Meet Bishop Wayne Thomas

Bishop Wayne Thomas is a passionate shepherd dedicated to guiding our congregation in faith, hope, and love. He has been preaching for 18 years and pastoring for 14, with a deep commitment to serving our community and seeing lives changed by the power of the Gospel.

His Story

Bishop Thomas was born November 19, 1970 in Pineville, Louisiana, the only child of Steve and Gean Ann Thomas. In 2005 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was baptized at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Mansura, Louisiana under Pastor Darrell Sampson. In 2006 he announced his calling to preach, and Pastor Sampson trained him in Bible study, Sunday school, and the various offices of the church.

That same year he moved to Alexandria, where he met Chericia Woods. The two were united in holy matrimony on October 18, 2008, and God has blessed them with two daughters, Jamesha and Jania.

In 2008, Minister Thomas was led to Trinity Baptist Church of Alexandria under Pastor Eugene Stevenson, where he was licensed to preach. In 2010 he moved to England Park Baptist Church under A. L. Johnson, and during a revival Bishop Milton Jackson recognized God’s higher calling on his life. He was ordained by Bishop Milton Jackson of Christ’s Missionary Full Gospel Baptist Church of Marksville, Louisiana.

In 2012, Bishop Thomas, his wife, and eight members planted House of Praise Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church of Alexandria. The church has since grown to 130 members and today owns its buildings, property, and land with room to expand. In 2014 he was consecrated to the office of Bishop; in 2015 he planted a second House of Praise location in Baltimore, Maryland, pastored by Pastor Diahann Paul under his leadership; and in 2016 he ordained two evangelists in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

His Heart for Ministry

Bishop Thomas has a passion for preaching his convictions for Christ and seeing lives changed and people getting saved. He has shared God’s Word far beyond our walls — hosting a radio ministry on 88.1 FM KAYT of Alexandria and the television segment “The Encouraging Word” on Fox 48 / Channel 9 WNIL. To God be all the glory for the wonderful things He has done.

Our First Lady & Associate Pastor

Bishop Thomas is joined in ministry by his wife, First Lady Chericia Thomas, who also serves as Associate Pastor and is a graduate of Omega Theological Seminary with a Bachelor of Theology. Married since October 2008, Bishop and First Lady Thomas have served side by side since the founding of House of Praise — raising their two daughters, Jamesha and Jania, and pouring their lives into this church family.

Education & Training

• 1991 — Graduated, Moreauville (LA) High School
• 2005 — Christ’s International Bible College, Pastoral Ministry
• 2013 — Associate of Arts (Psychology major, Sociology minor), Upper Iowa University
• 2014 — Bachelor of Theology, Omega Theological Seminary, Monroe, LA
• 2017 — Master of Theology, Monroe, LA
• 2019 — Doctor of Theology, Monroe, LA

How to Reach Him

Bishop Thomas loves hearing from members and visitors alike. Call the church at (318) 730-9788, email waynethomas33@gmail.com, or stop by and see us this Sunday.