
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
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The Architect of the Merger
Arnold T. Olson played a significant role in bringing the Free Church together.
Tom Cairns
March 20, 2025

Two Schools Become One
A year before the founding of the EFCA, two Free Church associations merged their schools.
Tom Cairns
February 19, 2025

A Steady Pace Toward Merger
Two early free church leaders planted seeds for the 1950 EFCA conference.
Tom Cairns
January 16, 2025

Lines for Strong Living
For 20 years, this pastor delighted free churches with his short, pithy sayings.
Tom Cairns
December 11, 2024

Guarding the Church From Wolves
In 1893, early Free Church leaders established an association to affirm qualified preachers.
Tom Cairns
November 21, 2024

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