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PC(USA) Associate Phil Tom Accepts White House Appointment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Phil Tom, associate for small church and community ministry in the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as director for the Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives for the Department of Labor.
“I give thanks to God for this extraordinary opportunity to serve President Obama and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis,” said Tom. “I will help build partnerships with faith-based and community groups to improve the lives of workers, particularly in the areas of livable wages and working conditions. The Presbyterian Church has been supportive of labor rights for more than 100 years. I look forward to continuing the work of bringing about God’s justice and peace in our world.”
Tom has served rural and urban Presbyterian congregations in the small church and community ministry since 2000, and has worked tirelessly to build relationships for congregational and community renewal.
“He has been an important part of our ministry; he will definitely be missed,” said Eric Hoey, director of Evangelism and Church Growth for the General Assembly Mission Council. “There is sadness mixed with sheer delight and excitement for this opportunity for Phil to continue his work for the cause of Christ. Presbyterians should be very proud of him.”
Before joining the General Assembly Mission Council in Louisville, Tom was pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. He also served the General Assembly Council of the church from 1993-1996 as an associate for urban ministry.
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