{"id":269,"date":"2024-11-06T20:19:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T20:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stmattsblm.org\/wp2\/?page_id=269"},"modified":"2026-04-22T14:26:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T14:26:55","slug":"clergy-and-staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/stmattsblm.org\/wp2\/clergy-and-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Clergy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Father Thomas Reeves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Meet Fr. Tom<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Father Tom is the Rector (priest) at St. Matthew\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s revelation to humanity \u2013 while insisting on eternal core beliefs that do not change because God\u2019s character does not change. It is Fr. Tom\u2019s 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 \u201cthat they might have life and have it abundantly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201coff-site.\u201d Feel free to call our church office or email Tom at rector@stmattsblm.org.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credentials and Influences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s Seminary [Eastern Orthodox]).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Special Emphasis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n