Leaders in Faith

Jomo Thomas

By Cheryl Johnston

As Director of Discipleship and Counseling at Plant City Church of God, Pastor Jomo Thomas serves under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey and Carla Robinson. The U.S. Army veteran who served nine years loves “the blended city and country life this area offers.” A true people person, he also appreciates “just being at church and around its families.” Describing himself as a “big nerd,” this prolific reader relaxes poolside and phones friends from the military or high school to discuss books or talk about what’s going on in their congregations.

Share a little about your family.

I’m very fortunate God blessed me with my wonderful wife, Timika. We are Detroit natives but have lived in multiple states as adults and children. We are a blended family with four adult children and two grandchildren: Tiahna (32), Candace (28), Elijah (22), and Justin (21). Two daughters from my first marriage, although not my biological children, still consider me their dad, too.

How did you invite Christ into your life?

A young man named Joseph Wang invited me to Awana in 1984. I knew what church was and had optimal relationships with my Detroit neighbors, who really initiated my experience with Christ.

Your education is a critical component of your ministry, right?

Yes, and probably have more than I need: a PhD in Education Curriculum/Instruction; EdS in Educational Leadership; a Master’s degree in Theology with Old Testament concentration; a Master’s in Counseling (which impresses a marriage and family therapy practice); a Bachelor’s in Business Management; and an Associate’s in Technical Management. My wife Tamika has earned her Associate’s in Electrical Studies/Engineering and Bachelor of Arts in Project Management. Our two oldest daughters both have Master’s degrees as well. Obviously, we endorse continual learning.

What prompted your move to Florida?

We believe moving to Valrico was an act of God. While in Colorado during the pandemic, things weren’t working out with a home sale. We were seeking God’s will about staying or moving to Florida or the Pacific Contempo Metro area. While in discussion with some prayer partners, a lady with a Caribbean accent phoned, searching for information about a pastors’ conference in Tampa. That minister’s name happened to be Pastor Jomo Cousins. Accidentally, she had called me in Colorado. There was the word from the Lord.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I’m a bi-vocational pastor with primary work in behavioral counseling. I truly appreciate the opportunity to integrate both disciplines to help people desiring faith-based counseling. I also thoroughly enjoy teaching God’s word to adult learners and seeing the lightbulb come on when Scripture connects with their real-life experience. Our diverse makeup at PCCOG makes worship services special. Together, we’re growing in Christ as a multi-generational church that embraces cultural diversity without compromising people’s ability to be authentically who they are.

Do you have a “life verse?”

Two passages are especially important to my life. Ezra 7: 8-10 and Psalm 107:19-20. Ezra speaks to how I want to live for the Lord and this Psalm speaks to how I feel God delivers me and heals my heart.

How do you best like sharing your faith?

As a marriage and family therapist, I help people seeking marriage counseling. Even if they don’t identify as Christian, with God’s help my work still encourages them to become better versions of themselves. Often, this prompts their questions about God.

What advice for life would you offer to others?

True authentic and mature love starts with knowing God through Jesus Christ. Experiencing that love brings the greatest peace. Ezra 7:8-10 encourages us to study God’s word, live God’s word, and witness His word to others by making disciples. In your hurt, call out to the Lord. He will send His word and it will heal you.