Pastor Randy began his Pastorate here in Camden, at Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church, on the first Sunday in February, 2005. If you have had opportunity to speak with him, you will probably readily recognize that he is not from this area. However, Pastor Randy will tell you he has “Southern” roots.
Pastor Randy (formally James Randal Thompson) was born April 27th, 1958 to Jimmie and Jackie. Jimmie was born and raised in Pennington Gap Virginia, and Jackie was born and raised in Nashville Tennessee, hence, Pastor Randy’s southern “association”. In the mid-50’s both of his then-to-be parents moved to Detroit with their families. His Mom and Dad met in church, married and raised their family in Michigan.
While in Detroit, Pastor Randy’s grandparents on his mother’s side, Ernest and E.L. Green, helped organize and were charter members of the church Brother Randy would eventually Pastor, Faith Missionary Baptist Church. It was at Faith that Brother Randy was saved, (Homecoming service 1967), married (1978 to Dawn), announced his call to the ministry and preached his first sermon (May, 1981), dedicated his children (2 sons, Joshua and Adam), was ordained to the full work of the ministry (July, 1995) and was elected Pastor. Faith Missionary Baptist Church was a huge part of the Thompson family for nearly all of their lives, and then the call came from Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church.
Having prayed long and hard about giving up his beloved church, Pastor Randy obeyed the leading of the Spirit of God and made the commitment to move to West Tennessee in the fall (October) of 2004, and began his pastorate here at Cross Roads the first Sunday in February. He completed the move in March of 2005.
Pastor Randy has always tried to follow the leadership of the Lord since preaching his first sermon over 35 years ago, and moving to Tennessee was no exception. He and his wife left jobs, family and the church they had been members of for over 38 years. But, Pastor Randy knew he must follow where God led, in order to be truly happy and effective in his ministry.
Pastor Randy is truly dedicated “sold out” to his Pastorate and ministry. He is tireless in his efforts to advance the Gospel and love of Christ to everyone he meets. Pastor Randy has never met a stranger. Wherever he is, grocery store, hospital, or funeral home, he takes every opportunity to witness to people about Jesus and promote the Lord’s church. He truly loves his work, and it is evident by the hours he puts into each day.
Besides his normal Sunday morning sermons, and Wednesday night Bible Study, Pastor Randy participates in regular services / devotionals at Life Care in Bruceton. And, he is always there at every church event, quietly enjoying the company of our elder members one minute, and playing with the children the next.
Pastor Randy has had many opportunities to serve. From bringing the Doctrinal Message at the Southwestern District Missionary Baptist Association, and serving on their Subject committee, to Preaching on the radio, helping in revival efforts and other community services.
Cross Roads and I are very blessed to have Pastor Randy serving our church. We love him and appreciate his hard work, dedication, professionalism, and selfless efforts on behalf of our church and community. I personally am proud to call him my Pastor.
Respectfully written by his loving wife,
Dawn
