Michael Wayne Thompson, the son of the late Van Thompson Jr. and the late Dorothy Thompson, was born January 8, 1965 in Washington, DC. He graduated rom Hugh M. Cummings High School in 1983.

Michael was saved and became a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ at the age of 17, under Rev. C. L. Thompson. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp where he served four years.

Michael married the former Tracy Lambert in March of 1986. They have two children, Michael M. thompson and Portia C, Thompson and two grandchildren, Jah'san M. Thompson and Jámeer Thompson.

Michael preached his initial sermon in December of 2000 at Arches Grove United Church of Christ. Michael served as Associate Pastor and taught Bible Study. He was trained in several areas of ministry for the next seven years under the leadership of Reverend William H, Carr.

In 2003, Michael completed his studies with Alpha Ministries under the leadership of Reverend Major McNair and Marie McNair. He continued his religious education by attending classes through Eastern North Carolina Association. He served on the Board of Directors for the ENCA for two years. He graduated from Alamance Community College on July 13, 2007 with a Bachlors degree in Religious Studies and a Minor in Sociology from Elon University in May 2010.

In July 2008, Michael received affirmation to become the Pastor-Elect of Arches Grove United Church of Christ in Burlington, North Carolina. He was officially installed as Pastor and Teacher of Arches Grove on August 9, 2009.

Michael has continued to devote his life to his ministry, teaching and preaching the Word of God to all those who are willing to listen and learn. He leads by example, following the Word of God and devoting himself to prayer and continually studying that the Word of God shall show not only through his ministry, but through his life's actions.

Michael has aligned himself with other ministries to help bring the Word to the lost, as well as to raise ministers up from within his own congregation.

On Saturday November 20, 2021 Rev. Michael Thompson received his Honorary Doctor Degree from the Arize Institute of The Five Fold Ministry in Divinity.