About

Husband to a smart, sassy wife named Jess, and father to two little minions named Will & Luke, Tom is the Co-Senior pastor of Grace Family Church – a multi-campus church in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town, as well as a Master’s of Theology from Palmer Seminary. His blog (remember when blogs were a thing) was read internationally by thousands, has been translated into several languages, and printed in numerous magazines and publications. In addition to his regular preaching role at Grace, Tom also speaks widely to other churches, schools, and businesses.

Tom is also a successful Obstacle Course Racer, placing 2nd at the 2017 OCR World Championships in Canada, and more recently placing 2nd at the 2022 Altitude OCR World Championships at Mt Everest, Nepal (breaking a world record in the process!).To hear the full story of Everest, click here.

When he’s not leading the church or climbing mountains, you can find him drinking good coffee, or playing sports with his two boys, who are never naughty. Ever. 😉

He has been called many things – passionate, authentic, funny… short. Most of all he feels called by God to preach the Gospel and build the local church.

Athlete

At an early age Tom found a love for Gymnastics, and by age 12 was representing South Africa on the international junior scene. He was awarded his National Colours many times after that, competing successfully both locally and abroad.

In 2016 Tom discovered the sport of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) – it was love at first sight! In 2017 he managed to place 2nd at the OCR World Championships in Canada, and in 2018 stepped out of his comfort zone and took to the mud of “Toughest Mudder Texas” – an 8-hour, through-the-night, multi-lap, obstacle course race that lives up to its name as one of the “Toughest” OCR races out there. To read more about that experience, click here.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough, in 2022 Tom broke two Guinness World Records at Mount Everest – the World’s Highest OCR & the World’s Highest Marathon – all on the same day! This placed him 2nd in the Altitude OCR World Championships! To hear the full story, click here.

Tom is currently sponsored by these great brands: Salomon, Adventure Obstacle Training,

Speaker

Tom is a gifted communicator, known for his enthusiasm, authenticity and humour. As a pastor, physiotherapist, and elite athlete, Tom is passionate about living “healthy and whole” – mind, body and soul – and helping others to do the same.

Tom speaks on topics like resilience, grit, and self-discipline. Everything from nutrition to the Bible, to effective leadership principles – Tom practices what he preaches. He is comfortable speaking to large or small audiences, and if you’d like to have Tom speak at your next event, please click here. To hear some of Tom’s latest sermons, click here, or follow the Grace Family Church YouTube page.

Tom no longer blogs much these days, but when he did – his blog was read by thousands and “Freshly Pressed” on WordPress numerous times. If you’re looking to get a feel, take a stroll through some of his most popular posts below:

16 Tips to Simply Your Life (And Increase Your Productivity) (Freshly Pressed)

The Importance of Crossing Daily Finish Lines (Guest post on Michael Hyatt’s blog)

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do Kettlebells

4 More Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do Kettlebells (Freshly Pressed)

The First Thing You Should Do In 2012 (Freshly Pressed)

6 Things To Stop Caring About Today

Mastering the Art of Self Discipline

Life’s Too Short For TV

The Adventure of Marriage

How To Plan Your Week