Robb Thompson

Robb Thompson
Robb Thompson
photograph
Born April 1953
Oak Lawn, Illinois
Residence Homer Township, Will County, Illinois[1]
Occupation Author
Televangelist
Public speaker
Spouse Linda Thompson

Robert "Robb" D. Thompson (also "Rob"; born in April 1953)[1] is the founder and president of Family Harvest International, a worldwide network of Christian congregations. He is the founder and senior pastor of Family Harvest Church in Tinley Park, Illinois,[2] a racially diverse church with over 4,000 members.[3][4]

Contents

Early life

Thompson grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois where he was raised a Roman Catholic and worked for United Parcel Service for the majority of his early adulthood.[1][5] He moved to Homer Township, Illinois, where he sought "practical answers to life's problems and a real personal relationship with Jesus Christ", and began considering other denominations.[1] He stated that he had a transformative experience on October 28, 1975 where he was "unplugged and reengineered and then plugged in again to Christ" and became a Baptist for several years.[6][1]

Thompson earned his doctoral degree from Life Christian University, an unaccredited institution[7] based in Tampa, Florida.

Church leadership

As an ordained minister,[8] Thompson founded Midwest Christian Center in 1983,[5] which later grew into a large worship center.[9] He remained the pastor of the center through the late 1990s.[9] He also pastored the House of Glory church in the 1980s, in Orland Park, Illinois,[8] and held regular Bible study groups. It was during these study groups in 1989 where the name "Family Harvest" was conceived.[3]

Thompson is currently the senior pastor[10] of the nondenominational Family Harvest Church[11] in Tinley Park, Illinois,[12] a member of the Family Harvest International network. Family Harvest Church, which can hold over 3,000 congregants in one service,[4] has been called a megachurch, noted for its theater chairs, projection screens, polished singing performances, stage lighting, amplified sound, and TV and web shows.[3] In 2004, the church had nearly $10 million in assets.[13]

Church activities

In 1986, in an effort to promote that Halloween is "historically evil" and harmful to children, Thompson's church scheduled a "Hallelujah Party" in its place on October 31. The church has made it an annual tradition ever since.[8]

Family Harvest Church's ministers preached regularly about the risk of a "Y2K apocalypse" during 1998, relating it to Thompson's published interpretation of the Bible.[9] On January 2, 2000, with Y2K essentially a nonevent, pastor Rev. Doug Boettcher's message was about not letting go of one's preparations, urging members of the Family Harvest Church to be prepared "for any kind of natural disaster" and to help their neighbors in such a situation; but many locals had already returned generators and space heaters the day before.[14]

In 2005, Family Harvest Church opposed Tinley Park's decision to zone an off-track betting facility, as destructive of local ideals.[15]

For Christmas 2005, Thompson arranged the donation of over 100,000 articles of clothing, toys, and other goods to Miracle Centre Cathedral, a Ugandan cathedral run by senior pastor Robert Kayanja that is claimed to be the biggest auditorium in East Africa.[16] The items were distributed to displaced persons' camps and orphanages in northern Uganda.[17]

In 2009, Thompson founded "City Harvest", a Family Harvest Church ministry in northwest suburban Chicago.[2]

In early 2011, the Robb Thompson Ministries hosted the "Dancing for the Stars" dinner-dance fundraising event in Orland Hills, Illinois. The proceeds of the event were to go to underprivileged children around the world and to funding Family Harvest's global missions.[18] Over 400 attended the event which helped raise $25,000.[19] With these funds, two medical and dental trips are being organized in 2011, to the Petén Jungle in Guatemala and later to Haiti, where children, orphans and adults will be offered free medical and dental checkups and treatment.[19] The ministries also announced that a portion of the funds will be donated to help Japan after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[19]

Speaking and networking

In addition to his pastoral duties at Family Harvest Church, Thompson is also a televangelist[20] (his television programs "Winning in Life" and "Issues of Life" are broadcast by KGEB, KTBN-TV and CastTV among others[21][22][23][24]) and a speaker who lectures around Northern America and Asia.[25]

Thompson served as benefactor to the Living Water Church in Tampa, Florida, along with its pastor Ronald Clark.[13] When the church came close to declaring bankruptcy in 2003, Family Harvest donated pastoral services, finances, and the use of its name (sustaining the congregation for a year[26] until its property was resold);[13] hired Clark temporarily, until the two mutually agreed to part due to publicity;[26] and even considered buying the Living Water property.[13]

Thompson was a featured speaker at International Gathering of Champions in London in 2006 and 2007, along with Matthew Ashimolowo, Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Marcus Lamb, Eddie L. Long, and Mike Murdock.[27][28] He also invites speakers from around the world, such as John Avanzini and Jesse Duplantis, to appear at free events at Family Harvest Church[29] on an annual basis.[3]

Televangelist Mike Murdock, one of Thompson's friends, was investigated for allegedly misusing Wisdom Center's funds to write large checks to individuals, including Thompson. According to an investigation by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Murdock gave Thompson $72,000 between 2002 and 2003, including checks for $8,500 and $25,000 as ostensible birthday presents, and a $15,000 check with a notation that read "house note." Thompson, in turn, gave Murdock a pricey BMW, according to Murdock's son. [20]

Thompson founded Excellence in Ministry International (or Excellence Ministries International), a global association of ministers[10] that shares resources with smaller affiliated churches.[3] He was the president of International College of Excellence, a Bible college accredited by the Accrediting Commission International[3] (an unrecognized educational accreditation corporation), and is currently the president of the Dan El Institute of Higher Learning,[30] a Bible college currently seeking Illinois State approval as well as regional accreditation.[31]

Thompson also runs a biblical-based network that includes Bible institutions and congregations worldwide.[12]

