Biker preacher 'living his dream'

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Biker dude – not preacher dude – comes to mind when you meet Tom Hamilton.

Tom Hamilton, 51, co-pastor of Sozo New Covenant Fellowship Church in Tucker and a U.S. Naval Academy grad, plays the guitar as his students (left to right) Chance Miller, Ralphie Kilelee, and Brandon Reda play instruments

Sozo was birthed from a weekly Bible study that Tom Hamilton and his wife Brenda started at their home in 2001. Above, Hamilton walks to church with son, Cory Gillispie.

The brightly-lit storefront space serves as a sanctuary for nearly 50 worshippers, and rows of oversized loveseats and chairs are their pews.

Recovery from alcoholism has served Tom Hamilton's ministry and attracted some members who have battled addictions.

Brenda Hamilton makes a praise sign as her husband, Tom Hamilton, 51, co-pastor of Sozo New Covenant Fellowship Church in Tucker plays the keyboard during a recent Sunday service.

Tom Hamilton, 51, co-pastor of Sozo New Covenant Fellowship Church in Tucker listens to Ralphie Kilelee as he shows him a picture.

Tom Hamilton left his job as network engineer and obtained a degree from Beulah Heights Bible College. He's now working on a master's degree in divinity at Mercer University.

Tom Hamilton and friend Charlie Crippen co-pastor the unconventional church. Crippen leads Sunday morning services while Hamilton plays the piano and guitar with the band and teaches children's Sunday School.

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Tom Hamilton, 51, co-pastor of Sozo New Covenant Fellowship Church in Tucker and a U.S. Naval Academy grad, plays the guitar as his students (left to right) Chance Miller, Ralphie Kilelee, and Brandon Reda play instruments

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