UMCB STAFF:
Rev. Dr. Andrea Byer-Thomas
Lead Pastor
Rev. Dr. Andrea Byer-Thomas was born and raised on the Caribbean Island of Antigua, home of 365 beautiful, white sand beaches. She is the mother of “The Fantastic Four” and is married to her high school sweetheart. Some of her favorite activities include reading, gardening, dancing to her favorite calypsos, soaping- making, and all sorts of crafting. She loves tea and is a pescatarian.
Pastor Andrea has served as a senior pastor in the Florida United Methodist Church since 2011. She preaches prophetically, engaging the realities of the world
through a contextual Biblical lens. She encourages everyone to live the effects of a full-bodied Gospel – transformed lives, transforming lives. Her personal mission is to know God and make God known, living fully, the life she has. She is driven by her deep love for God, her family and God’s justice. She is happy to welcome everyone to experience life here at United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches!
Favorite Scripture
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength'. The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:30-31 NRSVUE
Non-negotiables
Andrea will not participate in any theology, leadership practice, relationship, or institution that requires people—including herself—to surrender their God‑given humanity in order to belong. Therefore, whatever she preaches, teaches, writes, or leads must move people toward greater love of God, greater regard for themselves, greater responsibility toward their neighbors, and greater courage to resist anything that diminishes life.
Official Stuff
Andrea reads the Bible and preaches and teaches from the margins. She holds a doctoral degree from the Candler School of Theology, has taught at UTCWI and the Candler Foundry, and is the author of Tears at the Altar: Lament in My Breasts and Boomerang Love. She also writes “Logs on Locs, Heels, and the Bible,” contributes to Ministry Matters, and advocates for the marginalized.
Most Passionate About
Her children's well-being and challenging harmful norms.
Something Surprising About Her
She used to make her family's clothes