them. Tom says the combination of powerful teaching and the environment of this body of fellow believers absolutely compels him to grow in his walk with Christ.
