Celebrating the Legacy of Tom Greene

Tom Greene.

Whenever this name is mentioned be prepared to hear about one of the most amazing men of God to serve our Fellowship. On Thursday, January 19, I was shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden and unexpected passing of my dear friend, missionary champion, and former Men’s Ministries/Light for the Lost Director, Tom Greene.

Tom’s 70th birthday would have been this month, and he and his wife, Pam, would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this year. His loss is a difficult one for the Assemblies of God. Tom was known for his passion to reach, win, and disciple lost people. He served the Fellowship as the National Youth Director and then as Men’s/LFTL Director from January 2005 to December 2012.

Under Tom’s leadership, LFTL invested over $49 million towards reaching the lost worldwide. We continue to receive reports and testimonies from people who came to Christ as a result of those LFTL missions investments! It’s impossible to tell how many lives were impacted by Tom’s ministry. His was a life well lived, and a ministry well stewarded.

Doug Clay, our AG General Superintendent, said this about Tom, “Tom Greene did more than just raise money for missions, he raised up leaders with a missions heart.”

Jay Mooney, Chief Ministries and Resources Officer for the AG national office, said, “Tom was a mentor to me at many different points in my life. I’m forever indebted to him as a spiritual leader who modeled living for the Lord. Tom never quit what he was passionate about...and he did it with grace and wisdom and insight.”

These three men could not have said it better. Bev and I will always treasure how Tom prayed over us when we became Youth Alive missionaries in 2000. Tom was extremely influential in my life during those days and that relationship translated into a close collaboration between us during the past decade.

I am reminded how we truly do stand upon the shoulders of those who come before us, while also leaning heavily upon the Holy Spirit to guide, counsel, and inspire us in service to the kingdom.

I am very grateful to God for Tom’s life, and the firm foundation Tom built for the future of Light for the Lost.

Tom was a visionary and a planner. He led Light for the Lost through a time of transition that was both challenging and strategic. I marvel at how much Tom accomplished for this ministry. As I look back, I can see how God’s hand guided Tom and LFTL towards the present. And looking forward, I can see His hand pointing towards the future.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving us Tom Greene. Thank you for the honor and privilege to follow in his footsteps.