Skip to content

Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson

EMBC Senior Pastor

Bishop Cleveland A. Thompson, Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church (EMBC), Colorado Springs, Colorado was elevated to Bishop in the Lord’s Church under the leadership of Bishop James W. E. Dixon, II – Presiding Prelate. Bishop Thompson is an influential, charismatic preacher, and an insightful teacher who knew from the tender age of 10 years old, God had called him to a significant purpose on this planet. 

In November 2006, Bishop Thompson preached his first sermon as Emmanuel’s Senior Pastor and has since taken the church to unprecedented heights in the Colorado Springs area. Through his resolute Stewardship, Faith Based Principles, Vision, and Leadership Approach, Emmanuel became the first predominantly African American Church in Southern Colorado serving the community from two locations – Northeast and Southwest, Colorado Springs. 

Bishop Thompson is compassionate and relentless to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ in revolutionizing the world whereby impacting his congregants, our community and even further beyond the walls of Emmanuel. He empowers the ministerial body of the church to be a catalyst for all of God’s people. “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16)

Additionally, 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, The National Baptist Convention,

USA Inc, The Western States Convention of Colorado and Wyoming, and The Southern District Association, to name a few.

Bishop Thompson continues to be an advocate for the underprivileged and disregarded – particularly African American students in the Colorado Springs educational system. He fosters the importance of higher learning especially within the Emmanuel Church culture. It has been proven that there are disparities within the school system. Bishop Thompson does “walk the talk,” through the Dr. Moses E. Ford Scholarship Program, whereby annually, educational grants are awarded to Emmanuel’s aspiring students who are striving to achieve an education beyond High School. He conveys, no student should fall through the educational system due to their socio-economic status.

When it comes to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and educating the people of God, Bishop Thompson is unparalleled in his delivery. He is enthusiastic about the Word of God and delivers a sermon with power, high-energy and uses his down-to-earth Mississippi vernacular to ensure no matter the ethnicity, age, circumstance, or season – the epistle is understood in the precise context. There are “no holds barred” in his teachings. He dissects the theological dogmas, myths, and erroneous biblical beliefs to emancipate minds around the globe which leads to -: spiritual and generational breakthroughs, deliverance, salvation, spiritual growth, transformation, and cultural awakening. His philosophy is all people should strive to be “Biblically Literate, Theologically Sound and Anointed.” Bishop Thompson is sought-after for his profound wisdom and continues to speak at Conferences, Seminars, Podcast Teachings and Business Summits.

This life transforming and faith proclaiming preacher from Liberty, Mississippi attributes his strong spiritual convictions from the exemplary principles taught by his parents, the late David L. Thompson, Senior, and Vivian N. Thompson. He began his personal walk with Jesus Christ at the Liberty Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. William H. Tobias.

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.

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.