Pastor Tom Schaeffer graduated in 1989 from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary). He has served in NW Ohio ever since. During his time in ministry, he has had a multitude of opportunities. He engineered the redevelopment of a small congregation. He served in a large rural congregation. He spearheaded the start of a satellite location for a large suburban congregation. He planted a mission focused on university students.

Also, in 2015 he ventured into business, developing the plan and recruiting investors to launch Black Cloister Brewing Company. He turned over leadership of that business to his partners in 2018 and returned to full-time ministry. This led to his call to both Bethany Lutheran Church and Reformation Lutheran Church. In January of 2019, these two churches merged to form Faith United Lutheran Church.