The congregation voted unanimously on Sunday, March 19, to extend a Call for
a Pastor to Rev. Jeremiah A. Thomas, who is currently serving as associate minister at Grace ARP Church in Northeast Columbia. Rev. Thomas is 28 years old, married to Rebekah Kidd Thomas, and they have a 17-month-old daughter.
Rev. Thomas is a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a B.A. in Religious Studies, and he earned his Masters of Divinity from Erskine Theological Seminary (Columbia, 2015). He is serving or has served on Synod and Presbytery committees.
Those who have met Rev. Thomas know he loves the Lord. He believes Scripture should inform all of the Church’s actions and that the presbyterian form of government is prescribed by Scripture.
He knows the Holy Spirit is alive and well in God’s people and working through the Church and that servant leadership with the assistance of the Session is how best to serve members.
He enjoys visiting with people. hospital visits, and socializing. He came with glowing recommendations from Rev. Dr. Calvin Todd and prominent seminary faculty.
One of the unique things about a Call for a Pastor in the ARPC is that you have an opportunity to sign the Call. Although the Form of Government calls for voting members to sign, tradition allows non-communicant but baptized members and visitors to sign as well.
If you were present Sunday but did not sign the Call, or were absent and would like the opportunity, the original Call will be in the church office for a few weeks to accommodate you. We will also try to have it available Wednesday evening and in the narthex on Sunday, March 26. Feel free to be a part of history by showing your support of Rev. Thomas and his family.
The congregation extends heartfelt thanks to the members of the Pulpit Search Committee: Rachel Hanes, Lissa Shine, Rod Wolff, Eric Moody, John McNinch and Rick Bradley for their prayerful and committed search for the man God has ordained to fill our pulpit.