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, is set to pay his ex-wife, Dequilla LaShawn Thompson, $12,000 per month in alimony following their divorce. The couple’s legal separation, which occurred in March 2023, culminated in a finalized divorce on July 1, ending their 33-year marriage.

According to divorce documents obtained by The Roys Report, the divorce settlement includes a significant financial agreement in which Pastor Thompson will pay a total of $1.3 million in alimony over nine years, amounting to $12,000 monthly. This agreement reflects the substantial assets and lifestyle the Thompsons enjoyed during their decades-long marriage, including a residence valued at $2.8 million.

While the financial terms may seem surprising, they underscore the often complex and difficult nature of divorce settlements, particularly when high-profile individuals 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 accompany divorce.

As part of the divorce settlement, Pastor Thompson will retain the couple’s sprawling 58-acre property on Lolly Lane in Mebane, located just north of their current residence. The property is a significant asset, reflecting the wealth accumulated during the pastor’s successful tenure at World Overcomers Christian Church. However, the settlement stipulates that when the property is eventually sold, Dequilla Thompson will receive a relatively modest $50,000 from the sale.

The couple’s primary residence, a 14,000-square-foot mansion, is another focal point of the settlement. Zillow values the mansion at approximately $2.8 million, and it boasts luxurious features such as a gym, theatre 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 deed to Restore Community Development in 2021, with no money exchanged in the transaction. This transfer reflects the interconnected nature of the Thompsons’ assets and the church’s financial activities, a common scenario among high-profile ministry leaders.

In addition to the primary residence, the Thompsons owned a rental house in Rocky Mount, valued at approximately $154,000, which was awarded to Dequilla Thompson in the settlement. Meanwhile, Pastor Thompson took 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 substantial wealth accumulated by the Thompsons, as reflected in their property and asset holdings, raises questions about the role of financial stewardship in ministry. Pastor Thompson’s lifestyle, which includes luxury vehicles and a multi-million-dollar home, is in stark contrast to the more modest living standards many expect from spiritual leaders. This disparity 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 impact over a million people weekly through Pastor Thompson’s television program “The Truth.” However, despite its outward success, the church has not been without its challenges.

Public records and court documents reveal 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 involving a minor. These legal issues, though separate from the divorce, contribute to the complex narrative surrounding Pastor Thompson’s ministry and personal life.

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

As Pastor Thompson and his ex-wife move forward from their divorce, the Christian community is left to reflect on the broader implications of this case. It highlights the importance of integrity, accountability, and transparency in ministry, particularly in the management of personal and church-related finances.

Moreover, the situation underscores the need for compassion and understanding within the church when leaders face personal crises. While the financial aspects of the divorce settlement are certainly noteworthy, they should not overshadow the human element of this story—the end of a 33-year marriage and the personal toll it undoubtedly took on both individuals.

As the congregation at World Overcomers Christian Church continues to support Pastor Thompson, it will be essential 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 ministry efforts.

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