tom hlad
Senior pastor

Tom grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and came to faith in Christ at the age of eight during evangelistic meetings at his church. While attending Baptist Christian High School, he met his wife Christine when her father took the senior pastor position at a church in the area. Christine originally grew up in Waterloo while her father was the senior pastor of Walnut Ridge in the 50’s – the 70’s.

Tom and Christine were married in 1976 in Cleveland.  After eight years of marriage Tom received his call to full-time ministry. He earned his Bachelors of Theology degree at Appalachian Bible College in West Virginia. He also holds a Master of Religious Education degree from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Tom and Chris have served in ministries in West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa. It is a joyful homecoming for them to be back in the Waterloo area. Tom takes seriously both the privilege and responsibility of leading Walnut Ridge, as Senior Pastor. His heart and passion for our church  is, “To be a Flourishing Family that is Glorifying God, by Abiding in the Love of Christ, Nourishing one another with the Word, and bearing Good Fruit in the World.” Tom and Chris have four grown children and six sweet grandchildren.

aaron mazzarella
family discipleship & music pastor

Aaron has lived in the Cedar Valley his whole life. As a teenager, he attended youth group at Walnut Ridge and was invited to summer camp at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, where he trusted in Christ for salvation.

Aaron met his wife, Ciara, while attending the Walnut Ridge college group together. They were married soon after and began serving the church family at Walnut Ridge in 2015. They have four beautiful girls: Magnolia, Eleanor, Melrose, and Eden. Aaron enjoys reading, writing, spending time with family and friends, and the great outdoors.

Aaron received his Bachelors in Biblical Theology from Trinity College of the Bible and his M.A. in Religion from Faith Baptist Theological Seminary. His mission is to be a vessel for the gospel in the home, workplace, and community.