Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr. 

Presiding Prelate - Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District 

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

The Right Reverend, Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr., a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, as well as both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. 

In July 2021, he was elected as the 106th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (A.M.E. Zion) Church, initially overseeing the Western Episcopal District, which includes churches in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. As of the General Conference in July 2024. 

Bishop Thompson now serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District, encompassing the Allegheny, Barbados, East Tennessee C Virginia, Guyana, Ohio, Philadelphia C Baltimore, St. Vincent, and Virginia Conferences. 

Bishop Thompson’s journey with the A.M.E. Zion Church began in 1994. After serving in several pastoral roles across East-Central North Carolina, he was appointed to Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Fayetteville, NC, in 2001, where he ministered until his election to the Episcopacy. During his twenty-year tenure, God worked through him to expand the congregation from 300 to 3,000 members. 

Under his leadership, the church built a new edifice and acquired several adjacent properties dedicated to outreach, making community engagement a defining feature of its ministry. 

 In addition to his ecclesiastical responsibilities, Bishop Thompson was hand selected by President Barack Obama to serve on the National Community Policing Initiative, which aimed to foster mutual respect and healthy relationships between police forces and the communities they serve. 

He is also, the founder of the Brian R. Thompson Sr., Annual Golf Tournament, which has raised over $100,000 in college scholarships for students pursuing higher education. 

As an active Bishop in The A.M.E. Zion Church, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Livingstone College and Hood Theological Seminary. 

He is a member of the Pan Methodist Commission and a delegate to the World Methodist Council. Bishop Thompson is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). 

He is married to Reverend Felica Raines Thompson, Missionary Supervisor of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District, and together they are blessed with two miracles from God they’re proud of – Alexis and Brian, II.

COMMUNITY ACTIVISM AND INVOLVEMENT: 

Bishop Thompson is a member of the North Carolina Governor’s Pastoral Advisory Board, the Fayetteville, NC Pastor’s Coalition, and the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. 

He was hand-selected by President Barak Obama to serve as a member of the National Community Policing Initiative (COPS). He is the founder of the Brian R. Thompson Annual Golf Tournament, which has raised and donated well over $100,000 in college scholarships to those pursuing higher education. 

BOARD AFFILIATIONS: 

Bishop Thompson’s religious affiliations include Chairman of the Connectional Finance Committee, The AME Zion Church, Chairman Finance Committee, Central NC Conference, Eastern NC Episcopal District, and an advisor to the Connectional YACM Steering Committee. 

AWARDS AND HONORS: 

Bishop Thompson has received a myriad of awards. In 2009, he received the Minister of the Year, Cumberland County, NC, Pastor of the Year (2012), The Old North State Award (2014), The Order of the Long Leaf Pine byGovernor Pat McCrory (2017). 

In 2017 Rev. Dr. Thompson received the Key to the City of Fayetteville, and August 12, 2017, was deemed Brian R. Thompson, Sr. Day. 

CIVIC AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS: 

Bishop Thompson is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Bishop Thompson is committed to community outreach. He is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).