The Leadership Blog Interview: Rev. Thomas Trask

Rev. Thomas Trask

Bio: Thomas E. Trask, was elected General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in August of 1993. As chief executive officer of the church, he is a member of the board of administration and the Executive Presbytery.

A graduate of North Central Bible College (Minneapolis, Minn.), Rev. Trask has served over 40 years in the ministry, 25 of which were devoted to the pastorate. Ordained in 1958, he has believed in a strong emphasis on home and world missions. He and his congregations have helped to mother seven new churches throughout his ministry.

Trask serves presently on the boards of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Central Bible College and Evangel University. He also serves on several boards and committees for the denomination, including the General Presbytery. He is chairman of the Assemblies of God Foundation board of directors and the board of the Ministers Benefit Association. He is chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, a member of the board of administration of the National Association of Evangelicals, a member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters.

The Rev. Trask has co-authored a number of books including Back to the Altar, Back to the Word, The Battle, a book on spiritual warfare, The Blessing, a book on the power of the Holy Spirit today, The Choice, The Fruit of the Spirit, and Ministry for a Lifetime.

Site: Assemblies of God

The Leadership Blog Interview Questions
1. What gives you the greatest joy in being a leader?
Trask: "To see God touch pastors and laity and they in turn respond in offering themselves to His Kingdom and for the building of His Church brings tremendous joy to one’s heart."

2. What is your biggest pet peeve as a leader?
Trask: "Because of the structure of the Assemblies of God and having been a pastor most of my life, being removed from the every day joy of touching people is frustrating to me at times."

3. Who made the biggest influence in your life as a leader?
Trask: "First of all, my father. Mother and Dad served as pastors in this church for over 50 years. Secondly, would be the former general superintendent G. Raymond Carlson. He was my first district superintendent and also the college president when I attended North Central University."

4. What books have changed your life?
Trask: "I am a great fan of Alan Redpath and his writings and a number of the British writers."

5. What is your biggest challenge as a leader?
Trask: "To effectively bring about change in a culture that is changing constantly so that the church remains relevant to the need both here at home and worldwide."

6. What goals do you have as a leader?
Trask:
"· To see this Fellowship remain thoroughly Pentecostal both in its doctrine and in practice.
· That we remain a leader in missions both overseas and in the U.S.
· To be a church that is marshalling the laity and releasing the laity of our congregations.
· To accomplish the task taken from Ephesians chapter 4.
· Establish healthy churches and have healthy pastors pastoring these congregations."

7. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Trask: "Fulfilling the will of God for my life. I have lived with that single goal and desire and it will be in active ministry some place for I love the work of God."

Thank you Rev. Trask for taking time for the interview. You've made a huge impact on my life from preaching my ordination ceremony, from your books, and your leadership in general.