Reflections on Service from Rev. Frank Thomas
“There’s no time for us concentrating on our differences. How about we focus on how we are alike and how we want to better our community.” – Rev. Thomas
Reverend Frank Thomas, pastor at Mt. Zion Baptist Church and longtime community servant, finished his time on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for a Healthy High Point at the end of last year. After six years, he shared some reflections on his time serving the High Point community. Reverand Thomas brought a legacy of community service when in joining the Board. When the Foundation was established in 2013, Reverend Thomas was invited to be part of the conversation about what the Foundation’s focus and efforts would entail. He continued to serve in the community, and in 2018 was invited to join the Board. “I was already in the community, a part of the community; I had been on the hospital board as I still am, so I know the ins and outs of the social determinants of health and what’s going on in our community,” said Thomas.
Reverend Thomas is proud of the work the Foundation has done during his time on the Board. “I’m more than thrilled about the work the Foundation does, in the community, for the community,” he shared. “We do such a wide range of things. This grant cycle, we have a really good news story about organizations coming together and collaborating under one umbrella to help increase access to healthcare, four different organizations in one grant. I’m happy to see and know that the Foundation is doing that kind of work to foster collaboration.”
One of the vital aspects of his work, as a Board member, pastor, and community leader, is the need and ability to work with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds, with a variety of life experiences. “Serving in the army really helped me; being around all different kinds of people from all walks of life,” Thomas said. “There’s no time for us concentrating on our differences. How about we focus on how we are alike and how we want to better our community.”
Thomas is a firm believer in challenging others to figure out how to get to “yes” as opposed to simply answering “no.” He shows up in the community to have one-on-one conversations in different spaces with different stakeholders so that when he’s working with a group, he’s better equipped to facilitate progress. “Being a pastor, I am after all in the convincing business. And for me, I really don’t care who gets the credit as long as people are being served, and the community is better.” After serving for so many years in the High Point community, and weathering some ups and downs in his work, Thomas feels good about his reputation for being a trusted voice and advisor.
Reverend Thomas is excited about the connections he’s made through his Board service. He particularly values the opportunity to have attended the Philanthropy Southeast conference, an enlightening and fulfilling experience. “I met folks from outside High Point and North Carolina, I ran into folks I know from other foundations in the area, and got to see what philanthropy really means and what it looks like from foundations that have been around for decades.” Being a part of NC Grantmakers also provided the opportunity to stay connected and understand how other foundations are attempting to tackle big social problems.
One piece of advice Thomas would give to people new to board service is to leave their preconceived notions at the door. “When you cross the threshold of a board meeting, have an open mind, open ears, open eyes, and most of all, an open heart. Come with an open mind to see the art of the possible.”
While sad that his term on the Board is done, Thomas cherishes his time with the Foundation. “The team and the Board are a great group of folks, and I’ve been excited and delighted to serve with all of them. It’s been a joy to serve.”