Meet Our Staff
We are a Christian Discipleship Ministry dedicated to fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. Our focus is on guiding individuals who are seeking liberation through discipleship. Our Ministry operates without any paid staff, officers, directors, or employees. Among us are pastors, ministers, and teachers who have all successfully completed the necessary Advanced Discipleship Training (ADT) provided by Network 220/AELM, an international network of churches and discipleship training ministries.
Network 220, inspired by Galatians 2:20, is a global network consisting of over 110 counseling ministries, training ministries, and churches across the United States and beyond. Each Ministry within the network is distinct, offering services such as Discipleship Counseling, Advanced Discipleship Training, as well as hosting conferences and seminars aimed at strengthening your understanding of the transformative message of your identity in Jesus Christ.
Discipleship Counselor
Tom Short
Tom has an extensive background in ministry, having worked for a Network 220 ministry for 18 years before co-founding Tree of Life Ministry. During his time there, he served as a Discipleship Counselor, teacher, and the Director of Discipleship Counseling. Throughout his career, Tom's main focus has been to guide Christians towards the freedom that Jesus Christ has provided through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.
After years of being a Christian and searching for fulfillment, contentment, and purpose, Tom's journey led him to a transformative encounter with God's love through Christ Jesus. This experience shattered his previous understanding of God and allowed him to discover his true identity in Christ. It was a turning point in his life, as he finally began to experience true life. Now, Tom is driven by a deep passion to share these profound Biblical truths with those who are facing their own struggles in life.
Discipleship Counselor
Joe Nesbitt
Joe served as a Discipleship Counselor at a Network 220 ministry for a span of 12 years before joining hands to establish Tree of Life Ministry. Throughout his life, Joe dedicated himself to self-improvement, driven by a desire to compensate for what he believed were his shortcomings. However, this relentless pursuit of self-effort ultimately trapped him in the shackles of attempting to validate his worthiness. The moment Joe experienced a profound realization of his true identity in Christ Jesus, he was liberated from the burden of striving to earn acceptance. This transformative revelation has inspired Joe to enthusiastically share this incredible good news with others.
Discipleship Counselor
Mari Paugh
Mari has been a Christian since she was a child. Growing up in her local church in Colombia, she served the Lord in various capacities, particularly in mentoring women. She holds two Bachelor Degrees. For a long time, she focused on seeking acceptance and value through her academic and professional accomplishments. However, after facing a crisis in her marriage, she discovered her true identity in Christ rather than in her personal achievements.
Since that moment, Mariceli has experienced the freedom of being accepted and loved for who she is in Christ Jesus, rather than relying on the approval and acceptance of others. This profound experience has motivated her to share the biblical truths that brought her freedom in Christ Jesus with others.
Discipleship Counselor
Dan Ascher
Dan has been a Jewish believer for many years and his career revolves around discipling people. It's been almost three decades since Dan started this journey. He was born in D.C. and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1974, God called him to live in Israel, and since 2009, he has been fortunate enough to call it his permanent home. Throughout his journey, he has conducted conferences, workshops, and personally mentored over 800 individuals. The work of the Lord in discipleship is something he is truly passionate about. Witnessing God set people free and helping them grow in their faith brings him joy.
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Ministry Coordinator
Lisa Stinson
Lisa has a deep desire to walk in an intimate relationship with the Lord and to support others in their own spiritual journey. She dedicated 14 years to serving with a Network 220 ministry, starting as a volunteer, then becoming a discipleship counselor, and eventually serving as the office manager for a decade. Lisa's role involved assisting clients, managing schedules, and meeting various needs of the staff. As she grew in her understanding of God's love and acceptance, Lisa found peace in her identity as a beloved child of the Father. Her ultimate goal is to offer guidance and support to those facing life's challenges.