Father Thomas Reeves
Meet Fr. Tom
Father Tom is the Rector (priest) at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Bloomington, Illinois. His wife, Karen, is a fifth grade elementary school teacher at Epiphany Catholic School in Normal, IL. Father Tom and Karen have three adult children: Their eldest son, Cal, works as a data analyst for a company in Roanoke, VA; their daughter, Nicole, is a speech pathologist living in the Richmond, VA area. Their youngest son, Daniel, works in Hollins, VA as an engineer for a company that develops night-vision technology.
Father Tom is (and seeks to be) grounded in the Apostolic Faith as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, interpreted by the Patristic Church Fathers, and clarified by the Ecumenical Creeds and Councils. This deposit of faith has been understood and guarded by faithful bishops in succession from the Apostles and is proclaimed and prioritized in the historic liturgy. Thus, Fr. Tom believes, thinks, and lives best as a historic Christian (catholic) in the Anglican tradition.
Tom also highly values the careful and thoughtful interpretation of Holy Scripture, the importance of Biblical Theology, and the honest, grace-filled, and courageous application of truth to everyday living.
One of the reasons that Tom was drawn to the Episcopal/Anglican tradition is that (at its best) it gives people room to ask questions, wrestle with mystery, and grow in their knowledge of God’s revelation to humanity – while insisting on eternal core beliefs that do not change because God’s character does not change. It is Fr. Tom’s hope that those who are spiritually searching, whether they are already following Jesus or just considering his claims, will find that Jesus Christ truly has come “that they might have life and have it abundantly.”
Tom enjoys good discussion on a host of subjects, reads widely, and enjoys music eclectically. He also enjoys well-researched documentaries, the arts in general, and is a Bears/Illini football fan. His two main hobbies include the selection, curing, and trial of quality cigars and the beautification of the landscape of his home.
While Father Tom can often be found in his church study during the week, it is always best to set an appointment with him. He also likes to haunt coffee shops and cafes if you want to meet him “off-site.” Feel free to call our church office or email Tom at rector@stmattsblm.org.
Credentials and Influences
Tom holds a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree in Historical Theology and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in Pastoral Studies. Tom has 30+ years of pastoral ministry experience and sees his strongest theological influences as Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons, The Three Eastern Cappadocian Fathers, Augustine of Hippo, Anselm of Canterbury, and Martin Luther. More modern influence has come from Karl Barth, Raymond E. Brown, James Dunn, and N. T. Wright. Pastorally, Tom has been influenced by Martin Luther, C.S. Lewis, the Rev. Dr. Michael Vanhorn (his friend and mentor), the Rev. Eugene Peterson (Presbyterian), and Father Thomas Hopko (Former Dean, St. Vladimir’s Seminary [Eastern Orthodox]).
Special Emphasis
- Popular notions in American Christianity regarding the separation of theology and practice, the past and present, the intellect and emotion, and the personal and communal are artificial, unscriptural, and in contrast with a faithful, historic, and Christian discipleship.
- An enduring and transformational church community worships, loves, and seeks the covenant-making God of the sacred scriptures in both communal and personal ways. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s faithful church effectively brings a transcendent Gospel to the world around it from a position of humility, authenticity, and depth.
- After our love for our Triune God, the foundation for a transcendent (thus, lasting) evangelism is the scripturally defined love that Christians are to have in community together. Biblical Community is a gift of the Holy Spirit but must be pursued and nurtured by God’s people. Our love for one another creates a rich soil where new disciples (and healthy church growth) can flourish.
- A parasitic form of Christianity loves people so that they may get something from them. This approach fosters selfishness within communal family life. While an unhealthy view of the church can survive for many years, in time, this kind of Christianity will lose its spiritual impact and influence. Power games have no place in the Kingdom of God, and this spirit and approach contribute to an anemic and unhealthy church. The power structures and philosophies of the world thrive in an environment where anxious or distracted Christians choose simplicity over spiritual, intellectual, and emotional integrity. As C.S. Lewis rightly says: “anyone can be simple when they have no facts to worry about.”
- Biblical Discipleship lives and proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. However, this call to repentance and faith in Jesus the Christ is not just an invitation to public-communal conversion through baptism, but following baptism, encourages the new convert as their genuine-personal faith grows, a later grounded faith takes root, or an empty faith reveals itself over time.
Online Resources
Father Tom: Credo-Life Blog
Published Works
Our Church was featured in the below magazine. Fr. Tom’s article can be found on pg. 44
Summer A.D. 2025 – The Anglican Digest
Article published in 2018 in The Living Church Magazine, the Covenant, their online journal, while serving in my previous parish:
The below book was Published in 2017 by a traditional publisher, while serving in my previous parish.
My new publisher, Histria Books, is transitioning to using Simon and Schuster Publishing as it’s new distributor. Thus, my official listing on the known online booksellers (e.g., Amazon, Barnes-n-Noble, eBay, etc.) will be “out of print” or “out of stock”. It should be available for purchase again via print and e-book in early 2026.
See excerpt, Chapter 8, “Blessed are the Genuine”.