Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson

President 2023 – Present

Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson was elected president of the Western States Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. on August 2, 2023 during the 115th Annual Session, held in Colorado Springs, CO.

Bishop Thompson served as the Vice President-At-Large under the Rev. Terrence E. Hendricks administration. He is the Pastor at Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, CO.

Fast Facts

Family

Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson is married to the lovely and supportive Lady Bernice Thompson. They are proud parents of – Duriel, Shawndell, Dana, and Jacey; and are elated about their grandson Jrue.

Ministerial Achievements 

In 1987 – Cleveland A. Thompson was ordained as a Deacon at the Traditional Gospel Church, Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, by Rev. Dr. Alexander Tate.

In 1993 – Deacon Cleveland A. Thompson received his License to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Pastor R. E. West of Greater Strangers Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1994 – Reverend Cleveland A. Thompson united with Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church.

In 1996 – Reverend Cleveland A. Thompson was appointed as First Assistant to the presiding Pastor and served in that position until October 2006.

On October 30, 2006 – Reverend Cleveland A. Thompson was elected as Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church.   

On June 25, 2022 – Reverend Cleveland A. Thompson, Senior Pastor was elevated to Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson at the Annual Convocation of Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship in Houston, Texas.

Credentials 

In 1998, Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. 

In 2001, Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson retired from the United States Air Force.  He honorably served twenty-four years and achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

In 2009, Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson earned a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Ministry from the New Geneva Theological Seminary of Colorado Springs.

In 2023, Bishop Thompson is dedicated to pursuing an advanced Doctor of Ministry Degree.

Civic Awards

On January 15, 2023, the Colorado Springs, Colorado Chapter Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America presented Bishop Thompson with the esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award for his leadership role in the community. 

On February 17, 2024, he was presented with the prestigious “Pastor of the Year” Award at the 53rd Colorado Gospel Music Academy Hall of Fame Awards. 

Missions Leadership

Bishop Thompson is a highly respected spiritual leader and advisor whose acumens span locally, nationally, as well as internationally. His philanthropic affiliations reach across the ocean to The Ridgeways Baptist Church of Nairobi, Kenya – our sister church. In 2021, Emmanuel collaborated with World Vision International, and a network of churches in Colorado Springs to assist with the sharing and distribution of donated furniture and household commodities to families throughout Colorado. His civic and Christian alliances encompass organizations such as Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship. 

Ministerial Leadership

Ordained 13 men who answered the call to ministry

Ordained over 15 deacons

Established the Administrative Staff for Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church South Campus

Contact

Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson
C/o Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church
3615 Vickers Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Executive Assistant:  Mrs. Dawn Nicolls
email: dnicolls@godiswithus.org