BACKGROUND:
Tom Hauser is the senior pastor of Open Door Baptist Church in Chili. The youngest
of 3 children raised in a Christian home near Detroit, MI, Tom accepted Jesus
Christ as his personal savior at the age of 10. After his father passed away
just one year later, Tom's mother converted their home into a nursing facility
for elderly neighbors. Tom helped his mother support the family by running errands
and doing laundry. At the age of 19, Tom married Char. The next year, he entered
the army and lived in several different regions of the country including Colorado,
where he served as a chaplain's assistant. When he completed his two year commitment
to the military, he and Char left Colorado and moved back to Michigan. He enjoyed
close fellowship with God throughout these years, but was so conscious of his
own failures he often worried God could not accept him.
TESTIMONY:
One night, as Tom acknowledged the Lord’s calling to preach, he wrestled
and prayed, “Lord, if you can show me in the Bible that my salvation is
secure, I will tell others.” Through the grace and mercy of verses 1 John
5:13 and John 3:16, the Lord assured him of his salvation. He left Michigan
with Char to attend what is now called Liberty Bible Institute.
EDUCATION:
Tom acquired a diploma from Thomas Road Bible Institute (now Liberty) in Lynchburg,
VA and served as an associate pastor in Pontiac, MI for two years.
THE CHURCH:
Along with their friends, Sam and Pam Hannah, Tom and Char moved to Rochester,
NY in 1977. They began a home bible study and ministered to the people of Rochester
by leading worship and teaching from the Word of God. From this home bible study,
Open Door Baptist Church was organized with 36 charter members. The church continued
to grow and on Easter 1998, services were held in a newly constructed building,
where the church currently meets on Scottsville-Chili Road.
OUTREACH:
Now, Pastor Tom preaches each week to over 500 people. You can listen to Pastor
Tom’s sermons by clicking here. Pastor Tom’s driving motivation
is for people to know God personally. He teaches adults attending the Open Door
Bible Institute and spends time praying with and encouraging people in the community
one on one. He works with pastors from other countries to develop mission projects
designed to encourage the spiritual growth of people all over the world.
PERSONAL:
Tom lives in Chili with his wife, Char. They have 2 grown children and enjoy
spending time with their 5 grandchildren.
