While new models of governance are emerging, the congregational model has, for the most part, held a place of prominence in the Assemblies of God. Consistent with this model, the congregation has the responsibility of providing oversight and direction for the church. It elects the lead pastor and the official board (referred to as deacons and/or trustees). While there are many variations to this model as described here, the essentials remain constant at the Bread Of Life local AG church.
Meet Our Pastor
REV. DR. THOMAS KEINATH
Over the past 40 years, Reverend Thomas Keinath has served as a pastor, evangelist, chaplain, district superintendent and teacher, and most recently as an adjunct professor with both Pillar College and the University of Valley Forge.
From 2001 through 2018, Tom was the lead pastor of Calvary Temple International, a multi-campus and multi-lingual Assemblies of God ministry based in Wayne, New Jersey.
Under his leadership, C.T.I. planted eleven churches and additional preaching points in Northern New Jersey and the Philippines. While pastoring in New Jersey, he was also a general and district presbyter and an assistant presbyter.
Previously, he served as senior pastor of New Life Assembly of God in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for seven years.
Earlier in ministry Rev. Keinath served as a teacher and choir director with the Teen Challenge Training Center in Rehrersburg, Pennsylvania; as associate pastor of Faith Assembly of God in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; and, as senior associate pastor of Calvary Temple in Wayne.
Throughout his ministry, Tom has also preached the Gospel and held numerous ministry conferences in Africa, Asia, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and has had numerous broadcasting opportunities.
He has also helped to found the Samuel Charitable Foundation, committed to establishing children’s orphanages overseas as well as Bridge to Hope, a re-entry program for graduates of Christian substance abuse programs.
Dr. Keinath has received a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible from the University of Valley Forge (Phoenixville, Pa.); a Master of Arts degree from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (Springfield, Mo.); and, a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University (Virginia Beach, Va.), which included a Master of Divinity equivalency.
He has authored a three-volume discipleship course entitled The Barnabas Life Enrichment Studies; a study in discipleship entitled The Barnabas Discipleship Method and Model; a new believers workbook entitled Equipped for Life; and, a theological primer entitled WordQuest.
His most recent published work is the first of a two-volume commentary on the book of Revelation entitled Conquest & Glory—A Pastor’s Journey through the Book of Revelation.
Rev. Keinath has also served on the teaching faculty of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri; as an adjunct professor for the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary; and, as an instructor with the New Jersey District School of Ministry, of which he is co-founder.
Tom resides in Columbus, New Jersey with his wife Kim who serves as a church administrator and as the New Jersey state director and chaplain for Christ in Action, a nation- wide disaster relief ministry.
Their three daughters and sons-in-law are all active in local church ministries. They also enjoy their five wonderful grandchildren.
