Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Thompson.
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in West Virginia. Decided to move to South Carolina with my family in 2014. We Moved to the Summerville area, got a job at the local GM dealership. We started attending church regularly at North Trident Baptist Church. As we served for years in the church I felt led to the calling of preaching. As any normal person, I fought that calling for many months and when I told my wife that I felt called, she, being led by the Holy Spirit, said God wouldn’t give you a calling for you not to do it. And that’s how my ministry started. After submitting to what God called me to do, it has taken me in a few different directions as opportunities have come up. Even still I didn’t have a direction until my pathed crossed with my mentor Dr Nathan Morton. He gave me insight and direction to my calling to Pastor. As I was trying to move forward with this I struggled with working a secular job as a mechanic. Where there’s so much negativity, fowl language, bad music, bad attitudes, UnGodly living, I found myself despising it. So I told my wife I was ready to quit. She told me that maybe God put me there for a purpose, I might be the only Jesus these people see. And I needed to look at it as a ministry instead of a punishment. So that conversation changed my perspective. I now saw “work” as a mission field. Since then we have seen coworkers come to Christ, we hold prayer meetings before work starts, I’ve discipled my trainee and baptized him. I’m able to counsel people at work through the struggles of life and just be a light in a dark place. My mission field didn’t just grow in this dark place but it also grew in the church. I became an Elder then was elected Sr Pastor/Elder this past year where I try to give others insight of what God has opened my eyes to. And I plan to serve as long as God lets me. The mission field is not a far off land but where God has placed us, at work, our families, our community and our churches. I plan to live out the calling that God has placed on my life and to listen to the wise counsel of my wife of course!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s never a smooth road. There’s always doubt and confusion and it a difficult road. But God doesn’t call us to take the easy path. He said, “pick up your cross and follow me”.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
First, I am a follower of Christ, I am set apart and loved by my Heavenly Father. Never in a million lives did I think I’d ever be a Pastor. Leading others into Godliness. Preaching the Gospel without holding back.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Summerville is home. Where we feel we belong. The community is inviting and loving and the food is great! The only negative is the traffic. It’s growing but it gives me more opportunities to meet new people. It’s all about perspective.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Northtrident.org
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/northtridentbaptist
