Celebrating Our Pastors This Month
Today we are excited to continue with our Executive Pastor, Tom Eichem.
Tom has been part of Bay Life for many years and brings a mix of humor, wisdom, and real-life honesty into everything he does. Whether cheering for his favorite teams, spending time with his wife Nichole, or reflecting on God’s work in daily life, Tom’s story highlights the ways faith takes root in ordinary moments.
If you could only eat one food item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I like too many varieties of foods to pick just one, but I had to narrow it down to one - steak. If I am cooking I would go with a New York Strip. At a restaurant, a ribeye.
Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you.
I can’t sit still for suspenseful movies or shows. I usually stand up and walk into our front room with Nichole giggling and calling out after me, ”Where are you going?” I’ll usually call back and tell her what is about to happen with remarkable accuracy. I just can’t watch.
What Bible verse does God seem to continually bring you back to, sort of like a life verse?
This question makes me laugh every time I get it. At a former church I answered it with only a reference (Judges 3:21) thinking they were never going to do anything with it. To my surprise, it was posted and fully written out under my picture at the entry of the worship center for two months. So, now I also answer Judges 3:21.
For context, the verse reads: “And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.” (Judges 3:21, ESV)
What are you currently reading, aside from the Bible?
I recently finished a historical fiction series, The After Dunkirk Series, while on sabbatical. I am also working through a convicting book about technology and presence.
What does your ideal day look like? If you could do anything and go anywhere.
If I am staying local, my favorite day is heading to the beach with Nichole. If I could go anywhere, it would be to see the Bears play in Chicago or Arsenal in London.
How did you meet your spouse and when did you know you wanted to marry them?
I lived with two of Nichole’s cousins. I worked with two of her aunts and another cousin. All of them tried to set us up. The number of times I heard, ”You should meet our cousin/niece Nichole. You would be perfect together.” We ended up sitting next to each other at a restaurant while hanging out with mutual friends. We talked the whole meal, and continued talking after everyone left. I came home that night and told my roommates, ”I met your cousin, Nichole. You weren’t wrong.” We dated for a year and were engaged for six months. We just knew.
How did you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
I was 11 years old. We came home from church after a sermon about heaven and hell. I asked my dad where he thought I would end up. He answered, “As far as I know, you would be in hell.” I was a little offended, but he went on to share the good news of the Gospel with me, and I gave my life to Jesus that night.
How has God used your role as pastor to transform you?
I was thinking about this on sabbatical this summer and realized that God has used my marriage, fatherhood, and friendships to shape me more than my role as pastor. Through my marriage, I have learned a lot about my selfishness. God has used my wife, Nichole, to encourage me, make me want to be better, and teach me to lean into Jesus more. Fatherhood has opened up a deeper understanding of God’s love as our heavenly Father, even when we don’t do what is right. God has used a number of guys to challenge, encourage me, and sharpen me. It was interesting to me how much he has used the relationships in my life over the years instead of the position.
Describe your most recent personal encounter with Jesus.
I used to look for the big moments, life changing events, or the ah-ha moments as personal encounters with Jesus. Now, during nightly reflections on the day, I can see how He has been moving through the people I encountered, the conversations I had, the situations that popped up, the emotions and attitudes I brought to my day, the way I did or didn’t reflect him. These quiet moments of reflection are where I hear His words the most.
What specific ways would you like to see the members of Bay Life get more involved in ministry?
I would love for people to discover the blessing of serving. As Christians jump in and serve in the way God has designed them, in a place/ministry that he has laid on their heart, they will not only impact others for Christ, but they are impacted. I have found that the relationships built with the people you serve, and the people you serve with will impact and deepen your life in ways that you can’t begin to imagine.
How can the people of Bay Life specifically be praying for you and your family?
Our family is expanding! So, it’s a very fun season right now with the Eichem clan. We are expecting a grandchild in early January. We are also adding a daughter-in-law in March. You could pray for health for the baby and mom and for the new family that’s being established.
Thank you, Pastor Tom, for the way you faithfully shepherd Bay Life with wisdom, humility, and a heart for people. Your leadership reminds us that serving is not just about what we do, but about who we become as God shapes us through relationships and community. We are grateful for the way you guide us to keep Christ at the center of it all.
