Thomas Tillman was born and raised in Bruce, just down the street from Jackson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
His parents, Tom and Shirley Tillman, still live in the same house on Gabbert Street.
“I’ve had a calling ever since I was a very small child,” Tillman said. “I started singing in the choir at Bruce Chapel, and around age 15 I felt the call to preach the gospel.”
“From Sunday to Sunday, singing in the choir, I could feel the presence of God in the songs,” Tillman said. “I really focused not so much on the music but the words. That got me into the word of God and reading the Bible. It became a passion. The more I got into the word of God, the more I was drawn in.”
“I remember when I did accept my calling the hardest thing was going to share it with my dad,” Tillman said. “I remember going to his house and telling him I had this calling and his response was, ‘I already knew.’ What I thought was really difficult turned out to be easy.”
Bruce Chapel is a CME Church, meaning the pastor changes from time-to-time.
“I’ve always had a desire to do for my community. I wanted to be somewhere I could be stable and hopefully grow the congregation, and there came a point in time Jackson Chapel was looking for a pastor.”
Tillman followed Rev. Percy McCord as pastor at Jackson Chapel in 2004. He was no stranger to Jackson Chapel, however. He had sung at the church on numerous times growing up. Albert Goodman played music for both churches.
“His dad was a member here and his mom was at Bruce Chapel so he played at both,” Tillman said. “From time-to-time he would bring me to Jackson Chapel to sing in choir here.”
Family is a big focus at Jackson Chapel.
“Growing up in this community, I’m privy to know the different issues and challenges many of our families face,” Tillman said. “It’s important to us to develop and support ministries that can help support local families going through trying times.”
Jackson Chapel has a strong women’s ministry with their group that meets monthly and is made up of ladies throughout the community, not just Jackson Chapel.
“It really works as a support system for women in our community,” Tillman said. “We have a similar Men’s Group that functions the same way open to all the community.”
“Our Anointed Praisers – a mime team that dances to music – have been very instrumental in our church,” Tillman said. “Our congregation loves to see them perform. They bring a lot of energy to the service.”
Tillman works as principal at Lafayette Elementary School. His wife Romona is Calhoun County Chancery Clerk. Tillman said they balance their work responsibilities with their leadership roles at church with lots of prayer.
“We’re very prayerful and keep God the focus,” he said. “I’m also very organized. Anybody that knows me would tell you I’m OCD. I have to have everything in just the right place and in order. Outside of that, also having a structure at church where we have individuals who can take on leadership responsibilities and help support me.”
Jackson Chapel is one of the larger churches in the county with more than 300 members averaging around 200 every Sunday.
Tillman said what he loves most about being pastor at Jackson Chapel is “loving the people.”
“I love being around people and making connections,” he said. “Getting to know people has always been the most exciting part to me. Just being able to sit down and talk to people and learn their background, their experiences. I enjoy that.”