Our Pastor

Bishop Rodney Lon Thomas Jr. is the eldest of three sons born to Rodney Sr. and the late Petronilla Thomas-Nazario. Raised in the church from infancy, he began his walk with the Lord at an early age, establishing a strong biblical foundation and gaining invaluable knowledge of God’s Word. Called to ministry in his youth, he accepted Christ, was baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit in 1985.

With over 30 years of preaching and teaching experience, Bishop Thomas received his ministerial license in 1993 and was ordained in 1996 through the Original Glorious Church of God in Christ, Apostolic Faith, Inc. In 2019, he earned a certificate in Christian Studies from Harvard University, further equipping him for Kingdom work.

In 2007, he was appointed Pastor of The Body of Christ Church in Lorain, Ohio, and was officially installed the following year by the OGC General Board of Elders, alongside his spiritual mother, Bishop Patricia McKinstry of The Worship Center in Toledo, Ohio, and the late Bishop Iona Locke.

Before entering full-time ministry, Bishop Thomas worked as a Chemical Compositionist for nearly two decades. He has also served as Northern District Elder for the state of Ohio and is a former General Board member within his affiliate organization. 

Bishop Thomas is passionate about daily Bible study, reading, church fellowship, and traveling. He also enjoys golfing, playing the drums, music, grilling, and quality time with family and friends.

A devoted family man, Bishop Thomas considers it his greatest responsibility to raise educated, God-fearing, and purpose-driven children who uphold strong family values and appreciate their blessings. He is the loving husband of First Lady, Evangelist LePreece Thomas, and the proud father of five children: Aris Duran (Andrea), Ashton David, Airon DeMichael, Alona DeJan, and Avery DeShawn. He is blessed with four beautiful grandchildren: Arizona Ava Monique, Aris Duran Jr., Aniyah Elizabeth Grace, and Alonzo James Everett.

LePreece Thomas has been faithfully married for 36 years to Bishop Rodney Thomas. From this union, they are blessed with five children: Aris Duran (Andrea), Ashton David, Airon DeMichael, Alona DeJan, and Avery DeShawn. Together, they are also the proud grandparents of four beautiful grandchildren: Arizona Ava Monique, Aris Duran Jr., Aniyah Elizabeth Grace, and Alonzo James Everett.

A lifelong resident of Lorain, Ohio, LePreece attended and graduated from Lorain City Schools. She later earned both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lorain County Community College in 2018. She currently serves as a Project Coordinator at NASA.

In addition to her professional career, LePreece is a creative entrepreneur who enjoys designing elevated gifts and curating luxurious, memorable events through her company, Luxe by LePreece.