Derek Thomas (theologian)
Encyclopedia
Derek W. H. Thomas is a reformed pastor
and theologian known for his teaching, writing and editorial work. He is currently the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary
in Jackson, MS.
, England. In 1978, he completed his ministerial training from Reformed Theological Seminary before moving on to receive his PhD from the University of Wales, Lampeter with a thesis
on Calvin
's preaching on the book of Job
. He served as a pastor for 17 years in Belfast
, Northern Ireland
before returning to the United States in 1996 to serve as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson
. In 2011, he accepted a call to serve as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He was written and edited 15 books and has also produced a volume for the Biblical commentary series published by Banner of Truth Trust
and Evangelical Press
. In 2004, Derek Thomas became Editorial Director for The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
and the editor of its e-zine, Reformation 21.
Pastor
The word pastor usually refers to an ordained leader of a Christian congregation. When used as an ecclesiastical styling or title, this role may be abbreviated to "Pr." or often "Ps"....
and theologian known for his teaching, writing and editorial work. He is currently the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary
Seminary
A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...
in Jackson, MS.
Career
Dr. Thomas is originally from WalesWales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
, England. In 1978, he completed his ministerial training from Reformed Theological Seminary before moving on to receive his PhD from the University of Wales, Lampeter with a thesis
Thesis
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings...
on Calvin
John Calvin
John Calvin was an influential French theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation. He was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism. Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, he broke from the Roman Catholic Church around 1530...
's preaching on the book of Job
Job (Biblical figure)
Job is the central character of the Book of Job in the Hebrew Bible. Job is listed as a prophet of God in the Qur'an.- Book of Job :The Book of Job begins with an introduction to Job's character — he is described as a blessed man who lives righteously...
. He served as a pastor for 17 years in Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
before returning to the United States in 1996 to serve as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson
Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson is the capital and the most populous city of the US state of Mississippi. It is one of two county seats of Hinds County ,. The population of the city declined from 184,256 at the 2000 census to 173,514 at the 2010 census...
. In 2011, he accepted a call to serve as associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He was written and edited 15 books and has also produced a volume for the Biblical commentary series published by Banner of Truth Trust
Banner of Truth Trust
The Banner of Truth Trust is an evangelical and Reformed Christian non-profit publishing house, structured as a charitable trust and founded in London in 1957 by Iain Murray and Jack Cullum. Its offices are now in Edinburgh, Scotland with a key branch office and distribution point in Carlisle,...
and Evangelical Press
Evangelical Press
Evangelical Press is a small Christian not-for-profit publisher of books, newspapers and tracts. It is based in Darlington in the United Kingdom and Carlisle, PA, USA, with employees also in Africa, France and Belarus. It serves a reformed conservative evangelical constituency...
. In 2004, Derek Thomas became Editorial Director for The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is a Christian ministry which produces print and internet resources, broadcasts radio programs The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals is a Christian ministry which produces print and internet resources, broadcasts radio programs The Alliance of Confessing...
and the editor of its e-zine, Reformation 21.
Works
- Let’s Study Galatians Banner of Truth, 2004
- Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God Christian Focus Publications, 2004.
- Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (Ed. With J. Ligon Duncan III and Philip Graham Ryken) P & R, 2003
- Let’s Study Revelation Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2003
- Mining for Wisdom: 28 Daily Readings from Job Evangelical Press, 2002.
- Making the Most of your Devotional Life Evangelical Press, 2001
- Praying the Saviour’s Way Christian Focus, 2001
- God Delivers: Isaiah Simply Explained, Welwyn Commentary Series, Evangelical Press, 1991, second impression 1998. Second Impression 1998.
- The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher’s Library, Reformed Academic Press, 1996.
- Taken Up To Heaven: The Ascension of Christ, with a foreword by J. Ligon Duncan, Evangelical Press, 1996.
- The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Welwyn Commentary Series, Evangelical Press, 1995. Second Impression 2004
- God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Welwyn Commentary Series, Evangelical Press, 1993. Second Impression 2003.
- Help for Hurting Christians: Reflections on Psalms, Evangelical Press, 1991.
- Wisdom: The Key to Living God’s Way, Christian Focus Publications, 1990.
- Serving the King: A Guide to Christian Usefulness, Evangelical Press, 1989.