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It takes a special person to lead a church like West End Baptist. With the world changing at an incredible pace around us, The Lord blessed West End with an old fashioned Baptist Preacher who was able to think and look outside the box. Instead of isolating himself and his congregation from the technology that has infiltrated us these days, Pastor Tom set out to utilize the tools available to bring West End Baptist into the global ministry field without ever leaving the peaceful little town of Newport, Tennessee.

While many pastors choose to barricade themselves and their members behind their church doors, Pastor Tom has invited the world into West End Baptist and has exposed his members to the wonderful blessings of global outreach via our radio broadcast, web site, global prayer box, and weekly blog which goes out to over 100,000 people world wide. His open mindedness and love for The Lord has paid off, West End Baptist is proud to welcome radio and Internet listeners from every denomination - not just Baptists. His message that we are "all in this together no matter where we choose to worship" has erased the denominational borders that most churches are unable to cross. Although a Southern Baptist at heart, his love for all Christians and his "love everyone" influence on his congregation make it obvious after only one visit that EVERYONE is welcome at West End Baptist Church.

Pastor Tom Mooty and his wife Anita

Tom Mooty (66) has pastored only two churches over a span of thirty-six years of full-time ministry: The West End Baptist Church of Newport, Tennessee and The First Baptist Church of Wartburg, Tennessee.

In 1961, He married the former Anita Hollingsworth of Oak Ridge , Tennessee; whom he met at Tennessee Tech University. He served a four-year tour in the US Air Force between 1961-1965.

Saved in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1965, Tom felt called to preach shortly thereafter; and, when he and his wife, Anita moved to his hometown of Newport , Tennessee, he began preaching in the many and several churches of the area. He was licensed to preach in 1967 and then ordained in 1968.

In 1969, his family joined the West End Baptist Church; and, in 1971, upon the resignation of the pastor, he was asked to serve as "interim pastor", then elected as "Pastor". Tom worked with the engineering division of the Southern Bell Telephone Company from 1965-1968; and was Operations Engineer at the Newport Electric System from 1968-1973. Resigning from the Utilities Board in 1973, they enrolled in Bible School in Chattanooga from 1973-1976; and drove up to Newport on the week ends and some Wednesdays. Tom graduated "cum lau de" ("with honors") and was selected for "Who's Who" by the school administration.

For a brief time in 1976 and 1977, Tom needed to devote his full attention to his seminary training; and West End called another pastor. Returning to West End in May, 1977, he resumed his ministry.

The Church experienced four building programs between 1971 and 1987: doing extensive remodeling work; and building the "Memorial Annex" and a 750 seat auditorium. Resigning in 1987, Tom and Anita assumed the pastorate of The First Baptist Church of Wartburg, Tennessee; then, answered the call to return to West End Baptist Church, in August of 2004.

Tom feels led to "be a pastor"; even though he has done evangelistic work in various churches. He is content to serve The Lord as a Bible Teacher and Pastor.

Tom and Anita have three children: Ed, who lives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee with his wife Shawn; Jolynn, who lives in Greeneville, Tennessee with her husband, Cal; and Lisa, who lives in Parrottsville, Tennessee with her husband, Larry. Tom and "Miss 'Nita" are "Papaw and Nanna" to eight grandchildren.