Bishop Paul S. Thomas

Bishop Paul S. Thomas, born in Charleston, South Carolina, carries a lifelong passion for God’s people and the advancement of His Kingdom. With a message centered on Victorious Living, he is committed to empowering believers to walk boldly in their faith and experience the fullness of life in Christ.

The youngest of seven children of Evangelist Mary Thomas, Bishop Thomas now resides in Chesapeake, Virginia with his wife, Vernissa A. Thomas, a Data Analyst for the U.S. Navy. Together, they are the proud parents of one daughter, Jennifer Lassiter (married to Jamar), and three sons: Ryan Harrington of Chesapeake, VA; Paul Thomas of Korea; and Erik Hurt (married to Tiffany) of Atlanta, GA. Their legacy continues through seven beloved grandchildren—Justice, Cheyenne, Madison, Jennison, Carter, Ryleigh, and Jurnee—who bring them great joy.

Bishop Thomas accepted Christ at age thirteen and immediately sensed the hand of God on his life. He was licensed as an Evangelist in May 1998, serving as the first student-teacher at the Mount Carmel Baptist Church School of Evangelism. In June 1999 he was licensed to preach the Gospel, and by July 2002, ordained an Elder under Bishop Clarence V. Russell, Jr., Presiding Prelate of Faith in Action Ministries International.

Alongside his pastoral calling, Bishop Thomas faithfully served his country in the United States Navy for twenty-four years. Joining in 1984, he rose to the rank of Chief, serving aboard four ships, deploying eight times—including two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom—and holding key positions on the staff of the Navy Surgeon General. His leadership extended beyond military duties as he initiated a Men’s Fellowship Bible Study at sea and became a frequent keynote speaker at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfasts and Black History programs. His military honors include three Navy Commendation Medals and seven Navy Achievement Medals. He retired in July 2008 with a distinguished record of honor, courage, and commitment.

Committed to equipping himself and others for Kingdom work, Bishop Thomas attended the Mount Carmel Baptist Church School of Prophets, earned a degree from Saint Leo University, received a Healthcare Information Technology certificate from Tidewater Community College, and completed a Master of Divinity at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He served as Dean and Instructor of the WEBC School of Evangelism teaching evangelism for effective ministry in today’s culture, graduating 17 licensed evangelists. Known as a “Pastor for Pastors,” he provides training pastors, associate pastors, and leaders grief and bereavement counseling, family and marriage support, and ongoing leadership development.

In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Bishop Thomas leads as Chief Executive Officer of his church corporation, overseeing governance, administration, and growth. Under his leadership, he directed the purchase of real estate valued at $200,000 for only $75,000 and successfully managed a $750,000 church renovation. Together with his wife, Pastor Vernissa, he spearheaded the Victory House Project, a ministry created to serve homeless veterans and women. Victory House has provided safe housing, counseling, and support, helping women find employment and secure permanent residences.

With a shepherd’s heart and a steadfast vision, Bishop Thomas continues to inspire God’s people with his Victorious Living message. His ministry calls believers to discover truth, embrace authenticity, and manifest the power of the true and living God in every area of life.