Currently, Mr. Ragsdell serves as the Head of School of Heritage Academy in Columbia, Missouri. Heritage Academy is a University-Model®️ School, facilitating students’ access to excellent education, increased time with family, and opportunities for growth toward maturity while providing a cost-effective, college-preparatory education.
For the past 11 years, Tom served as lead pastor of New Life Community Church (Columbia). Prior to his role as pastor, he served as a missionary, instructor, and academic dean in Kiev, Ukraine. He has also served in the local church as a youth pastor. Since January of 2018, Tom serves as an associate pastor at First Assembly of God in Columbia, Missouri.
Tom holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div) in theology from the Assembly of God Theological Seminary and a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution (LL.M) from the University of Missouri School of Law. He has also received certification in civil and family mediation from Missouri State University Center for Dispute Resolution.
Tom has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels in areas related to conflict management and negotiation, church law, servant-leadership, theology and ethics. His interests include spiritual formation in students, coaching for success in sports and life, ethical decision-making, and creating a servant-leadership culture in organizations of any size.
He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer for 28 years. Together, they have 5 children—Luke (Bethany), John (Sarah), Jessica, Ben, and Micah. He enjoys fishing, swimming, coaching basketball, and spending time with his family outdoors.