Reverend Tom Nelson
Denton Bible Church
Denton, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Richard Armey, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 07/11/2001
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARMEY), the majority leader, and my colleague the gentleman from Texas (Mr. HALL), it is my privilege to welcome as our guest chaplain today Tom Nelson, the Senior Pastor of Denton Bible Church in Denton, Texas.
Tom was born and raised in Waco and grew up in a family of four boys. He attended what is now the University of
North Texas in Denton, where he played quarterback for the football team and earned his degree in 1973. From there, he attended Dallas Seminary.
Tom has been pastoring at Denton Bible Church for 23 years. With over 4,000 members, Denton Bible Church is the largest church in Denton. Beside the four services he leads each Sunday, Tom disciples over 30 young men and teaches two men's bible studies.
In addition, Tom has served as a national speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Campus Crusade for Christ, and Navigators. He is the author of two books and three video series. His taped messages have been heard throughout the world. Tom and his wife Teresa have two sons, Benjamin and John Clark.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to welcome Tom Nelson to the Congress of the United States. I would like to thank him for his leadership in the community of Denton and express my appreciation for his leading the House today in prayer.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Our Father, You have made us as You have all things. You have established the nations and their boundaries, ordained their leaders,
their authority and the absolutes by which they rule.
To You who are the foundation of justice, love and equality, we ask Your sovereign
mercy. Grant these men and women, who You have vested, the wisdom to perceive Your pleasure – the skill to implement it the courage to stand by the right and the consistency and integrity of life to merit the trust of this nation, who has looked unto them. Encourage them and surround their families and marriages with Your blessing and help and truth.
Have mercies on this nation – to walk in Thy way and know Thy peace.
In Thy Holy and Merciful Name we pray.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory