Michael Brian Thompson

Michael Brian Thompson, 61, was born on March 29, 1959, at St. Ann's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, to Rev. Gene R. Thompson and the late Shelby Jean Thompson. Michael was married to Josetta Barkhurst on June 16, 1979, after meeting at Circleville Bible College. He graduated from Circleville in 1980 going on to Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, MS, to earn a Master of Arts in Religion. He was ordained with the Wesleyan Church in 1982 and took his first full-time pastorate at North Park Wesleyan Church in Cuba, New York. He later served as Senior Pastor at Warren Free Methodist Church in Warren, OH, while also pursuing a second Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Psychology and Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, OH.

In 1990, Michael became a professor at Bartlesville Wesleyan College, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. During his career at Bartlesville (now called Oklahoma Wesleyan University), Michael served as Dean of Chapel, and later rose to the position of Chair of the Religion and Philosophy Departments. He also completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University in Madison, NJ, in 1993. During his 14-year tenure in Oklahoma, Michael traveled extensively to preach and teach, including a missions trip to train pastors in northeast India. As a beloved teacher, his students voted him Faculty Member of the Year several times, a testimony of his clear passion and calling as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Thompson, always a life-long Buckeye fan, returned to Ohio to serve in an interim pastorate and then joined the faculty of Ashland Theological Seminary in 2005. During his career at Ashland, he was promoted from Associate Professor to Full Professor in January 2013, served on several committees and as the Chair for the Practical Theology department. He leaves a devoted cadre of students to take up the mantle of proclaiming the Word and serving the Church.

While teaching at Ashland Seminary, Dr. Thompson also served as Pastor of the New Holland United Methodist Church and several pastoral interim positions while continuing to travel for speaking engagements. Life, as he wanted it, was always looking forward to sharing the Good News of Jesus.

Michael leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Josetta, of Grove City, Ohio; Daughter, Laura Lynn Thompson of Dublin, Ohio; and Son, Taylor Michael Thompson (Emily) of Columbus, Ohio. His father, Rev. Gene R. Thompson (Nancy) of Boiling Springs, SC; Sister, Susan Lynne Thompson and Sister, Barbara Jane Lundy (Zachary, Ginelle, Kayla) of Spartanburg, SC; Brother, David Alan Thompson (Stephanie, Braedon, Lincoln, Landon) of Stoutsville, Ohio. In-laws, John and Donna Barkhurst of Oak Hill, Ohio; Brother-in-law, J. Bruce Barkhurst (Rebecca, John Richard, Elizabeth); Brother-in-law, Rev. Jonathan Morgan (Charma, Wesley, Jonathan); and a host of relatives, loved ones, friends and colleagues who will miss him greatly.

A Funeral Service celebrating Michael's life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Faith Memorial Church, 2610 W Fair Ave., Lancaster, OH 43130. Rev. Jonathan Morgan presiding. Visitation hours to express condolences to the family will be from 12:00 PM until the start of his Funeral Service at the church. A Private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. GUESTS ARE RESPECTFULLY ASKED TO WEAR MASKS AT ALL TIMES IN THE CHURCH.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may direct gifts in his name to:

· Ashland Theological Seminary, 910 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

· Good News - http://www.goodnewsmag.org

· Gideons International - gideons.org

Flowers through Floral Originals -- 512 W 6th Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130 - (740) 654-3333

Arrangements by Schoedinger Grove City Chapel. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences to the family.