Pastor Thom Daubenseck
Thomas M. Daubenspeck was born in Holland, MI, on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1961. He is the youngest son of Harry and Marianne Daubenspeck, and he has two siblings, David and Beth, sister-n-laws, a brother-n-law, two nephews and three nieces.
Thom was baptized in 1961 and received into communicant membership in 1977 at First Reformed Church of Holland. He was educated in Holland Public Schools, and was a competitive athlete in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Hope College, Holland, MI, and Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA, and graduated with majors in Psychology and Sociology. He served as a counselor prior to entering parish ministry.
On May 26, 1990, Thom married Susan Lynne Taylor of Cutlerville, MI, daughter of Patricia Taylor and oldest sibling of Robert and Barbara. Susie is a graduate of South Christian High School, and has served and volunteered in a variety of capacities. Susie has often been a homemaker, and has been highly active in the life of the local church and community.
After marriage, Thom began his divinity training and studied at Gordon-Conwell, South Hamilton, MA, Western, Holland, MI, and Moravian, Bethlehem, PA, Theological Seminaries. In 1996, he was licensed and ordained by the Holland Classis of the Reformed Church in America. In 2010, Thom completed his doctoral studies at Fuller School of Theology, Pasadena, CA, in Christian Spirituality, with a dissertation entitled, Pietas: The Pathway to Reformed Spirituality for Congregations Seeking to Live the Christian Life by Grace. In 2017, he obtained a master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. The last several years, Thom has served as a therapist in mental health, addictions, and marriage, and as a spiritual director.
The Daubenspecks have come to Abbe Reformed Church, Clymer, NY from Holland, MI. They are honored to be called by God, the consistory, and the congregation to serve as the 23rd pastor and spouse of Abbe. They look forward to obediently following, humbly leading, and faithfully living out the vision God has planned and prepared for both the present and in the future. Soli Deo gloria!
Elders
Elders are set apart for a ministry of watchful and responsible care for the welfare and order of the church.
They have oversight of all members, including one another, the deacons, and the ministers, equipping everyone to live in harmony with God’s Word.
They ensure the Word of God is rightly proclaimed and taught, and the sacraments faithfully administered.
Elders assist the ministers with their good counsel, and serve all Christians with advice, consolation, and encouragement.
DEACONS
Deacons are set apart for a ministry of mercy, service, and outreach.
They gather gifts and offerings, care for them faithfully, and distribute them with wisdom and compassion to persons in need and for purposes that advance God’s kingdom on earth.
Deacons visit and comfort the distressed, provide for whatever necessities may arise, and assist the congregation at services of worship.
CURRENT CONSISTORY
Elders:
Renee TeCulver, Clerk (2024), Nelson TeCroney (2024), Eric Dunnewold (2025), Trudy Williams (2025), Eric Heil (2026), Esther Nickerson, Vice President (2026)
Deacons:
Sonya Shampoe (2024), Adam Honey (2024), Phil Beckerink, Benevolent Treasurer (2025), Lauren Dunnewold (2025), Breanna Summers (2026), Willowe Neckers, Chair (2026)