Dr. Thomas Beavers serves as the 4th Pastor of New Rising Star Church in the Eastlake community of Birmingham, AL. Upon graduating from Kentucky State University (BS Biology 2004) and Beeson Divinity School of Samford University (MDIV May 2007 & DMIN December 2013), he succeeded his grandfather, Dr. Tommy Chappell who served as New Rising Star's Third pastor for 35 years 1975-2010. As the servant leader of New Rising Star Church (also known as THE STAR & #TEAMSTAR), Dr. Beavers leads several efforts that impact the community which include but are not limited to the following: education, financial literacy, workforce development, housing, recreation, and the church. The goal is twofold: to preach the gospel for the purpose of enlarging Heaven, and to develop people in the community that they may have access to a better quality of life on earth.