Marron D. Thomas, Sr., senior pastor
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
After witnessing members of his family spend time incarcerated, he made a commitment not to travel down the same path, but created a path of his own. This path, filled with ups and downs challenged who he was as a person. Despite trials and tribulations, he graduated college. Three days before graduating from college he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
One year later, Pastor Marron was called to return to the inner city, this time to serve in urban youth ministry. For over 15 years, Pastor Marron has served as friend, mentor, coach and advocate to youth and their families throughout the city of Memphis.
Pastor Marron holds a Bachelors of Science in Education from Lane College (Jackson, TN) and a Masters in Divinity from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary (Memphis, TN).
A charismatic visionary and thought provoking leader, Pastor Marron currently serves as the Executive Director of the Leadership Empowerment Center (formerly known as Youth Visions, Inc.); a non-profit organization that serves the youth of the North Memphis Frayser community. A true 360 degree leader, Pastor Marron is often called upon to advocate for the poor, neglected and under-served throughout the city.
Pastor Marron is passionate about coaching and equipping God’s people towards excellence. He has served as an adjunct professor teaching Urban Youth Evangelism and Culture, Discipleship Building, Evangelism and Discipleship and Old Testament Survey at MCUTS (Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies), Urban Youth Initiative and Crichton College (presently Victory University).
A lover of all things football (and the Dallas Cowboys), Pastor Marron passionately served as Head Coach (volunteer) for the Georgian Hills Middle School football team (located adjacent to Innovation Church). During his 7 year period of influence, he has led them to victory in 4 City Championships and 2 State Championships. “Winning In Spite Of”, is not only the team motto, but one of the many life lessons he instills in the team year after year.
An avid reader, Pastor Marron enjoys reading anything by his favorite authors Juwanza Kunjufu, John Maxwell , and Andy Stanley. He enjoys coaching (and playing) football and spending time with his family.
He is married to his beautiful wife of 15 years Tori, and has two children, Madison & Marron Jr.
His life is truly a testament to the saving power of Jesus Christ.