Bibliography

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Blaine, Rick (1992-07-19). "Spirituality: Seeking new meaning in life". Chicago Tribune. p. 3. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-07-19/features/9203040865_1_spiritual-answers-church-shouldn-t. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  2. ^ a b "Your Faith". Chicago Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois): p. 4. 2009-01-03. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=125804063784D078&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  3. ^ a b c d e f Fulka, Rena (2006-08-06). "Choices, choices". The Star (Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers). http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11388027A2E7B310&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  4. ^ a b Lavoie, Dan (2005-01-30). "Stone Church eyes move to Orland". The Star (Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers). http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10994C45F298B6BD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
  5. ^ a b Williamson, Elizabeth (1993-05-16). "Make a Joyful Noise: Church music strikes a responsive chord: Congregations lift their voices in song that's in harmony with our ever-changing culture". Chicago Tribune. p. 3. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24286920.xml?dids=24286920:24286920&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+16%2C+1993&author=Elizabeth+Williamson.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=MAKE+A+JOYFUL+NOISE+Church+music+strikes+a+responsive+chord+Congregations+lift+their+voices+in+song+that's+in+harmony+with+our+ever-changing+culture&pqatl=google. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  6. ^ Thompson, Robb D. (2007). Solitary Refinement: Finding and Making the Most of Time by Yourself (The Hidden Power of Being Alone). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson. p. 52. ISBN 9781599510293. OCLC 190760622. http://books.google.com/books?id=DzfhKasS6JwC&pg=PA52. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  7. ^ "LCU Accreditation". Life Christian University. http://lcus.edu/accreditation.php. Retrieved 16 April 2011. 
  8. ^ a b c Herrmann, Andrew (1986-10-30). "Halloween stirs a devil of a fuss: Churches join parent protest of 'evil'". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 52. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB36D2ECEC6108F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  9. ^ a b c Mendell, David, and Harper, Pat (1998-12-14). "Hit by the Millennium Bug: Pessimists Brace for a Computer-Driven Cataclysm". Chicago Tribune. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-12-14/news/9812140053_1_millennium-bug-two-digits-y2k/2. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  10. ^ a b Newton, Stephanie (2008-03-10). "'Solitary Refinement': Chicago Pastor Shows Readers How to Utilize Their Time in New Book". PR Newswire Association, L.L.C. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson). http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34130723_ITM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  11. ^ Smith, Sheila (2007-05-19). "Former Illini basketball player encourages teens to have a purpose of faith in life". Herald & Review (Decatur, Illinois: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services). http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30810419_ITM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  12. ^ a b Sherlock, Barbara (2004-06-24). "Rev. James E. Watson, 53: Love of gospel powered pastor's Harvey church". Chicago Tribune. p. 10. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-06-24/news/0406240205_1_gospel-chicago-housing-authority-bible. Retrieved 2011-04-15. 
  13. ^ a b c d Testerman, Jeff (2004-04-30). "Buyers shun Living Water property". St. Petersburg Times. http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/30/Hillsborough/Buyers_shun_Living_Wa.shtml. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
  14. ^ Gibson, Ray; Heinzmann, David (2000-01-03). "Stockpiles of Y2K Gear Head Back to the Stores". Chicago Tribune (Chicago, Illinois). http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2000-01-03/news/0001030120_1_generators-space-heaters-stores/2. Retrieved 2010-04-27. 
  15. ^ Enigk, Erica (2005-06-23). "Tinley Park: OTB passes final hurdle". The Star (Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers). http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10B559669B48CD60&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
  16. ^ Lloyd, John (25). "The Riches of Heaven". Financial Times Weekend magazine. 
  17. ^ Nakagwa, Flavia (2005-12-24). "Kayanja aids northern children". New Vision (Uganda). http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/472751. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
  18. ^ "Charity Briefs". SouthtownStar, a Chicago Sun-Times publication. http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/lifestyles/4268951-423/charity-briefs.html. Retrieved 26 April 2011. 
  19. ^ a b c Tinley Junction Staff. "Church's dancing event raises funds for less fortunate". The Tinley Junction. http://www.tinleyjunction.com/Articles-c-2011-04-07-219605.114133-Churchs-dancing-event-raises-funds-for-less-fortunate.html. Retrieved 26 April 2011. 
  20. ^ a b Barbee, Darren (2004-12-15). "Televangelist Mike Murdock moves financial books behind closed doors". Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service). http://www.religionnewsblog.com/9790/televangelist-mike-murdock-moves-financial-books-behind-closed-doors. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  21. ^ "Television Shows". KGEB. http://www.kgeb.net/links/. Retrieved 19 April 2011. 
  22. ^ "Winning in Life with Pastor Robb Thompson v. 2.0". CastTV. http://www.casttv.com/video/dckxsf1/winning-in-life-with-pastor-robb-thompson-v-2-0-video. Retrieved 19 April 2011. 
  23. ^ "Issues of Life with Robb Thompson". KTBN-TV. http://www.tbn.org/watch-us/our-programs/issues-of-life-with-robb-thompson. Retrieved 19 April 2011. 
  24. ^ "IGOC 2008 Speakers". Kingsway International Christian Centre. http://www.kicc.org.uk/Igoc2008/speakers.asp. Retrieved 19 April 2011. 
  25. ^ Religion News (2002-08-18). "Services, Guest Speakers". Charlotte Observer. http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CO&s_site=charlotte&p_multi=CO&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F582785718ABD9A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  26. ^ a b Testerman, Jeff (2004-06-10). "New bidder steps in for troubled church". St. Petersburg Times. http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/10/Hillsborough/New_bidder_steps_in_f.shtml. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
  27. ^ Lee, Courtney (2006-08-28). "Mega International Conference Concludes in London: The 15th annual International Gathering of Champions (ICOG) conference wrapped up yesterday with a Praise Celebration night at Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in Hackney, London". Christian Today. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/mega.international.conference.concludes.in.london/7396.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  28. ^ Donovan, Kevin (2007-08-23). "International Gathering of Champions Expects 160,000: Thousands of people will gather in East London this month to attend one of the biggest Christian events of the year". Christian Today. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/international.gathering.of.champions.expects.160000/12570.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  29. ^ Staff (2007-07-19). "News in Religion". The Star (Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers). http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11AD5F5DA16466A0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM. Retrieved 2009-03-03. 
  30. ^ "About Us". Dan El Institute. http://www.danelinstitute.org/about-us/. Retrieved 17 April 2011. 
  31. ^ "Degree Programs". Dan El Institute. http://www.danelinstitute.org/academics/. Retrieved 17 April 2011. 

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