About Us

"The great purpose toward which each human life is drawn is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Each member of the church glorifies God by recognizing and naming His glory, which is the manifestation and revelation of His own nature." From The Essential Tenets of the Reformed Faith.

That may be a lot to take in, but this statement paints a beautiful and true picture of what it means to live in God's world as His child. God cares for us, so we care for each other. God sought us when we ran from Him, but now, as His children, we enjoy the Father's heart and share it with our neighbors. It's a beautiful Gospel truth that shapes our identity.

Our story is one of a homestead. Why?

A homestead is a cluster of homes and families, built to provide security, shelter, and a sense of home for those in the community and passers-by.

Not long after the railroad transformed a White River camp into the bustling little town of Branson, the Old Stone Church was built. Gospel preaching had created the Presbyterian congregation, and the congregation worked with the townspeople to create the church. People donated the land, lumber, and labor. They gave or raised what they could for the project – even children chipped in by picking and selling wild berries. Together, more than a church building was built.

Pastor Tom became a Christian as a highschool student and was actively involved in Campus Crusade for Christ (now CRU) and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship through the end of his college years. After a few years in the business world, Pastor Tom received a call to full-time pastoral ministry. He is married to Raylene, who is an RN and an ECO pastor and currently runs the Palliative Care department at Cox Branson. Tom and Raylene love spending time with their children and grandchildren and their two dogs Abby and Lasha.

Katie Howell joined the worship team at FPC Branson in November 2024, moving from North Little Rock, Arkansas, where she had served as a church music director for over a decade. Her background in church music goes back to her childhood. Her grandparents were pastors, and her mother was a music teacher and church accompanist, so she grew up immersed in Christian music and church fellowship. After majoring in music at the University of Arkansas and earning a vocal music degree, Katie turned to the church where she saw an opportunity to work with all ages, share her skills and continue to grow in faith. Leading the choir and coordinating the music, she directs the musical part of worship and praise each week, where all in the church body can connect. She sees music as a great pathway for connecting with God and with others, and she invites all who are interested to come and collaborate with the music worship team.

Katie and her husband Drew have been married for 11 years. They share their home with an English bulldog named Lucy.

Meg transplanted from Maryland in the early 1970’s to attend School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks) where she met and married Greg. Over the last 40-plus years, their home has been filled with multi-generational chaos as family and friends experience her reflection of God’s love for all who enter. Meg’s call to active ministry through employment with FPC Branson has taken full advantage of her Mass Communications degree, affording countless opportunities to grow in faith and discipleship.