Pastor Todd Southard has been shepherding Hope Bible Fellowship since January 2009. Todd has been married to Trish, his partner in life and ministry, for 27 years. He brings a breadth of “real world” and ministry experience and understanding to shepherding-leadership. Todd began his adult life serving seven years each respectively as a U.S. Air Force officer, and businessman. He received God’s initial call to preach as a student at the Virginia Military Institute, studied business administration through Central Michigan University while in the Air Force, and later received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois. It is a different path to ministry than many pastors, one which enriches his understanding of the challenges men and women face in the workplace, especially where personal ministry is concerned. What he asks of us he has done himself. While in seminary Todd was also the Associate Pastor of Small Groups for Christ Church Lake Forest, Illinois – the perfect mix of applied theology in key areas of his ministry passions of discipleship, teaching and facilitating spiritual conversations, leadership mentoring and development, and helping others realize the life-changing reality of Christ’s love in the relational environment of healthy small group settings. He accepted the position of Executive pastor at the First Evangelical Free Church, Tucson, Arizona in 2004, helping the church navigate a difficult but necessary transition that brought spiritual as well as operational health to the church. When not meeting with people or writing the next message, he enjoys road cycling and other forms of exercise, spending time with his family and neighbors, being outdoors and gardening, reading, and movies. Todd and Trish have one daughter, Sabrina, a high school senior and the love of their life. Contact Todd via email at todd_southard@yahoo.com or call (512) 218-HOPE (4673).