Adapted from a Trinity School for Ministry announcement
The Rev. Henry L. “Laurie” Thompson III, who has served as interim dean and president of Trinity School for Ministry since May 2015, is now its seventh dean and president.
Trinity’s board appointed him unanimously on Dec. 6. The school plans to install Thompson formally in early February, but the appointment is effective immediately.
“After observing Laurie’s capable leadership as interim dean/president over the past six months, the board is confident that Laurie is God’s man for Trinity in this season,” said Douglas Wicker, chairman of Trinity’s board. “Many of the faculty and staff have also expressed their confidence in and support of Laurie’s leadership in this role.”
Trinity began an international search for a new dean and president when the Very Rev. Dr. Justyn Terry, Trinity’s sixth dean and president, announced his plan to return to England.
Thompson was appointed as an interim leader to keep the affairs of the school running smoothly while the search for a permanent leader continued. Shortly after that appointment, many board members began to ask if the Holy Spirit was guiding them to install Thompson as the next dean and president.
“Every prayerful moment in the recent months has confirmed in my heart and mind that God is calling me to this ministry, and I am thrilled and honored to accept this appointment,” Thompson said. “The world of theological education is shifting, and Trinity is at the forefront of transforming the way Christian leaders are trained for mission. I am so excited to be a part of it.”
Thompson came to Trinity in 1997 after spending 19 years in parish ministry. He has led the Doctor of Ministry program since 2001 and has served as dean of administration and most recently as dean of advancement. He played an important role in Trinity’s “Reach for the Harvest” campaign, which raised $15.4 million for various strategic initiatives. He is married to Mary W. Thompson and they have three grown children and 9 grandchildren.
Trinity School for Ministry is an evangelical seminary in the Anglican tradition. Founded in 1976, the seminary has trained more than 1,200 graduates who serve in ministries across the world.
