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A ministry of healing

By Lilla Marigza
Aug. 3, 2026 | WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.  (UM News)

The Rev. Andrea Byer Thomas has turned life’s challenges and deepest sorrows into a ministry of healing. She’s making a difference as a pastor, author and entrepreneur with her own vegan skincare line. Video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

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 newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

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