Pastor Tom Donnelly did not set out to build a church. What became Firmly Rooted – Oxford began quietly, with a handful of people gathered around Scripture, asking honest questions and seeking something deeper. The vision was broader from the start: a ministry rooted in Christ that could grow into counseling, outreach, youth programs, and beyond.
Tom’s path to that vision was anything but simple. After years of theological training and serving as a pastor, a painful season led him into the business world. There, he rose from factory work to executive leadership, traveling globally and managing operations. Yet even in that season, ministry never left him. Bible studies formed. People sought counsel. Seeds were quietly being planted.
The turning point came in an unexpected moment. After years of wondering if he would ever return to pastoral ministry, Tom prayed for clear direction. Within days, that answer came from a stranger reading a single passage of Scripture across a small table: Acts 20:24. “I don’t care about my life,” the verse declared, “I have to finish the task of proclaiming the Gospel.” Tom remembers, “My head hit the table, and I wept.” The call was unmistakable.
From that moment, things moved quickly. A Bible study grew into a gathering. A gathering became a church. The first service took place with a dozen people in a chiropractor’s office. From there, the congregation moved from space to space, growing steadily while holding tightly to its mission. Today, Firmly Rooted continues to thrive, not defined by a building but by its people.
That mission is simple and intentional. “We firmly root ourselves in God’s unconditional love and His eternal truth,” Tom says. It is drawn from Scripture, where a life grounded in God is compared to a tree planted by streams of water. For him, it reflects the living water of Christ, steady and fruitful in every season. The goal is not just to gather, but to live with purpose and share that hope with others.
Firmly Rooted now worships each Sunday at 9:00am, sharing space with Oxford Freedom Church, where the two congregations partner in a spirit of unity. Bible study follows at 10:45am, creating a rhythm of worship, learning, and connection. Throughout the week, the ministry continues online with daily devotions, prayer times, and teachings available on Facebook, YouTube, and X, making it easy for anyone to engage at any time.
The heart behind it all remains outward-focused. “God did not keep you here to sit in a pew,” Tom says. “You’re meant to go out and be light in the world.” That belief shapes everything from local outreach events to global ministry efforts, including work in Haiti.
What started as a small Bible study has become something much more, a living example of faith put into action. Firmly Rooted is not just a name. It is a calling, an identity, and a reminder to stay grounded in what matters most.
For those curious or seeking connection, learning more is simple: visit firmlyrooted.org or worship with Pastor Tom Donnelly this Sunday at 9:00am at 790 S. Lapeer Road in Oxford. Information, teachings, and live content are also available across their social media platforms. Pastor Tom can be reached directly at tom@firmlyrooted.org.