We offer confidential pastoral counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Pastoral Counseling

Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Philosophy, from the University of Illinois and a Master of Theology from Azusa Pacific University. His academic training, combined with decades of real-world experience, equips him to thoughtfully integrate faith and clinical insight in his pastoral counseling work.

Before entering full-time pastoral ministry, Tom served for more than 17 years as a professional counselor in a variety of clinical settings. Since 1999, he has worked with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities—serving communities ranging from Southern California’s upper-middle class to Chicago’s inner-city homeless population, and from teenagers to seniors. His breadth of experience allows him to meet people where they are with compassion, wisdom, and practical guidance.

In addition to his extensive counseling background, Tom has held several key ministry roles. He served as Care Pastor at a 6,000-member church in New Albany, Indiana, where he led the Care Team and oversaw recovery programs, benevolence ministries, weddings, funerals, hospital visitation, and pastoral counseling. Prior to that, he developed a new recovery program curriculum for a 3,000-member church in Illinois. While completing seminary, he served as Director of Recovery for a 6,000-member church in California.

Tom and his wife, Jessica, have been married for over 25 years and cherish raising their two teenage sons. Outside of ministry, Tom enjoys spending time with his family, weightlifting, and insists he will never outgrow skateboarding.

Whether through pastoral ministry or personal relationships, Tom has devoted his adult life to serving the hurting and broken for the Kingdom—offering hope, healing, and Christ-centered care to those in need.

Counselor

Education, Experience, Background

Pastoral counseling services are provided by Pastor Tom Gilbert, Lead Pastor of Home Away From Home Church.