Soul of 78: Eric Tolbert

Pastor, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Words by Micah Harrison | Images by Ryan McGill

On weekdays, Eric Tolbert is known to his students as Coach Tolbert. On Sundays, however, Tolbert trades his title of "coach" for "pastor."

A 1984 graduate of Dora High School, Tolbert recently began his 29th year in education. After high school, he attended Miles College to play football, but after one year, he dropped out. For the next nine years, he worked in warehouses and for trucking companies before deciding it was time to finish his education. Returning to Miles College, he graduated in 1996 and began teaching at West End High School in Birmingham. In 2002, an opportunity opened at Dora High School and Tolbert returned to his alma mater, where he has been ever since. In addition to teaching history, he coaches the junior varsity boys' basketball team and assists with the varsity boys' basketball and football teams.

Growing up in Dora, Tolbert attended St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church in Quinton. As he became more involved in ministry, he decided in 2002 to pursue his ministerial license a decision that had been a long time coming.

"I never set out to be a pastor, but I knew it was a calling," Tolbert said. "Every time the pastor would say 'Come up,' I felt something... it wasn't indigestion, but a burning feeling inside me that said, ‘Go.’”

Tolbert completed his licensure after consulting with ministers and preaching a trial sermon. He was then installed as an associate pastor under Reverend Earnest Hood at St. Joseph, where he served for 15 years. During this time, Rev. Hood mentored him and helped him grow as a minister.

In 2017, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, a small congregation on Shiloh Road in Burnwell, was searching for a new pastor. The deacons invited Tolbert to preach a trial sermon, and shortly after, he received a call offering him the position. He accepted, and the church welcomed him warmly.

"They are a great group of people to pastor... they've got big hearts," Tolbert says. Reflecting on his six years leading the church, he adds, "The best part is seeing their faces and how they react when you're preaching... knowing you're having a spiritual impact on their lives."

As for his teaching career, Tolbert plans to retire after his youngest daughter graduates from high school. But when it comes to preaching, he says, "I'll preach as long as God lets me." 78