Tom Messer

A native of Northfield, Massachusetts, Tom Messer relocated to Watertown, Wisconsin where he studied and received his degree from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Following his graduation in 1982, he moved to Jacksonville where he began teaching and ministering at Trinity Baptist College.

In November of 1991, Pastor Messer assumed the duties of an Associate Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church.  Then in December of 1992, he was called as Senior Pastor of the church and began oversight of a large and growing ministry, which includes educational ministries Trinity Baptist College and Trinity Christian Academy. The church also sponsors ministry to the homeless and addicted through Trinity Rescue Mission, Trinity’s Women and Children’s Center, and Trinity Freedom Farm. The church operates Trinity Camp and Retreat Center on 70+ acres in Keystone Heights, Florida.

In 2014, the church expanded its outreach by planting a second campus in the Oakleaf community of Jacksonville. A third campus has been added this year in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville. Pastor Messer is committed to Biblical preaching, gospel centered ministry, and a passion for developing and coaching leaders who can impact the kingdom of God.  

He and his wife Lisa were married in 1982. They have four children, Drew, Christie, Michael, and Jacob. Their daughter Christie and son-in-law, Patrick, have two children, Tripp and Blaire Alice. Drew and his wife, Tara, also have two children, Harlan and Aria. Their son Michael is married to Annie; Mike is the Director of Development at Trinity Rescue Mission Ministries. Tom and Lisa’s youngest son, Jacob, is enrolled in college at Liberty University and working toward finishing his undergraduate degree.