Pastor Chris leads South River Baptist Church through the preaching of God’s Word, sharing the living water of an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ, and casting vision that challenges the church to flood the neighborhoods and nations with the goodness and grace of God. His passion is to impart biblical wisdom and knowledge to future generations. He leads God’s people to love God’s Word and take bold steps of faith. His life passages are Joshua 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17.
Pastor Chris and his bride April have seven children. Chris enjoys reading, hunting, gardening, playing sports with his boys, smiling at his daughter and relaxing on the beach. He seeks to be a covenant husband to his bride, a spiritual shepherd for his family, and a bold witness for Christ in daily life.
Prior to answering God’s call to ministry, Chris was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and began serving on active duty at the end of the first Gulf War. He has also served on reserve duty in the North Carolina National guard. Dr. Thompson has completed a BS degree in Electrical Engineering at North Carolina State University and the Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Thompson has worked both in the local church setting and on the presidential staffs of both Southeastern and Southwestern Seminary. Dr. Thompson has served as an interim Vice President for Business Affairs and as Chief of Staff. He also has taught classes on the Christian home, the New Testament, and New Testament Greek.