Leaders:
International Director - Tom A. Madden
tmadden@churchofgod.org
Tom A. Madden is currently serving as International Director of Youth and Christian
Education of the Church of God , Cleveland , Tennessee . He received his Bachelors
Degree from Lee University in 1979 and a Master’s Degree from the Church of God
Theological Seminary . While serving as youth pastor at the North Cleveland Church
of God he founded Winterfest, a local church youth group retreat. What began as
a small gathering of teenagers and sponsors, 279 people and five local churches,
has now blossomed into fourteen regional gatherings that minister to over 43,000
each year. The out growth of Winterfest has led the way in the establishment of
other denominational ministries such as Master’s Commission and City Vision. Prior
to his election as Assistant Director, he served as Youth Ministries Coordinator
for the Church of God Youth & Christian Education Department from 1990 until
2004. He resides in Clevelandand is married to Charla (Parson) a kindergarten teacher
at Michigan Avenue School. They have two children, Crystal and Chad.
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 Assistant Director - Gary Lewis
glewis@churchofgod.org
Gary Lewis is currently serving as the Assistant International Director of Youth
and Christian Education for the Church of God , Cleveland , Tennessee . He has served
as a student pastor, senior pastor and state youth and Christian education director.
Gary is a graduate of East Coast Bible College where he met his wife, Lori who is
the International Girls Clubs Assistant. They have three children, Jordan, Jaren
and Sara.
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Hispanic Ministries Coordinator - Robert Rodriguez
rrodriguez@churchofgod.org
Robert Rodriguez was born in Passaic , New Jersey and the second of five children
that were raised in the Church of God . His family has been with the Church of God
for three generations.
Before being appointed as a Hispanic Youth Coordinator during the General Assembly
of 2006, he served the calling that God had placed in his heart in many different
ways. After acquiring a diploma in Pastoral Studies from the Hispanic Institute
in Dallas, Robert felt a strong burden for youth ministry that led him to seek a
BA Degree in Biblical Studies/Youth Ministry from St. Petersburg Theological Seminary
in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he had moved to live closer to his family. He
is presently seeking a Master’s of Arts in Church Ministries Degree from the Church
of God Theological Seminary .
Seeking God’s will for his life he remained active serving as youth minister for
15 years. He served as Youth Pastor, Sunday School teacher, District Youth Director,
Bible School Teacher and from 2000-2006 as the Southeast Hispanic Region Youth and
Christian Education Director. This young man has been successful professionally
as in his personal life having been an example and mentor to many young single adults
until 2005 when God gave him a beautiful wife, Dr. Nidia Urbaez. Nidia is a professional
specialized dentist and has served on Short term missionary trips. Nidia also has
a heart to serve the Lord reaching the harvest of our international youth and children.
Robert has a pastoral heart which he believes God is leading him to mentor and
strengthen the YCE Hispanic leadership. He believes in training to develop talents
and abilities for leadership. We are blessed to have this wonderful talented couple
in our Department.
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