Pastor Jeff Difford (played by Matt Hobby) is arguably one of the most controversial figures in “Young Sheldon.” Despite the criticism, he remains undeterred in forging his unique path. In the episode titled “A Bus Bench and Faith out the Wazoo,” he ventures into new territory by incorporating singing and guitar playing into church services, aiming to connect with younger attendees. However, Mary Cooper (Zoe Perry) cautions him against this strategy, even drawing a chilling parallel to how Charles Manson used music to lure followers into his notorious cult.

Undeterred by this unsettling analogy, Difford persists. He even records himself clumsily strumming “This Little Light of Mine” and seeks Mary’s feedback on his performance. As the episode concludes, his determination to infuse music into worship remains unshaken. His efforts inevitably bring to mind Reverend TimTom (Paul Hipp), the beloved youth pastor from the iconic sitcom “The Middle.” TimTom also wielded his musical talents to inspire young believers, but unlike Jeff, he possessed genuine skill. His uplifting presence profoundly impacted Sue Heck (Eden Sher), one of the show’s memorable characters.

Reverend TimTom was the first adult who truly acknowledged Sue Heck, remembering her name when others didn’t bother. When he announced his departure from the Heck family’s church, Sue became anxious. His comforting melodies and relatable tunes about Jesus as an awkward teenager resonated with her, making it hard to envision life without them. In a bid to keep him around, Sue organized a backyard barbecue fundraiser, humorously managing to gather a meager six dollars. Ultimately, it didn’t matter, as TimTom embraced his role as a nomadic preacher, ready to support any troubled teen in need.

Reverend TimTom is the first adult to take Sue Heck seriously. The fact that he actually remembers her name is a huge deal to her, as no adult has ever managed to do that before. When he announces he’s going to leave the Heck’s family church, Sue panics. His soothing songs and relatable music — all about how Jesus was once an awkward teenager Himself — help get her through the day, and she can’t imagine coping without them. A desperate Sue runs a backyard barbecue to try to keep him in town — but, in one of the funniest moments in “The Middle” history, only manages to raise just over six dollars for the project. It turns out for the best in the end, as TimTom is okay with being a wandering preacher with no fixed address. Wherever there’s a troubled teenager, he explains to Sue, he will be there. 

In the end, TimTom doesn’t fade out of Sue’s life when he leaves Orson, Indiana. He always pops up just when she needs him, and never fails to have the right song in his back pocket when he does. The Coopers likely wish that Jeff Difford was as supportive and giving with his own parishioners — or, at bare minimum, that he could carry a tune as well as TimTom can.