Preacher. Storyteller.

Tommy Oaks is married (to Patricia), the father of two grown sons (John Thomas and Jason), and grandfather of one boy (Caleb) and one girl (Gillian).

He graduated from Johnson Bible College (BA), Emmanuel School of Religion (MA), East Tennessee State University (MA), and the University of Tennessee(PhD). 

His studies at Johnson and Emmanuel emphasized Bible and Practical Ministries, and his work at ETSU and UT focused on English, Education and Storytelling (at ETSU, he was the first person in the world to graduate with a Master's Degree in Storytelling).

He has been preaching for over fifty years, and has had a variety of experiences in the ministry, including youth ministry, pulpit preacher, campus ministry, and for years he has been a full time traveling evangelist (30+ and countin’!).

As a storyteller, he has told stories at a variety of occasions both in the Church and in secular settings, such as civic clubs, storytelling festivals, school systems (for teachers and students), and bed and breakfast inns. His favorite audience has been his own children, who started hearing his stories the day they came home from the hospital.

As a minister, he has served in a nationwide ministry including revivals, retreats, rallies, conventions, seminars and workshops. His preaching is characterized by the use of stories, and an emphasis on living out one's faith on a daily basis, especially in one's family.

(That's a Coke in my hand...)