Ten Questions with Pastor Thomas Hyde, First United Methodist Church

Pastor Thomas Hyde placed a lot of faith in Nebraska. Just in his fourth year at Sidney's First United Methodist Church, he has served congregations across the state.

He was born in Gothenburg. Before being called to the large church on 11th Ave., Pastor Hyde was in St. Paul. He didn't even travel far for seminary, graduating in 1979 from a school in Denver.

Yet he has toured Israel and Egypt, led missions to South America and China and met with people from all over the world--a broad education that seems to fit well with a Sidney congregation of 400.

1. This is a huge building. Ever get lost in it?

No [laughs]. But it does have a tunnel and some interesting spaces.

2. Ministry is both a calling and a job. What is the most misunderstood aspect of the job?

Probably the wide variety of things we deal with--youth, teenagers, seniors, resolving conflicts, finances, building repair. And you have to prepare a message every Sunday.

3. So it's not just a Sunday job?

There are weeks when you have three or four funerals. It can be a draining--emotionally draining--job.

4. At least you only have to work out of one book.

That's true. Of course, you read a lot of commentary. And it's so different now. I used to run the mimeograph machine. Now we have video projectors and you have to learn to work with them.

5. Do you have a favorite version of the Bible?

I look at two--the New Revised Standard Version and The Message. They are very different in style. But for the 23rd Psalm I use the King James version.

6. There's a lot in the Bible. What's the most difficult thing to learn?

I guess my favorite parts are the stories. The narrative parts I have to work on more. I'm drawn to stories. I love the Old Testament stories.

7. Ever been to the Holy Land?

I have. Those are pictures I took [points at photos on his wall]. Jerusalem is the most special place in the world. It feels different than any other place. It's almost overwhelming.

8. Is there another place you'd like to visit?

Africa. I've been to Egypt, but I'm thinking sub-Saharan Africa. I like going to places where you're challenged culturally. That's why I don't want to go to England or Australia. Now China--I really did enjoy that. It's like a different planet.

9. If you weren't a pastor, what would you do?

Probably something in juvenile justice, working with troubled kids.

10. You like working with kids?

I do. A lot of my ministry deals with youth camping, youth groups. You have a funeral and all the sadness. Young people and teenagers bring you back to life.