Pastor of a megachurch must pay $12,000 a month in child support after more than 30 years of marriage

Adobe Stock | Inset: Pastor Andy Thompson / Facebook

In a development that has caught the attention of many within the Christian community, Pastor Gilbert Andre Thompson, Jr., widely known as “Pastor Andy,” who leads the 15,000-member World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, North Carolina, must pay his ex-wife Dequilla LaShawn Thompson $12,000 a month in child support following their divorce. The couple's legal separation, which took place in March 2023, culminated in a final divorce on July 1, ending their 33-year marriage.

According to divorce documents obtained by The Roys Report, the divorce settlement includes a key financial agreement that will see Pastor Thompson pay a total of $1.3 million in alimony over nine years, which equates to $12,000 per month. This agreement reflects the substantial wealth and lifestyle the Thompsons enjoyed during their decades-long marriage, including a $2.8 million home.

While the financial terms may seem surprising, they underscore the often complex and difficult nature of divorce settlements, especially when prominent figures like Pastor Thompson are involved. Despite his influential role as a spiritual leader, this settlement reminds us that even those in positions of great authority and respect within the Christian community are not immune to the personal and legal challenges that come with divorce.

As part of the divorce settlement, Pastor Thompson will keep the couple's sprawling 58-acre estate on Lolly Lane in Mebane, which is north of their current residence. The property is a significant asset and reflects the wealth the pastor has amassed during his successful tenure at World Overcomers Christian Church. However, the agreement stipulates that if the property is eventually sold, Dequilla Thompson will receive a relatively modest $50,000 from the sale.

The couple's primary residence, a 1,300-square-foot mansion, is another central point of the agreement. Zillow estimates the mansion's value at about $2.8 million, and it has luxury features like a gym, theater seating, an infinity pool, and a hot tub. The property's history is notable; the megachurch purchased it from 2020 Properties LLC in 2018 for $1.53 million and later transferred the title deed to Restore Community Development in 2021, with no money exchanged in the transaction. This transfer reflects the intertwining of the Thompsons' assets and the church's financial activities, a common scenario among high-ranking church leaders.

In addition to the primary residence, the Thompsons owned a rental home in Rocky Mount valued at approximately $154,000, which was awarded to Dequilla Thompson as part of the settlement. Meanwhile, Pastor Thompson assumed responsibility for a $25,602 IRS debt and retained ownership of several vehicles, including a 2021 Kia Forte, a 2024 Kia ​​Seltos, a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, a 2013 Cadillac STS, and his personal Ford F-150.

The considerable wealth the Thompsons have amassed, as reflected in their real estate and assets, raises questions about the role of financial management in ministry. Pastor Thompson's lifestyle, which includes luxury cars and a multi-million dollar home, stands in stark contrast to the more modest standard of living many expect of spiritual leaders. This discrepancy has led to broader discussions within the Christian community about the relationship between wealth and ministry, particularly in the context of megachurches.

World Overcomers Christian Church, which Pastor Thompson founded in 2003, has grown rapidly and is considered one of the fastest growing churches in America. The church claims to reach over a million people weekly through Pastor Thompson's television program, The Truth. Despite its outward success, however, the church has not been without challenges.

Public records and court documents show that the church and Pastor Thompson have faced several legal challenges in recent years. Since 2017, the church has been involved in two negligence lawsuits, a contract dispute and a complaint against a minor. These legal issues, while unrelated to the divorce, add to the complex narrative surrounding Pastor Thompson's ministry and personal life.

The legal challenges and high profile the divorce settlement attracted have inevitably drawn public attention. For many, these events are a sobering reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by those in positions of spiritual leadership. The intersection of personal and professional lives can be particularly challenging for pastors, whose lives are often in the public eye.

As Pastor Thompson and his ex-wife emerge from their divorce, the Christian community must consider the wider implications of this case. It underscores the importance of integrity, accountability and transparency in ministry, especially in the management of personal and church-related finances.

Furthermore, the situation underscores the importance of compassion and understanding within the church when leaders face personal crises. While the financial aspects of the divorce settlement are certainly notable, they should not overshadow the human aspect of this story – the end of a 33-year marriage and the personal toll it undoubtedly took on both partners.

As the World Overcomers Christian Church congregation continues to support Pastor Thompson, it is critical for the church to maintain its focus on spiritual growth and community impact. The lessons learned from this situation can serve as a guide for how the church navigates future challenges, both within its leadership and in its broader pastoral care efforts.

Pastor Andy Thompson's divorce and related financial settlement are important chapters in the life of a prominent Christian leader. They remind us that even those who lead others spiritually are not immune to life's personal challenges, and they call the Christian community to respond with grace, understanding, and a renewed commitment to integrity and responsibility in all aspects of ministry.