Thomas S. Higgins, a native of Ohio, came to Immanuel United Church of Christ in May of 1981 to serve as Senior Pastor. Rev. Higgins received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. After college graduation he entered Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Missouri, and earned a Master of Divinity degree in June 1967. Rev. Higgins was ordained into the Christian Ministry at his home church, St. John's United Church of Christ, in Coshocton, Ohio.

Rev. Higgins has served only one other congregation during his years in ministry that being St. John's United Church of Christ in High Hill, Missouri, where he was pastor for 15 years. He has been very active in the United Church of Christ denomination throughout his ministry. Currently he is a member of the Executive Council for the United Church of Christ, on the Finance and Budget Committee of the Executive Council, member of the All Church Offering Committee and chairperson of the Missouri Conference "Make A Difference" campaign. Rev. Higgins serves as a member of the St. Louis Association Church & Ministry Committee. He is a past member and President of the Board of Directors of Emmaus Homes, Inc. (a residential facility of the United Church of Christ for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities). He still serves on the Development Committee, the long-range Planning Committee, the Personnel Committee and the Search Committee for a new Executive Director of Emmaus Homes, Inc.

At Immanuel Rev. Higgins's responsibilities include being: primary worship leader, preacher and chief administrator. His pastoral duties include: counseling, visitation, weddings, funerals, etc. He works with the following committees of the church: Policy and Personnel, Budget and Finance, Stewardship, Property and Grounds, Scholarship, Institutional Fund Drive and Music. He teaches the second year confirmation class, new member class, and Bible studies.

Rev. Higgins enjoys playing bridge, cooking, music, and playing the piano.