Thomas M. Berlin

Thomas M. Berlin 88T
Resident Bishop, Florida Episcopal Area of The UMC
Lakeland, Florida

Tom Berlin is a native of Winchester, Virginia, who was ordained an elder in 1990. He is the author of over a dozen books and studies used in congregations.

Before being elected as a bishop of The United Methodist Church in November 2022 by the Southeastern Jurisdiction, Berlin served for 34 years as a pastor in the Virginia Conference. He was assigned to serve the Florida Episcopal Area beginning in January 2023. He travels extensively across the conference preaching in local churches and interacting with laity and clergy.

Berlin has chaired the Board of Governors at Wesley Theological Seminary, led delegations to General Conference, and served on the Commission on a Way Forward and the team that created the Protocol of Grace and Reconciliation through Separation.

Berlin earned a bachelor of science in business with a major in public administration from Virginia Tech and received his master of divinity from Candler School of Theology. He and his wife, Karen, have four adult daughters.

He was elected trustee in 2026.