T.J. Hankey felt called to be a pastor shortly after he graduated from high school in Sarasota, FL. With this new purpose in mind, he started his education through a local church program called the Master’s Commission. It was here that he gained valuable experience and education through Global and Southeastern Universities. While serving his local church, he met his beautiful wife Leah. 

In 2011, T.J. and Leah set out on the incredible adventure of planting a new, life-giving, church on the west side of Sarasota. On January 29th, 2012, The Shore Church had its first service. Over the next 8-and-a-half  years, The Shore saw more than 1,000 people make the decision to follow Jesus with their entire lives.

In the summer of 2020, T.J. and Leah once again felt a clear call from God to plant a life-giving church. This time, in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Refresh Church launched in September of 2021 and has built an incredible team to see people refreshed by the presence of God and discover their purpose in Him. 

Pastor T.J. is a gifted teacher and communicator. He has a passion for making God’s word relatable and practical, and he has a heart for reaching people right where they are and introducing them to the refreshing message of Jesus. In their free time, T.J. and Leah like spending time outdoors with their four children Mckenna, Addison, Cecelia, and Layton.