Our Pastor
A Man with a Vision!
The Journey of Faith:
The Calling of Dorant Thompson
Over 50 years ago, the Lord began to speak through His servant, Dorant Thompson. Like many immigrants who sought the promise of prosperity and opportunity in a “first world” country, Dorant followed the wave of emigration that swept through Jamaica at the time. Bold and courageous, he left his homeland to establish himself in an unfamiliar land, unaware of the divine plan that awaited him.
1961 Dorant Thompson arrived in England, hoping to build a better life. Little did he know, the best was yet to come. In November of that same year, Dorant was invited to an Apostolic church in Birmingham, pastored by Bishop S.A. Dunn, who continues to shepherd the congregation. There, Dorant experienced a life-changing encounter, accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
This was the beginning of something extraordinary, momentous, and unstoppable. God’s hand had been upon Dorant all along, and it would soon become evident that the Lord had a great work for him to fulfill.
The Journey of Faith:
The Calling of Dorant Thompson
Over 50 years ago, the Lord began to speak through His servant, Dorant Thompson. Like many immigrants who sought the promise of prosperity and opportunity in a “first world” country, Dorant followed the wave of emigration that swept through Jamaica at the time. Bold and courageous, he left his homeland to establish himself in an unfamiliar land, unaware of the divine plan that awaited him.
1961 Dorant Thompson arrived in England, hoping to build a better life. Little did he know, the best was yet to come. In November of that same year, Dorant was invited to an Apostolic church in Birmingham, pastored by Bishop S.A. Dunn, who continues to shepherd the congregation. There, Dorant experienced a life-changing encounter, accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
This was the beginning of something extraordinary, momentous, and unstoppable. God’s hand had been upon Dorant all along, and it would soon become evident that the Lord had a great work for him to fulfill.
The Calling Continues: Pastor Dorant Thompson's Journey in Canada
In 1964, Brother Dorant Thompson decided to relocate to Canada, continuing his pursuit of a better life and new opportunities. In 1966, he married Edna Fullerton, who soon became an integral part of the prophetic mission that God had begun through this couple. Once again, the Lord had a greater purpose for Dorant’s life. In 1967, he was ordained as a minister, stepping deeper into the calling God had placed on his life.
For a time, Pastor Thompson worshipped and worked alongside other apostolic churches in Toronto, serving with dedication and passion. However, the call of the Lord upon his life grew stronger, leading him to a pivotal moment. In 1970, Minister Dorant W. Thompson was called to shepherd a congregation. This marked the founding of the First United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic in Toronto, Ontario, under his leadership, as he embraced the Great Commission and began guiding God’s people in their spiritual journey.
Pastor Thompson’s Faithful Journey Through Opposition
Pastor Dorant W. Thompson’s ministry was not without its challenges. As with any great work, opposition from Satan was inevitable. Despite the difficulties, Pastor Thompson boldly declares, “Amidst difficulties and trials over the years, God has always been by the side of Bethlehem.” He often draws a parallel between Bethlehem’s journey and the biblical account of Israel’s wilderness experience, emphasizing how, just as God was with Israel in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, He has continually been present with Bethlehem through its trials.
Pastor Thompson stresses that, though the church faced many obstacles, God has always been faithful. Today, Bethlehem stands as a testimony of God’s liberation and prosperity. Despite facing opposition from those who doubted his success, Pastor Thompson’s faith and perseverance led to the establishment of churches in six provinces across Canada. These include British Columbia, Alberta (two locations), Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario (four locations).
In 1996, through a miraculous act of God, Bethlehem relocated to 1 Leswyn Road, a new facility capable of seating over 800 people. Then, on November 22, 1997, God officially validated Pastor Thompson’s ministry by ordaining him as a Bishop. It became clear that God had elevated him to a higher calling, and his leadership would continue to impact lives nationwide.
Bishop D.W Thompson’s Vision for a Nation
Pastor Dorant W. Thompson is driven by a powerful vision to establish a church in every major city across Canada. His mission is to carry out the work of the Lord by preaching the universal gospel—a message that transcends all ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. As he often emphasizes, the gospel is not for any specific group but is available to all willing to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
Pastor Thompson’s vibrant calling is evident to all who encounter him, as the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is deeply apparent in his life. His ministry fulfills the Great Commission outlined in Matthew 28 and embraces a vision of community empowerment. He aspires to further enhance his community by opening a school, building a senior home, and establishing a trade center for at-risk youth. These efforts reflect his desire to impact lives in practical, meaningful ways.
Pastor Thompson’s many talents extend beyond preaching; his gift of singing resonates deeply, soothing the soul and proclaiming the joy of salvation. His unwavering commitment to delivering God’s word with tenacity and passion inspires and uplifts those around him.
As a father of four and an inspirational man of God, Pastor Thompson is a living example of faithful leadership in the church today. We pray that God continues to sustain him in this pivotal time, where strong leadership is vital for guiding churches into the new millennium.
May God continue to bless this devoted servant as he spreads the gospel throughout the province of Canada. May his vision become a reality, for as the scriptures say, “Without a vision, the people perish.”