Tom has degrees from Ohio State University and University of Chicago Divinity School. He was ordained as a minister in 1967 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio. Most of his career was spent serving as the CEO of metropolitan Councils of Churches in five regions of the country (Louisville, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Dallas and Seattle), retiring as president director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle. He has served on many non-profit boards, including the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, the United Way of Dallas, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and University Christian Church, where he served as moderator of the congregation.