2024 Western Georgia Jurisdiction Theme - Together We Rise to the Challenge
Bishop John F. Thomas
Bishop John Franklin Thomas was born in Mitchell County Baconton, Georgia. He was raised in Albany, Georgia, by his mother, the late Dora Bell Hobbs. Being the only boy and five sisters, he has always assumed leadership. Bishop Thomas is a family man. He has been married to his lovely wife, Lady Inez Thomas, for 55 years. They have seven children, nineteen grandchildren, Fifty-nine great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren. Bishop Thomas graduated from the Columbus Jurisdictional Institute in Columbus, Georgia. In 2001 he received the Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Guadalupe Theological Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. He is a retired supervisor from M&M Mars. Knowing that age is not a factor, he recorded his first CD in 2012.
Bishop Thomas gave his life to the Lord in 1956. He was a very faithful member and worked diligently in the church in various capacities. He has served as a deacon, Choir Director, Musician, Superintendent of Sunday School, and many others. Seeing his faithfulness and worthiness, God anointed him to preach and teach the Good News. He served as Assistant Pastor to the late Superintendent Thomas Walker at the church in Albany. Seeing his faithfulness, obedience, and dedication working very close with his pastor, Superintendent Walker requested that he take his place and pastor the Albany church and become Superintendent of the Columbus District. Bishop Thomas is the Pastor of Walker Tabernacle Church of God In Christ in Albany, Georgia, and jurisdictional Prelate of Western Georgia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Bishop Thomas is a man of dignity. He is reachable and touchable, has a sense of humor, and loves people. He is an advocate of Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly…”
