The Rev. Dr. Christopher Thomas
Denomination: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF)
Organization: First Baptist Church of Wilson, NC
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Thomas has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Wilson, North Carolina since July of 2020. He previously served congregations in Alabama and Texas. He is a graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama (2006, B.A.), Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas (2009, M.Div.), and Mercer University’ McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, GA (2020, D.Min.).
Chris is an avid reader, a lover of stories, the universe, working with his hands, and finds great joy in walking alongside others on this journey of life and faith.
He and his wife, Sallie, have two sons, Kohl and Carter.
Day1 Weekly Programs by The Rev. Dr. Christopher Thomas
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Expectations
Tuesday February 20, 2024
Of course, Jesus (as he so often does) shattered my self-centered ambitions and expectations with…well, with the words he says in these verses to the crowd after calling Peter, Satan, for rebuking him. He said, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” Wait! If I want to be a follower of Jesus, a Christian, I have to *deny* myself…lose my life? Does Jesus mean I’ll have to be willing to die? I thought I just had to agree to a few fundamental bullet points, pray this prayer about confessing my sins, repenting, and accepting Jesus into my heart. I thought I was supposed to get baptized (all the way under, you know, the right way), come to church most Sundays, read my Bible, drink sweet tea instead of Bud Light, and stay out of trouble. I thought all I had to do to be a Christian, to get into heaven, was simple, but now – now, Jesus tells me I have to...
Chris Thomas: Living On Fulfilled Time
Tuesday February 16, 2021
In his sermon for the 1st Sunday in Lent, Dr. Chris Thomas says each and every second, minute, and hour—every moment—is pregnant with the possibility of the presence of God. The kingdom of God is close, at hand, and every once in a while it’s so close it slips in on us—and we can either respond in faith or ignore that divine presence.
Chris Thomas: An Unveiled Gospel
Tuesday February 09, 2021
In light of his Grandma’s experience with rearranged furniture, Dr. Chris Thomas wonders how this world might change—be transfigured—if we could just uncover a few things, rearrange the furniture of our faith to expose the darkened corners. Would the world be transformed by what it witnessed? Would we be transformed?
Salty Luminescence
Tuesday February 04, 2014
In his sermon on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:13-20, the Rev. Chris Thomas explores what it means to be Jesus' disciples in this world.
Articles by The Rev. Dr. Christopher Thomas
From One Minster to Another
Thursday October 11, 2018
October is Clergy Appreciation Month, so from one minister to another, Thank You.
On the Tenth Anniversary of My Ordination
Friday March 16, 2018
A decade of ordained ministry has shown me an awful lot of what makes ministry a struggle, but it has also shown me more than one glimpse of God's kingdom.
A Parable
Friday December 15, 2017
Two men go on a trip. Both come back. Only one got the message.
The Faith to Grieve
Wednesday April 12, 2017
We need a faith that is built upon more than easy proof-texts and bumper sticker slogans to get us through our grief. Thanks be to God we have a deeper faith, a faith realized in Christ.
What's a Pastor For?
Thursday May 26, 2016
Is the pastor a "holy hired-hand," an employee of the congregation selected as a surrogate to carry the weight of the work of ministry? Is the pastor's job description a list of bullet points with quantifiable results? Or is there something more to it, something more mystical or down-to-earth?
Ministry as a Millennial: Some Observations (and Maybe a Few Predictions) about Ministry in a Traditional, Institutional Church
Friday January 22, 2016
Millennial ministers face a unique set of challenges, especially as the pace of change quickens.
Signs of the Times? (A Sermon)
Wednesday November 18, 2015
After the terrible news we've all witnessed from around the world in the past few weeks, one can't help but wonder, "Is this the end?" But are we called to look for signs, or do something about terrible news we hear?
A God out of Control (for Good Friday)
Friday April 03, 2015
God is in control. Is God in control? Good Friday calls us to reexamine what it means to have control, for God to have control.
Alone (A Sermon for Holy Week)
Thursday March 26, 2015
In Christ's final moments he as abandoned by those who had once followed him. He was jeered by those who once shouted "Hosanna!" Even the Father seemed to have left him. He was alone.
