By Anugrah KumarChristian Post Contributor Sunday, August 11, 2024Pastor Andy Thompson of World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, NC | Facebook/Pastor Andy Thompson
A North Carolina megachurch pastor who leads the 15,000-member World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham will pay his ex-wife $12,000 a month in alimony as part of a separation agreement following his recent divorce.
Gilbert Andre Thompson Jr., known as “Pastor Andy,” was married to Dequilla LaShawn for 33 years before their legal separation in March 2023 and the subsequent divorce became final on July 1.
According to divorce papers filed in North Carolina and obtained by The Roys Report, the settlement includes a $1.3 million alimony agreement that will require Thompson to pay $12,000 a month for nine years. The pastor filed for divorce on June 10.
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The documents show that Andy Thompson will keep the couple's 58-acre property on Lolly Lane, Mebane, north of their current residence. However, the property contract stipulates that if that property is sold, Dequilla Thompson will only receive $50,000 from the sale.
Their residence, a 13,000-square-foot mansion valued at $2.8 million by Zillow, features luxurious amenities such as a gym, theater seating, an infinity pool and a hot tub, the Roys Report notes, citing property records.
The megachurch initially purchased the property from 2020 Properties LLC in 2018 for $1.53 million and later transferred the title deed to Restore Community Development in 2021 without any money being exchanged in the transaction.
Other assets were also divided as part of their divorce, including a rental property in Rocky Mount valued at about $154,000, which was awarded to Dequilla Thompson.
Andy Thompson assumed responsibility for a $25,602 IRS debt and retained ownership of his four adult children's cars, including a 2021 Kia Forte, a 2024 Kia Seltos, a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, and a 2013 Cadillac STS, as well as his personal vehicle, a Ford F-150.
Both parties retained control of their respective companies, with Andy Thompson retaining Thompson Communications Group, LLC and Dequilla Thompson retaining Projects of Home Inc.
Although the church claims to be one of the fastest-growing churches in America, reaching over a million people weekly through Pastor Thompson's television program, “The Truth,” public records and court documents indicate legal challenges.
Court records show that the church and Pastor Thompson have faced two negligence lawsuits, a contract dispute and a complaint involving a minor since 2017, the Roys Report adds.
The pastor, who founded the church in 2003 and also leads a community of pastors and church leaders, has written books on relationships, including “Real Love Dating” and “Real Love Marriage.”
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