Tom Cairns
Tom Cairns is the archivist for the EFCA. A physician who worked for 19 years in Congo, Tom later served as director of international ministries for the EFCA mission, now known as ReachGlobal. Since retirement, Tom enjoys sharing stories about the history of the EFCA, answering questions from our churches and helping the churches with their own stories. He also uploads our historical books, photos and documents to our archive website. Tom’s great desire is to bring glory to God as we celebrate the history we have in the EFCA.
Post List
Viewing 12 of 36 posts
J.G. Princell: A Father of the Early Free Church
Theologian, pastor and author, he trained the pastors that would shape the Free Church for generations.
Tom Cairns
October 24, 2024
Founding the “Un-Denomination”
Early Swedish Free Church leaders didn't want to form a denomination. It happened anyway.
Tom Cairns
September 26, 2024
A Newspaperman After God's Heart
John Martenson united the early Free Church with the Chicago-Bladet.
Tom Cairns
August 29, 2024
The First Missionary Candidate School
In 1951, the EFCA’s missionary training program established a foundation for future growth.
Tom Cairns
July 23, 2024
The Significance of the EFCA's Diamond Jubilee
In 1959, the EFCA celebrated how God worked through 75 years of ministry.
Tom Cairns
June 28, 2024
Tent Revivals in the Free Church
In the early twentieth century, these venues of evangelism helped bring thousands to the Lord.
Tom Cairns
May 30, 2024
A.J. Thorwall: A Preacher Like No Other
"Some men become legends after they die. This man has become a legend while he lived!"
Tom Cairns
April 23, 2024
Twenty Years in the Wild West
Despite violence, health issues and sleeping in open fields at night, A.A. Anderson persevered to share the gospel.
Tom Cairns
March 21, 2024
Six Formative Meetings
The Founding of the Swedish Evangelical Free Church.
Tom Cairns
February 29, 2024
Steadfast Since 1884
140 years ago, the Danish-Norweigan Free Church planted its first church. It still stands strong today.
Tom Cairns
January 12, 2024
Revisiting New Year's Celebrations
How EFCA churches watched and prayed for the Lord's return.
Tom Cairns
December 28, 2023