How did you get into what you do? Essentially, God ran me down. I tried for years to run around the bases of a baseball career until one day the greatest pitcher of all time stood in front of me and said, "I want you to come be my catcher in the church." And now, when I think about it, being a pastor and serving the church has been much like that of being a catcher- with some high heat one pitch, a change up or curveball the next, strategic plans, preparations for teaching and worship leadership, communication, etc. Perhaps this is the reason why one of the most impactful scripture verses for me comes from Paul's final words to Timothy when he says, "I have run the race, fought the fight, and kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Favorite aspect of your job? To narrow down to a favorite is difficult for me, as many aspects of my call to serve as a pastor come with the acceptance that I could be doing many things that need to be done verses things I enjoy doing. However, helping others and teaching are the two aspects of ministry I favor most. And the best place to embody both of these is around the table (the Lord's Table as well as the dining table) breaking bread in fellowship with others and using that time to build one another up and grow.

Names of Family/pets? Family is a big idea in our house, as we consider all community friends and blood relatives to be family. As for those who live in our home, my beautiful and talented and witty wife, Barrett, is the COO of the Thompson household. We claim four fantastic kids of our own, Ella Grace (12), Luke (11), Noah (9), and Tanner (2.5), as well as welcome with open hearts, pantry, and refrigerator, a revolving pot of neighborhood kids and church youth. We also have three adorable dogs named Auggie, Griffey, and Minnie, all of the Havanese Aussie breed.

Hobbies outside of work? I love to cook, and it doesn't matter whether it is for 2 or 200. Barrett has referred to me as a pantry cook, able to make something out of what seems to be nothing, but mostly I just love to create. Why? Because I also love to eat. Good food is a treat and my greatest vice. I enjoy the culture of restaurants, trying new cuisines, and the joy of tasty something that makes the mouth sing and tummy full. 

Random Fact? 2 Things... I have been skydiving (Tuscon, AZ) and I have never had a cavity.