Thomas Mendez, born and raised in Anaheim, CA, gave his life to Christ at a Harvest Crusade at age ten. He grew up attending Calvary Chapel churches, including Costa Mesa, Chino Valley, Westminster, Menifee, and Romoland. He also worked at the Calvary Chapel Bible College and Conference Center in Murrieta. Ordained in 2010 at Calvary Chapel Romoland, Thomas has served in ministry across California before God called his family—wife Crystal and their four children—to Knoxville, TN, in Christmas 2023. He now serves as the high school youth pastor at Calvary Knoxville, passionate about leading teens to grow in faith.