Thomas Anderson | Ruling Elder
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT ALL SOULS?
My wife, Kayne and two children Anna Grace and Thomas Jr. (T), and I have been attending All Souls for seven years.
WHY DID YOU WANT TO SERVE AS AN ELDER? HOW DID YOU EXPERIENCE GOD CALLING YOU TO THIS OFFICE?
Through the elder study and prayer period I felt God calling me to use my spiritual gifts to serve His church body here at All Souls. To humble myself before God and listen for His guidance on how to assist in leading and guiding our church body, especially youth. My experience started with me focusing on my unworthiness. I had self doubt, and I was fearful that I was not able to meet the standards found in scripture. As I studied and prayed with other elder candidates, I experienced God helping me look past my own faults and turn my attention to His grace and mercy and His spirit that rests with me and all believers. I experienced God wanting me to look and rely on Him and be able to support His work in the lives of our congregation and body of believers.
WHAT OTHER WAYS HAVE YOU SERVED AT ALL SOULS?
Over my seven years at All Souls, I have served as a middle and high school small group leader and liturgist.
HOW HAS GOD USED ALL SOULS IN YOUR LIFE?
Being new to the Decatur area seven years ago, my family was searching for a church home. All Souls quickly became the church home for our family. We were moved by the community of believers at All Souls. We’ve watched both our children learn and grow in their faith through the children and youth programs. Kayne and I have enjoyed serving in various roles. Most recently, we saw our All Souls community come around us after our house flooded over Christmas. We were so moved by the support and love our family was shown by our church. It was an amazing example of the hands and feet of Christ.
TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING AND UNEXPECTED ABOUT YOURSELF.
I grew up in the church and spent much of my youth either working at my home church or helping out with younger church youth. The church consumed my time, but I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It was not until I met Kayne’s father my Sophomore year of high school that I felt God begin to work in my life. Her father had a huge impact on my life, and my faith. He demonstrated to me what it was to lead a life committed to Jesus.