Hank Nelson

Personal History

Hank was born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Golf, IL. That close proximity to Chicago, and his extended family, has led him to a lifelong interest (obsession) with Chicago sports. Not just a fan, Hank was involved in organized sports all the way through high school. He graduated from Glenbrook South High School in 1969, as the 1st graduate of the school to have played 3 sports all 4 years.

Choosing a college in a different region of the country, Hank attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas. During his time there, through the influence of friends, he trusted in Christ as his savior and got involved with College Young Life. That involvement led him back to Dallas after graduation when he began to volunteer with Young Life in a local high school. Because of that ministry, seminary was the next stop for Hank. It was just before starting seminary that Hank met a young Dallas lady with New Hampshire roots on a Colorado ski slope. She became his wife in 1977, while they were both students, he in graduate school, she in undergraduate nursing. Upon completing their degrees, an easy decision was made to move to Topeka. At this time TBC had a growing volunteer-led youth ministry and the church decided this ministry needed full time attention. Hank stepped in and became TBC's Youth Pastor. Over the period of 17 years Hank's ministry time continued expanding to other areas. Hank left the now Student Ministry to become the College Pastor and to handle more general pastoral care. Hank's passion for God's creation - His Word, people, and the outdoors - continues today. Hank is jazzed by helping to lead people to life in Christ!

Ministry Responsibilities

Hank's ministry responsibilities include leading the College Ministry and facilitating various other ministries - Vintage Classics, hosting the Xenos service, doing Premarital Counseling, caring for families, and coordinating the church Family Camp. Hank also performs many weddings and infant dedications. When needed he steps in as the weather pastor.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics from Southern Methodist University (1973); Master of Theology (Th.M.) in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary (1980).

Family

Hank's wife, Nan, works as an RNC at Stormont Vail RMH, in the NICU. Working with Premies reflects her love for helping people and things grow,  She loves to garden and landscape her home and others! Hank and Nan have 3 children. Heidi (1982) is a Ministry Assistant with the Kansas Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists. Emily (1985) is a nurse at the Children's Hospital in St Paul, MN, and will be getting married at TBC in June 08. Ben (1987) is a student at Kansas University.

Interesting Tidbits

Outside of following college and professional sports, you can find Hank out at the Governor Mansion jogging or mountain biking. Hank ranks "The Natural" as the best sports movie and "Band of Brothers" as his favorite general movie. Ask him about his Top Ten Movies list.