Rev. Cedric L. Thomas
Cedric L. Thomas connecting with City of Angels
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Cedric L. THOMAS
LOS ANGELES’ NEWEST MINISTER CONNECTING WITH THE CITY OF ANGELS
One to Watch
This New York transplant says, “If we keep first things first and work as a unit to step into the scheme of redemption, then when the people of Los Angeles think of church, they will have the Normandie Church of Christ in mind!” Cedric Thomas is currently the Senior Minister for the Normandie Church of Christ in Los Angeles. He began this position March 1. He brings with him his wife of 15 years, Stephanie, and his four daughters of whom he is very proud. Thomas is honored to be the minister of a church that has such a progressive and significant history. He says, “I believe that this marriage can be fruitful beyond my lifetime and add value for generations to come.”
Thomas’ personal motto is “It all begins with making the connection”. This is something that he says to remind himself of the importance of relationships. Thomas defines Los Angeles as a gateway city that brings with it avenues to reach the world. He adds, “this is a belief that demands that the church have a dominate presence locally to impact the world globally.” Thomas also believes in the strength of a team and the need for “thinking outside the box but in the kingdom”.
Coming to Los Angeles by way of both the small and big city life, Thomas is a native of Slaton, TX. Raised amongst family with the tradition of attending church, this young minister attended Ivory Street Church of Christ every time the doors were open. He says, “I had a passion for telling friends about Jesus from the day that I became a Christian.”
Thomas made the decision to preach during college where he attended Harding School of Biblical Studies in Searcy, AR. He continued his training at Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX, earning their Bible and ministry certification. It was in both schools that he had the opportunity to learn not only the Word of God in depth, but also the importance of reaching the lost and saving souls. While attending Sunset, Thomas was asked to consider the need for sound preachers in the Northeast and after a two week survey trip; he agreed that this was where he needed to go. Thomas first worked with the Roosevelt-Freeport Church of Christ in Roosevelt, NY. Here, he served under Walter Maxwell and honed his skills in personal evangelism. After three years with this congregation, Thomas answered the call to preach fulltime for the Hampton Church of Christ in Virginia. Shortly after, he made the decision to return to Lubbock to help his family through trying times.
During this time back in Lubbock, Thomas’ love for personal evangelism and pulpit preaching was renewed and he decided to return to New York to continue his work. He accepted the position of Assistant Minister for the Kings Church of Christ in Brooklyn, NY serving under David Wilson. While at Kings, he was responsible for leading hundreds to Christ. Additionally, he designed and conducted the Disciple Makers Academy to teach others how to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. Thomas also developed the Four Pillars of Evangelism which explains Jesus’ method and our model for reaching the lost. This certified evangelist has completed a BA in Bible and ministry with Southern Christian University and a Masters of Science in Ministerial Leadership with Amridge University. Thomas is currently working on a Masters of Divinity in Apologetics with Luther Rice University.
Thomas has had the opportunity to speak throughout the U.S. in venues such as Gospel meetings, revivals, workshops, Sunday worship services, and National Lectureships. Desiring that all should hear God’s message, Thomas has preached in Mexico, Bermuda, Haiti, St. Vincent, Trinidad/Tobago, Grenada, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
This extremely focused and dynamic man of God looks to the future as the Senior Minister for Normandie Church of Christ. “I realize that there is a great deal of work ahead of me and the church but I’m excited, optimistic, and encouraged by God,” he says. “I’m God’s Man, so let’s go get His glory!”
