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Published Saturday, February 11, 2012 in Religion

Tewell to be preacher for 22nd series at Central, NPC

From Staff Reports

religion@newnan.com

Dr. Thomas K. Tewell will be the pulpit guest for the 22nd annual Preaching Series, sponsored by Central Baptist Church and Newnan Presbyterian Church,.

This year's Preaching Series will be Feb. 26. Tewell will preach at 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Newnan Presbyterian and at 10:55 a.m. at Central Baptist.

Tewell has been an ordained Presbyterian minister for more than 35 years. He has served congregations in Bethlehem, Penn. and New Providence, N.J. -- as well as the 5,100 member Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas and the 3,500 member Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City.

Each of the congregations Tom Tewell has served has experienced significant numerical, spiritual and financial growth and has become deeply involved in ministry to the local community. The Memorial Drive Church in Houston is a Dollar for Dollar Church who gives one dollar to the needs of the world for every dollar they spend on themselves.

The Fifth Avenue Church has a significant ministry to the homeless in New York City and has mentored other congregations in ministry to the homeless and the poor.

Throughout his years in the pastorate, Tewell's congregations have raised $50 million for capital improvements to expand their ministries. These campaigns have often included a percentage to build a facility for those in need.

Tewell served as chair of Habitat for Humanity's campaign to raise the money to build their 100,000th house in New York City. His fundraising accomplishments were recognized by the well known fundraising teacher, Jerry Panas, who invited Tewell to join the Panzy Linzy and Partners Staff as a partner. Tewell served on the Panas Team from 2006-2008 and taught seminars on fund raising and listening across the country.

Tewell has been invited to speak at conferences and in congregations all over America and has taught seminars on preaching, leadership and stewardship at numerous theological seminaries and divinity schools including Princeton, Drew, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Fuller. He served as a trustee of Princeton Theological Seminary for 15 years.

Tewell has been honored to preach and lead seminars at summer conference centers including Chautauqua, Montreat, Mo Ranch, Ocean Grove, Lakeside, Linville and Epworth Heights.

Tewell is the recipient of numerous awards for his preaching and social ministry to a world in need. His sermons and articles have in published in Christian Century, Christianity Today and numerous clergy journals, as well as in books on preaching.

Tewell is a graduate of Muskingum University in Ohio and Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. He earned his doctor of ministry degree from Drew Theological School in New Jersey. In addition, he has been awarded two honorary doctoral degrees -- from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and from his alma mater, Muskingum University.

Currently, Tewell serves as the executive director of faith based ministries for the CF Foundation in Atlanta. One of the programs he coordinates is the Macedonian Ministry Program, where he and other pastoral leaders mentor pastors in leadership, preaching, fundraising and church renewal.

Tewell and his wife Suzanne, a pre-school teacher and educator, have two married sons and four grandchildren.