Pastor Tom was born and raised in Nutley, New Jersey, the son of Robert and Marion Berninger. He graduated Nutley High School and was pursuing a career in Chemical Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology before God called him into full time ministry.

Pastor Tom has been serving in the full time ministry since 1987.
Prior to pioneering the Abundant Life Worship Center in Lincoln Park, he was a youth leader, then youth Pastor at the Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center.

At the Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center, Pastor Tom was Fathered and trained under the ministry of Bishop Peter Bruno. After successfully completing an 8 year Eldership/Pastoral training class, he was sent out as a "Pastor's Son" to lead the work in Lincoln Park.

It was in Nutley High School and at the Nutley church where Pastor Tom met his wife Karen. Sister Karen graduated from Chatham College in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and then after getting married in 1985 joined her husband in the completion of their Pastoral training. Pastor Tom and Sister Karen feel they have been called by God to minister His love and His word with a special calling to bring healing and joy to marriages. They are frequently asked to be conference speakers and their unique brand of humor makes them easily connect with their listeners.

Pastor Tom and Sister Karen have been happily married since 1985. They have two lovely children, Lauren and Thomas, which both attend the Nutley Christian Academy.

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