Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor T.J. Fisher.
Hi Pastor T.J., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Absolutely — my story is really a journey of faith, service, and unexpected calling. I moved to Charlotte from New York in 2021, but my roots in ministry go back much further. I’m a PK — a preacher’s kid — so church has always been part of my DNA. Still, I never imagined I’d one day pastor a church myself. My wife(Novia) and I married in 2010, and over the years we served at Word Impact Church under the leadership od Bishop Tony and Pastor Vivian Fisher, in just about every role you can think of: worship leader, musician, church administrator, youth ministry, kids ministry. Serving people has always been the common thread.
Professionally, both Novia and I work in the tech industry, and that background shaped the way we see community, innovation, and impact. In the middle of building our careers, we felt a clear call to launch Thirst4Christ Church, a faith community centered on three core pillars: Love Christ, Share Christ, and Live Christ. Those words aren’t a tagline for us; they’re the way we try to show up every single day.
My wife extends that same heart for people outside the church as well, serving as a middle school basketball coach and investing in the next generation. As a church, we’re committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways, from collecting winter clothing for families in need to supporting those experiencing food insecurity. Our hope is simple: to share Christ with as many people as we can and create a space where people feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for.
That’s the journey so far a blend of faith, service, tech, community, and a willingness to say “yes” when God calls.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s been a meaningful one. Planting a church is both extremely challenging and incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the financial and resource demands that come with starting something from the ground up. There were moments when it felt like we were stretching every ounce of faith we had.
Even in those challenges, we’ve seen God provide in extraordinary ways. All of our musical equipment was donated by my mentor in New York & our Bishop which is an unexpected blessing that lifted a huge burden. And we’ve been surrounded by people who believe in what God is doing through Thirst4Christ Church. Their prayers, encouragement, and support have helped sustain us in seasons when the road was tough.
Right now, we’re trusting God for a permanent location to worship. It’s one of our biggest faith steps. Yet every single time we’ve needed a door to open, God has made a way. These obstacles have strengthened our resilience, deepened our faith, and reminded us why we said “yes” to this calling in the first place.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers on helping people unlock opportunity both in the marketplace and in ministry. Professionally, I specialize in skills-first hiring and workforce development. Over the years, I’ve been featured across several media outlets for championing a model that opens doors for talent who may not have traditional degrees but have the skills, grit, and potential to thrive. I’ve had the privilege of helping people get hired into life-changing careers, and I’ve seen firsthand how a single opportunity can shift the entire trajectory of a family. That impact is what drives me.
In ministry, my heart is the same. I want to support people, develop leaders, and create pathways for growth spiritually, personally, and professionally. Whether it’s mentoring young adults, helping families find stability, or simply walking alongside someone who’s rebuilding their life, my goal is to build people not a program.
What I’m most proud of is consistency in purpose.
No matter the space I’m in, the mission stays the same: elevate people, create access, and serve with integrity. I think what sets me apart is the combination of my corporate lens, my ministry background, and my passion for community impact. I understand both the practical and the spiritual sides of people’s journeys, and I lead with empathy, strategy, and a genuine desire to see lives transformed.
At the end of the day, whether I’m helping someone land a career opportunity or helping them grow in their faith, my work is about changing lives. .
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my family and my faith. My beautiful wife and our three amazing children are my greatest gifts and my deepest motivation. Everything I do whether in ministry or in my career is rooted in wanting to honor them and create a legacy they can be proud of. And above all, being obedient to God is at the center of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thirst4christ.com/
