ABOUT

ABOUT TOMMY DESANTIS, PASTOR-TEACHER

Tommy Ray DeSantis, here… I was born in Lynwood, California, and born again in 1969. I've been blessed to have had my wife and daughters serve the Lord Jesus Christ by my side in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Well into my career as a technical writer and auditor for an American carmaker, the economic downturn in the late 1970's forced me into layoff. During that time, a wonderful, loving pastor presented some of us an opportunity to study in a Bible-based school of ministry. The goal: to study the calling of Jesus Christ! I found this practical side of ministry a delightful amazement! I also found the Holy Spirit's power, and discovered my calling was to be an "equipping pastor-teacher."

Shortly after I was married, we sold our home in less than 3 days, and we moved to a Bible college where I studied and found work. Six years after graduation, my pregnant wife, four year-old daughter and I started a church 70 miles from home, Calvary Chapel Santa Clarita.

Meanwhile, in 1992, God laid it on my heart to put together the same type of school of ministry as the one that changed my life. Having refined it over 25 years, we emphasize the practical "hands-on" service to our Lord. Students, peers, colleagues, and those in authority have described me as an encouraging pastor-teacher, enthusiastic and determined to help Christians find, practice, develop and use their gifts for God's glory. And it still, to this day, remains a thrill for me to help and observe others find Jesus' gifts and calling.

ABOUT OUTFITTERS SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

The School of Ministry was started by Pastor Tommy DeSantis over 25 years ago, and has offered hundreds of men and women, boys and girls, the opportunity to learn God's will and find confidence in His work. Students are dads, moms, singles, newlyweds, widows, widowers, some professional and some not, retirees, high-schoolers, and junior-highers! It is uncommon to find this type of training in local churches, and many could not afford the time and expense that is required from formal educational institutions.

The curriculum is Bible-based, and draws from theological and historical sources. The framework is practical training supported by personalized counsel. The relaxed and supportive classroom atmosphere is a safe environment to discover, test and practice the gifts God has given us.

Areas of service may include diverse places of ministry, both in and out of one's local church. Students learn how to share their faith and live Godly lives, and some have continued to become pastors, caregivers, missionaries and teachers. For each person, God's gifts and calling are uniquely given just to them.

So the question is, "What would you find in the School of Ministry?"