He is a product of the Chicago Public School system.
The educational pursuits of Pastor Thurston led
him to Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, where his
college matriculation culminated in a Bachelor of
Arts Degree in Religion in 1975. His post-graduate
studies have included coursework at Wheaton Christian
College in Wheaton, Illinois.
With strong family values, Rev. Thurston married
the former Joyce D. Hand in the summer of 1977.
To this union, four children were born: Stephen
John II, Nicole D’Vaughn, Teniece Rael, and
Christon Avery Elijah.
On Easter Sunday in 1971, he preached his initial
sermon after having acknowledged his calling by
God. On Easter Sunday in 1974, he was ordained and
appointed as Assistant Pastor of New Covenant. On
Easter Sunday in 1975, he was appointed Co-Pastor.
Upon the death of his father in 1979, he became
Pastor of the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church.
Pastor Thurston is a very active and dedicated
preacher. He is a renowned and much sought after
revivalist. His ministry has impacted lives of people
as far away as Africa, the Holy Land, and the Caribbean.
He has authored several manuscripts, including Seven
Deadly Sins of the Eighties, A Lesson on Christian
Stewardship, Seeking the Welfare of the City, The
Fruit of the Spirit, Inspiration, Obligation and
Responsibility, and Biblical Views of the Institution
of Marriage.
Among the many honors that have been bestowed upon
Pastor Thurston are: America’s Best and Brightest
Young Business and Professional Men by Dollars and
Sense Magazine (Aug./Sept.1987); host of the 107th
Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention
of America, Inc. (Sept. 1987); coordinator for Baptist
World Alliance in Seoul, Korea and extended tours
to Hong Kong and Honolulu (Aug. 1990), Ghana and
Zimbabwe, Africa (Aug. 1993), Argentina (1995),
and Australia (2000).
Prior to being elected president, Rev. Thurston
served as 3rd Vice President of the National Baptist
Convention of America, Inc.; President of the Illinois
National Baptist State Convention; Chairman of Finance
for the Chicago Baptist Institute; and member of
the Broadcast Ministers Alliance of Chicago and
Vicinity.
President Stephen John Thurston’s testimony
remains “GOD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS”.
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Contact the National Baptist
Convention of America, Inc. for questions or concerns
about this ministry and how you or your organization
can join us in spreading the Good News of Christ.