An Advent Song (A Sermon on Mary's Magnificat)
Wednesday December 17, 2014
A good song provokes us to thoughtful reflection, maybe even to action. Mary's song of praise is no different.
Another Post about Millennials #sorrynotsorry
Friday November 14, 2014
Everybody is concerned about Millennials and the Church. Every congregation wants Millennials as a part of their community...but do they really?
7 Things Your Pastor Wants You to Know (But Probably Can't Tell You)
Monday September 22, 2014
There are always things (some serious, others not so much) that pastors wish they could just come right out and tell their parishioners. They seldom do, however, for fear of sounding defensive, making relationship awkward, or (wort of all) termination. These are just seven such things that come to mind.
We Need to Talk
Tuesday August 12, 2014
We are constantly being told the Church is in decline. What may be causing such decline is complicated and may just run deeper in our congregational culture than we are willing to admit.
What this Church Really Needs...
Wednesday January 08, 2014
It seems most churches, no matter the labels, are all after the same thing. They're all after that group who will secure their future as an institution. In doing so, however, so many congregations miss out on the ministry God has placed right in front of them.
Heritage or Hate?
Friday May 03, 2013
With the recent release of a country song by Brad Paisley (featuring LL Cool J) titled "Accidental Racist," the issues surrounding race and the symbols of the South from another era have found their way into the ever-changing news cycle. In the South, as well as other parts of the country, these topics are still taboo--even from the pulpit.
Resurrection Moments (a sermon)
Monday April 01, 2013
Easter Sunday is the high point in the Christian calendar, but how do we make it a reality everyday?
The Gentrification of Christian Practice
Friday November 16, 2012
When did the line between Christan practice and modern culture become so blurred? Do our Christian practices reflect the Christ we follow?
Thinking 'Bout Church
Wednesday September 19, 2012
Why does my church exist when there are so many other churches in my community already? How can my church be effective in the midst of so many other congregations and their differing approaches and understandings of the gospel?
The Most Segregated Hour
Tuesday July 31, 2012
Churches in the South are denying couples the privilege of getting married in their church simply because of the color of their skin. Recently, there was a "whites-only" pastors conference held in Alabama. During this same summer the largest Protestant denomination in America, born out of a defense for slavery, called its first African-American president. Is the Church in America (especially the South) actually seeing healing and racial reconciliation, or are we taking one step forward and two steps back?
I (still) like church
Wednesday June 13, 2012
Church is taking a beating these days. Celebrity clergy clog the headlines with their power and missteps; bloggers share their distaste for church culture; authors write volumes about their bad experiences in congregations. However, we shouldn't give up on church so easily.
Inclusive Exclusiveness
Tuesday April 24, 2012
The claim that Christ is the only way to God may be a difficult notion for those of us who seek to live in peace with those of other faiths. However, just as there is a claim to exclusiveness in the Christian faith, there is an equal claim to inclusiveness.
The Church Needs Women...in Leadership
Thursday February 02, 2012
So it’s been popular lately for certain evangelical “celebrities” to go on the offensive with their so-called “masculine” approach to Christianity. They claim that God intended the Church to have a “masculine feel.” I'd like to think Scripture has a few examples of women called to be in positions of leadership.
What if Jesus Comes Back Like That?
Wednesday November 30, 2011
As we are in this season of Advent, a season that calls our memories back to Bethlehem and our hearts forward to the future coming of Christ, we live in the loving tension between the two. However, can we get so caught up in reflections of the past and predictions of the future that we ignore the present and perhaps miss Christ's return?
'Til Death (or Alzheimer's?) Do Us Part
Tuesday September 20, 2011
The recent comments from televangelist Pat Robertson have set the Christian community buzzing with quick responses of disgust or defense. What do these sorts of comments (and the responses they create) say about the Christian community to the rest of the world?
It's Getting Dark Out
Friday July 29, 2011
There is a genuine sense of urgency in the calling Christ places on his followers and the work of his Church.