The Shepherd of Tanner

Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas Sr.

Pastor | Senior Minister

Reverend Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas Sr. serves as the Pastor & Senior Minister of Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Phoenix, AZ. He has been pastoring at Tanner since 1991, serving the congregation for over 33 years. Reverend Thomas is also the Chief Executive Officer for the Administrative Offices of the church. His commitment to ministry, the church, and its people is evident in every aspect of his work.

Reverend Thomas brings special training in church administration, clinical pastoral counseling, patient visitation, and crisis intervention to his role, providing comprehensive spiritual and practical support to his congregation.

Raised and educated in Kansas City, Missouri, and having served as a Chaplain in the Army Reserves until 1993, he combines a deep sense of duty with a compassionate heart. Alongside his wife, Beverly K. Thomas, Reverend Thomas has built a legacy of faith and service. They have one child, Rev. Benjamin Jr., “Rev. BJ,” (Tamara) who is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA., and is currently serving as the pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Oxnard, CA. Reverend & Mrs. Thomas also have three grandchildren, Samara Jean, Benjamin Nathaniel III, and Bryson Jerome.

Reverend Thomas' unwavering dedication to the church and the broader community reflects his profound commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a sense of belonging and support for all.

Tanner's Ministerial Team

He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

"Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."

"Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct,
rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction."

Rev. Sylvia Bills

Associate Minister

The Shepherd of Tanner

Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas Sr.

Tanner's Ministerial Team

Rev. Sylvia Bills

Rev. Quantá Crews

Rev. Alan Daw

Rev. Stephanie Duncan

Rev. Kevin Floyd

Rev. Nancy Hamilton

Rev. Ralph Hamilton

Lic. Brooke Hawkins

Rev. Richard Holmes

Rev. Rachelle Jack

Rev. Charlesetta Lee

Rev. Angela Miller

Rev. Askia Stewart Jr.

Rev. Dorothy Thomas

Rev. Pippa Turner

Rev. Dr. Grisselle Velez

Rev. Minnie Wharry

Rev. Ruth Young

Tanner Clergy

NOT PICTURED

Rev. James Eddie Sr.

Rev. Terrie Eddie

Rev. Gordon V. Gordon

Lic. Lincoln Jack

Rev. Sylvia Torrey

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