† HOME
† EVENTS
† LINKS
Bishop Alexis A. Thomas was born in Phoenix, Arizona on November 9, 1967 to Reverend and Mrs. Hubert Thomas. He is the third of four sons. In 1975, at the young age of seven, Bishop Thomas received his license to preach the gospel. After serving as an Associate Minister at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, he was named Senior Pastor at the age of 16 in an historic event in the state of Arizona.
Under his leadership, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church grew from 250 to over 3,000 members, which initiated the need
for a new sanctuary. Bishop Thomas’ vision for Pilgrim Rest was a three-pronged campus which included a Worship Center, a Word Center and a Wellness Center. Phase one of that vision came to fruition on Palm Sunday (April) of 2000, when the saints of Pilgrim Rest prayed and marched into their new, state-of-the-art Worship Center. Phase two, a three-story education and executive office complex was opened in 2003; and the construction of phase three, the Wellness Center was initiated with a ground breaking ceremony in November, and is scheduled for completion in July 2006.
Bishop Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biblical Studies from Southwestern Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona, and is currently attending The Graduate School of Episcopal Studies.
Having served in the capacity of Senior Pastor of Pilgrim Rest for 18 years, Bishop Thomas was ordained as the Bishop of the State of Arizona in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in New Orleans, Louisiana in November 2003. He serves the Arizona community in various capacities. Bishop Thomas serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce. He is the General Chairman of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition which he founded in 2001. He is also the co-founder of the African American Strategic Alliance Coalition in Phoenix.
Bishop Thomas wrote and performed the song “Brand New Day” on the Pilgrim Rest Mass Choir CD, which was released in May of 2001. He is the founder of Alexis Thomas Ministries® (ATM), and the Fresh Rain® Annual Conference which was inaugurated in January 2004. Bishop Thomas’ vision for Fresh Rain® comes from the charge “to make every year a new year and not the same year all over again.” Bishop Thomas authored and published his first book titled “A Child Shall Lead Them” in 2005. This book chronicles the journey God has led him through in the first 36 years of his life and leaves the reader waiting to read the rest of his journey.
Bishop Thomas is married to Lady Michele
Thomas, who serves her country as a Captain in the United States Air Force. He is the proud and loving father of twin boys, Micah and Michiah. He is a dynamic preacher who is passionate about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the masses. He is a charismatic leader who has committed his life to serving God, to serving his people and being led by the Holy Spirit to carry out the vision God has placed in his heart.