Pastor Thom's Notes

The Reverend Thom Shafer is the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. He has served in various positions of leadership within United Methodism: consultant with United Methodist Committee on Relief; chairperson for the Florida Conference Council on Ministries; and most recently as District Superintendent of the Jacksonville District. Currently he serves on the Board of Directors for:

• Florida United Methodist Children’s Home
• Community Partnership for the Homeless (Religious Committee chairperson and Executive Committee)
• South Florida Urban Ministries
• Goodwill Industries of South Florida
• Neat Stuff
• Seraphic Fire

Reverend Shafer holds a Master of Theology degree from the Perkins School of Theology of Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatrical Lighting Design from Florida Southern College. Thom spent his early years in Cuba and Uruguay with missionary parents. He is married to Karen King Shafer who is a graduate of Stetson University and holds two graduate degrees in music from Southern Methodist University. Thom and Karen are also the proud parents of Amanda (20) and Daniel (16).