About our distinguished pastor . . .
Pastor Sylvester Thompson, Senior Pastor of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church is a native of Liberty, Mississippi. He is the seventh child of 10, born to the late David and Vivian Thompson. He received his formal education in the Amite County School System. In 1977, accepting the clarion call of the Master, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Johnny West, Pastor Thompson was licensed to preach the gospel. “A Complete Turn,” was the first sermon preached by Pastor Thompson over 36 years ago. He studied to show himself approved at the Midwestern Baptist College.
Proverb 18:22 says that Pastor Thompson has obtained “favor with the Lord” in finding of his wife, JoAnn Thompson. They are the proud parents of Sylena Spann and Joseph Thompson. They are the double proud grandparents of Vanyce and Masiyah Spann.
Pastor Thompson has had over 36 years in the preaching ministry. From 1977 to 1981 he served as Associate Minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, MI, under the leadership of the late Pastor Johnny West and Pastor James Lawrence. In 1981. Pastor Thompson also served as Assistant Minister at the New Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Ferndale, MI, under the leadership of the late Pastor Webb. In 1982 Pastor Thompson moved his family to Baton Rouge, LA, where he continued to honor his calling into the ministry. He served as the Missionary for the Amite County Baptist Association. He also served as the Assistant Minister at Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA, under the leadership of the late Pastor JR Williams. In 1984, Pastor Thompson served as the Pastor of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton, LA. In 1989, Pastor Thompson united with the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, MI, and served as Minister of Christian Education under the leadership of the late Pastor Roy C. Cummings. Pastor Thompson served as Interim Pastor of Messiah and ultimately becoming its Pastor.
Pastor Thompson has held several leadership positions within the Christian Community. He has served as the Program Chairman of the Crystal Lake District Association. He also served as President of the Oakland Ministerial Fellowship. He is a member of the Michigan Wolverine State Convention and the National Baptist Convention Inc., USA.
Working as a community activist with a passion for supporting the local school systems, Pastor Thompson formed the Pontiac Summit for Education and partnered with Baker College of Auburn Hills, MI, other universities, and the city’s local elected officials to bring to the forefront the Educational Initiative in the Pontiac area.
Pastor Sylvester Thompson is a powerful, anointed, spirit filled disciple of God. He teaches of God’s miracles and power to reach into the worst of them and bring out the best. It is with Pastor Thompson’s belief, faith and encouragement that the Members of The Messiah Missionary Baptist Church can boldly stand and affirm that we are "An On Mission Church", composed of On Mission people, doing On Mission things, for we are laborers together with God”.
Proverb 18:22 says that Pastor Thompson has obtained “favor with the Lord” in finding of his wife, JoAnn Thompson. They are the proud parents of Sylena Spann and Joseph Thompson. They are the double proud grandparents of Vanyce and Masiyah Spann.
Pastor Thompson has had over 36 years in the preaching ministry. From 1977 to 1981 he served as Associate Minister at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, MI, under the leadership of the late Pastor Johnny West and Pastor James Lawrence. In 1981. Pastor Thompson also served as Assistant Minister at the New Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Ferndale, MI, under the leadership of the late Pastor Webb. In 1982 Pastor Thompson moved his family to Baton Rouge, LA, where he continued to honor his calling into the ministry. He served as the Missionary for the Amite County Baptist Association. He also served as the Assistant Minister at Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA, under the leadership of the late Pastor JR Williams. In 1984, Pastor Thompson served as the Pastor of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton, LA. In 1989, Pastor Thompson united with the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Pontiac, MI, and served as Minister of Christian Education under the leadership of the late Pastor Roy C. Cummings. Pastor Thompson served as Interim Pastor of Messiah and ultimately becoming its Pastor.
Pastor Thompson has held several leadership positions within the Christian Community. He has served as the Program Chairman of the Crystal Lake District Association. He also served as President of the Oakland Ministerial Fellowship. He is a member of the Michigan Wolverine State Convention and the National Baptist Convention Inc., USA.
Working as a community activist with a passion for supporting the local school systems, Pastor Thompson formed the Pontiac Summit for Education and partnered with Baker College of Auburn Hills, MI, other universities, and the city’s local elected officials to bring to the forefront the Educational Initiative in the Pontiac area.
Pastor Sylvester Thompson is a powerful, anointed, spirit filled disciple of God. He teaches of God’s miracles and power to reach into the worst of them and bring out the best. It is with Pastor Thompson’s belief, faith and encouragement that the Members of The Messiah Missionary Baptist Church can boldly stand and affirm that we are "An On Mission Church", composed of On Mission people, doing On Mission things, for we are laborers together with God”.