Staff and Leadership Team

The Rev. Dr. James Thomas is serving as Christ Lutheran Community Church in Upper Darby’s Interim Minister.

A native of Louisiana, Dr. Thomas served as pastor of churches in New York City for more than 20 years before transitioning into an academic career. He taught worship, theology and other topics at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir Rhyne University in Columbia, S.C. from 2008 until his retirement in 2020. He also has taught in Ghana and is the author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans, about key figures in African American Lutheranism. Dr. Thomas holds a Ph.D. in education policy and administration and master’s degrees in divinity, theology and education. For many years, he was a reserve chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2003 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Since his retirement from Southern Seminary, he has begun another chapter of service as interim pastor for several congregations in eastern Pennsylvania.