About Our Pastor
(Jeremiah 3:15)... and I will give you pastors according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding
Elder Evangelist R.J. Thornton who is an International Evangelist with the Churches of God in Christ, has evangelized the Mid-Missouri area and surrounding states (Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee, Nebraska and Louisiana) for the past 25 years. During that time he has served as a District Evangelist in three districts. He has served as State President of the Evangelist Department under the Late Bishop Emanuel Newton of the Western Missouri Jurisdiction Number One before Step of Faith became part of the Kansas East Jurisdiction under the leadership of his good friend Bishop Lemuel F. Thuston, who coined the name "Cornbread Preacher" not only because Pastor Thornton is fond of cornbread (a most basic satisfying staple) but for his anointed and un-compromised delivery of the word of God!
In November 2001, Elder Thornton and family moved to Columbia, Missouri where he was impressed upon by the Lord to begin "Step of Faith Ministries". With only $400 and his family as members. Step of Faith held it's first service in the Columbia Jaycees Building at 2315 N. Stadium Dr. Columbia, Missouri on February 3rd, 2002. The ministry has since then added Sunday School, Bible study, an evangelistic services, Young Saints Academy, Men’s Ministry, Women’s Fellowship, continuing educational classes,. (See “Vision and Partners” page for more information about what the Lord is doing).
First Lady Constance (Davis) Thornton, has said that Pastor Thornton loves pastoring as much as he loves evangelism. "I know that he has been called to pastor because the people are in his heart. He believes in firmly upholding the truth without compromising the word of the Lord."
Adult sons, Andre and Marcus Thornton (and family) are truly a blessing to the ministry, serving in the following capacities: media ministry, music ministry, and any area that they are asked to help.
For prayer request:
