Refresh Community Church
Staff & Leaders

Thomas Ondrea
Lead Pastor

Pastor Thomas Ondrea grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre. He describes being called into ministry at the age of 13 when he had an overwhelming feeling that God wanted him to do something very big. With no formal ministry experience at that young age and not really knowing what to do with that feeling, it took several years later to get his start. He was 28 when he began to serve as a ministry leader to teen boys at the church he was attending in Pennsylvania. This volunteer position was the launching pad for his first official youth pastor position in Chesapeake, VA. Since then, Thomas has pastored in many positions that range from youth pastor, college pastor, teaching pastor, campus pastor, church planter, and lead pastor. He felt called to plant Refresh Community Church in Chesapeake, VA with his brother Dave in 2015. Pastor Thomas has a bachelor’s degree in Ministry/Bible from Amridge University and a Master’s degree in Church Planting and Evangelism from Liberty Theological Seminary. When he is not at the church you will find him skating at the ice hockey rink with his sons Seth and Tyler. He is a die hard Pittsburgh Penguins fan and enjoys watching the Pirates and the Steelers. He is married to his bride Christine who also serves at Refresh Community Church, Chesapeake, VA as the ladies ministry director.