Elder Tony F. Thomas was born in the city of Beaumont, Texas, to the union of Allen and Frances Thomas. He was raised by his grandmother Delia Clouche.  She instilled in him the importance of sincere concern for people and family.  He graduated from French high school  and went to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration. During that time in Oklahoma he met a young lady named Lisa Lee.   He grew to love her and married her.  They have been married for 22 years.  They have three children, Shirley, Tony II, and Seth, who keep them busy with their many activities.

 

 

Pastor Thomas was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, April 22, 1988, in Oklahoma City, at Greater First Deliverance Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop Vanuel C. Little, Sr. In the summer of 1988,  Elder Thomas relocated to Michigan and began attending Christ Temple Church in Cassopolis, MI, under the leadership of the late Suffragan Bishop Harold A. Scott and later,  Bishop Derrick C. McKinney.   During his service at Christ Temple Church he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Chairman, Brotherhood Chairman, and the Director of Operations and Media.   In 2001 Elder Thomas assumed the Pastorate of his home church where he served faithfully to the Glory of God.  He encourages the people of God to remain honest with God, themselves, and others, because God expects it.

 

 

He teaches the Apostolic Doctrine with a passion and love that people might know the way of God for the generation. In January 2010 Pastor Thomas was elected as the third Pastor of Christ Temple Church in Kalamazoo, MI.   A church with great legacy and heritage; where the former presiding Bishop of the P.A.W, the late Bishop Ross P. Paddock,  pastored  for 37.5 years and the present Diocesan Bishop of the 5th Episcopal District of the P.A.W, Bishop Harry L. Herman,  pastored  37.8 years.    Elder Thomas with great humility took the reins and is moving forward with passion, enthusiasm, and purpose.   His message, focus, and desire is:

1. Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
2. The Holy Ghost is the transforming power that is given to help mankind stay in a right relationship with God.                                    .   
3. Every soul is valuable to God.               
4. Holiness is fun.