On December 12, 2024, it was announced that the Reverend Thomas “Tommy” C. Drake IV has
accepted the call to serve as the fourth Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, an open-hearted,
open-minded parish in Southern Shores, North Carolina.

Most recently, Reverend Drake has served in dual roles as the Coordinator of Small Church
Leadership in the Diocese of East Carolina and as Associate Rector of Saint Andrew’s by the Sea
in Nags Head. In the summer of 2021, he was invited to preach at All Saints while serving as a
Diocesan summer chaplain to the Outer Banks, based in Hatteras Village. Father Tommy earned
his Master of Divinity in Theology in 2022 from the School of Theology at the University of the
South in Sewanee, Tennessee. His background in business has equipped him to be an effective
leader, manager, and steward, while his calm demeanor offers compassionate pastoral care to the
community.

Reverend Drake brings a deep commitment to listening to the laity and collaborating with them to discern God’s call for the Church. His experience in helping small parishes identify their challenges and redefine vitality highlights his belief in shared leadership and the unique gifts of the entire community. He approaches his new role with open ears and a desire to support and
strengthen the work God is already doing through the people of All Saints.

His ministry has been shaped by experiences of transformative and unexpected welcome, such as
the invitation that led to his first summer in the Outer Banks. He views the Church as a place
where everyone can be seen, known, and loved. This understanding of radical hospitality will
guide how he builds relationships, welcomes newcomers, and extends the Church's ministry into
the wider community.

Father Tommy’s work at Saint Andrew’s by the Sea, helping to address local needs and challenges, reflects his passion for a church that embodies Christ’s mission. He is eager to encourage All Saints to recognize and respond to the needs of Southern Shores, fostering
partnerships and deepening engagement in meaningful outreach.

Viewing ministry as an exchange of gifts, Reverend Drake emphasizes the importance of
honoring those who have shaped his priesthood and loved him into being, while helping
congregations celebrate their own histories. This foundation of gratitude and storytelling will
guide All Saints as it envisions the next chapter of its life as a community of faith.