Tom Hypes is a husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, pastor, writer, guitar player, artist, Christian bookstore owner, and a few other things that amuse him. He is an ordained Pastor who has served in churches and the camping ministry for over 2o years. He is a graduate of a three year extensive pastoral program and served as Associate Pastor of two other churches before starting The Shepherd’s Fellowship. He and his wife, Jenni also own The Shepherd’s Nook bookstore in Marion. Pastor Tom has contributed to Group Magazine, CBA Marketplace, and Youth Worker Magazine.
The family: Jenni, Emily, Ryan, and Tom at Emily’s baby dedication at The Shepherd’s Fellowship.
The main purpose of this blog is to build relationships. Relationships with other pastors who are graced based within the emerging church without watering down the Scripture. Relationships with others who have been hurt by the “church” before but still have the desire to believe. Relationships with those who are Christians who don’t think they need to be in a church to be a Christian. Relationships with those who struggle with certain concepts or ideas within Christianity but don’t have any place where they are allowed to talk it through without being looked down upon. Relationships with people who don’t even believe in Christ but still thinks it would be a kick to get to know a pastor. Relationships that are real…
Emerging Conservative 
Thanks for stopping by. Definitely keep in touch. Join in on our conversations over at http://www.culturevschristian.com, too.
I like what you’ve got on your page. Especially the quote at the top. A person who “isn’t emergent but should be” defines me quite well. So I definitely identify with what I’ve checked out so far.
Keep in touch.
I’m still trying to sort out the emerging/emergent thing. Found you from St. Benedict’s blog. BTW, I manage a Christian bookstore.
Thanks Tom for a great blog! Blessings on your journey.
Gary Roberts
Authentic Churches
http://www.authenticchurches.wordpress.com
Hi Tom~
Have you recieved a copy of Ted Kluck’s latest release, Hello, I Love You yet for review?
His publicist,
Lori
Hey Lori!
I did get it but haven’t gotten to read it yet.
Last year, we had Ted in to our bookstore and then to speak at our church (that was mostly on “Why We Love the Church”. Got to spend the day together and we seemed to have some simular stories including being adoptive parents of children from over seas. (We adopted our daughter from Kazakstan so I have been looking forward to that book since we talked that day…..
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help promote Ted’s work. I enjoy what he is doing…….so far (JK)
Blessings,
Thomas