A ministry of healing


The Rev. Andrea Byer Thomas wears many hats — pastor, entrepreneur, author and advocate for healing. Byer Thomas is senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches in Florida. Beyond the pulpit, she crafts vegan skincare products inspired by her daughter’s lifelong battle with eczema and writes candidly about grief, faith and finding God’s presence in life’s most difficult moments. Together, her work reflects a simple but powerful belief: Caring for the body, mind and spirit is all part of God’s call to healing. 

Byer Thomas lives with her husband, Jerry, in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she is senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches. Byer Thomas has a Doctor of Ministry and Biblical Interpretation from Candler School of Theology.

Check out Byer Thomas’ vegan skincare products, and read her blog: Locs, Heels, and the Bible.

Her book, “Tears at the Altar: Lament in My Breasts,” is available through Amazon and Cokesbury. The Florida Conference wrote an article when the book was released.

Marigza is a multimedia producer for UM News. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Global Health
Members of Bartee Pannoh United Methodist Church and community members celebrate during the dedication of a water well in the Karquekpo community in Sinoe County, Liberia. As part of its most recent outreach, the Liberia Conference provided 25 water wells, 15 gender-sensitive toilets and poly tanks to harvest rain water in rural communities where the church is present. Photo courtesy of the United Methodist Human Rights Monitor.

Church expands access to clean water in Liberia

Through its Water for Life initiative, the Liberia Conference is installing wells and sanitation facilities throughout the country to help reduce waterborne diseases and improve safety and equity for women and girls.
Theology and Education
James H. Salley. Photo courtesy of the author.

James Laney had big impact on Africa University

The late pastor and missionary was at the helm of choosing where the pan-African university would be built, and his network proved invaluable.
Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

UM News Podcast Season One

Coming September 28: Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. 

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved