Dr. Thomas (Tommy) J. Chapman , Jr.
Senior/Founding Pastor

Dr. Chapman is married to Joyce Marie Sutton Chapman. They have been married for 36 years and have three daughters, Candace, Beth, and Abby.

He received an AA degree from Westminster College and Bible Institute (Wesley) in 1961, an AB in Bible and English in 1963 from Central Wesleyan College (Southern Weslyan University), a Master in Education in Counseling in 1969, a Specialist in Education in 1971 from West Georgia College (State University of West Georgia), and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from Logos Graduate school in 1994.

After eleven years in a successful ministry at New Bethel Congregational Methodist Church in Silver Creek, GA, he was led by the Lord in 1975 to begin a new church, Praise Tabernacle, in the West Cobb area. In 1983, as part of the original vision God had given him, the Total Learning Center/Praise Academy was begun.

Until 1993, Bro. Tommy was bivocational, serving as a counselor at McEachern High School and as a Pastor at Praise Tabernacle, which enabled him to minister to the many unchurched youth and young adults he had ministered to as an educator in Cobb County.

Dr. Chapman's Vision is to "reach the unchurched in the tri-county area by ministering to the total person, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, in order that all may be growing passionate followers of the Lord Jesus Christ".

Joyce "Miss Joyce" Chapman - Church Secretary /Senior Pastor's Wife

Joyce is a graduate of Coosa Valley Technical Schoola with a degree in Nursing. She received a Bachelors degree from Logos Christian College.

Joyce is the very essence of Praise. Her job and influence is not only felt by all, but is contagious. As church secretary, she wears many hats. She is a receptionist, greeter, custodian when needed, counselor, mom, teacher and a whatever-else needs to be done person. She embodies the saying that says re"joyce" with those that re"joyce" and weep with those that weep.

Bro. Tommy says she is the perfect pastors wife and he acknowledges that she is his job security.

Marcus & Jennifer Butler, High School Youth Pastors

Pastor Marcus & Jennifer, as youth pastors are responsible for the spiritual development of the youth of the Praise family. They help our young people develop a relationship with God and to see His will for their lives. The youth also participate in numerous recreational and community service activities under his direction. Pastor

Marcus and his wife Jennifer are teachers at TLC/Praise Academy. Pastor Marcus and Jennifer also are blessed with two sons, Creed and Ethan.

JP & Alicia Combs, Middle School Youth Pastors