Introducing Pastor Tom

Rejoice Lutheran Church is proud to introduce our new Youth and Family pastor, Tom Schwolert!

Pastor Tom joined the team in September of 2026. He has spent his career working with youth, families, and young adults. He was the primary youth and family minister for four different churches for a combined period of twenty-six years. Additionally, Tom worked for Vibrant Faith, an organization that created curriculum and training for churches and has continued as an active member of the ELCA Children, Youth, and Family Network.

Pastor Tom received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from Concordia University in Austin, TX, and a Master of Arts in Youth in Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

Prior to being ordained in 2020, Tom served as the Synodically Authorized Worship Leader for Joy Lutheran Church in Rockwall, TX, and then served as the pastor for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Garland, TX for four years. He most recently served as a chaplain for Roots Renewal Ranch which helps teenage girls dealing with mental health, trauma, and substance abuse. Pastor Tom lead pilgrimages and mission trips for a non-profit called Wonder Voyage and is currently the president of the Relational Leadership Collaborative.

Tom is passionate about equipping parents to teach faith in the home, equipping youth with faith and life skills, and empowering everyone in the congregation to lead and reach out to the community.

Tom has been married to his wife Melanie for 37 years. They have a daughter Jazzy who is married and with two children living in San Antonio. Their daughter Zoey is newly married and lives in Dallas. Pastor Tom and Melanie lost their son Max at the age of 17 in 2012 unexpectedly from flu complications. In his honor, they have continued to share the news of love for God and neighbor through the phrase “Love to the Max.” Tom loves bass fishing, golfing and spending time with family.

We enthusiastically welcome Pastor Tom and his family to Rejoice Frisco!