Pastor Royce Thompson

Royce F. Thompson, Sr. was born April 25, 1983. He was born to Freddy Ervin and Ethelena Thompson in Dallas, Texas. He later moved to Gary, Indiana as an infant.

Royce obtained his education at Riley and Spaulding Elementary Schools. He graduated from Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts in 2001. He attended Tennessee State University from 2001 to 2003. Now he is currently at Trinity International University, where he will receive his Bachelors of Arts in Christian Ministries and General Business.

Royce was united in holy matrimony to Tarniesha S. Nichols on October 7, 2006. He is the father of three sons: Royce F. Thompson, Jr., Troy X. Thompson, and Ryan A. Thompson; also one daughter Trinity S. Thompson. Rev. Thompson is a loving father and husband to his family.

In February of 1985, Royce united with Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church of Gary under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Cato Brooks Jr. Under his leadership Royce grew spiritually in wisdom and knowledge. Royce was called to the ministry in October of 2004 and was licensed in June of 2005. Prior to his ministry he served as a dedicated choir member and Sunday School Teacher. In July of 2007, God led Royce to join his father-in-law’s church, New Nazareth Baptist Church of Gary. December of the same year, he was ordained and served as the youth pastor until November 2010. In December of the same year, he was called to serve as the Interim Pastor after the late Rev. Dr. Benjamin Holmes. In February of 2011, after much prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, the New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church after elected Rev. Thompson as the new pastor. Rev. Thompson serves as a member of the Baptist Minister’s Conference of Gary and Vicinity, The Northern Indiana Missionary Baptist Educational District Association, and also a part of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc.

He is devoted to the ministry and to the word of God; whatever God has for his life, he is waiting patiently for the Lord’s instructions.