The Central California Conference is pleased to welcome Pastor Joshua Thompson as the Associate Pastor for the Arroyo Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church and the San Luis Obispo Seventh-day Adventist Church, effective this January. Thompson, originally from Modesto, brings a diverse background in pastoral service, having previously served at Crosswalk Church in the Southeastern California Conference.
“Long before I sensed my own calling, I was fortunate to have mentors who saw in me what I didn’t yet see in myself,” Thompson said. “They gave me gentle nudges in the right direction, and God worked through them until I had the confidence to believe He could use me.”
Thompson’s journey includes a tenure in the Central California Conference from 2009 to 2016. He returned to the area after serving at Loma Linda University and Crosswalk Church. Now, he looks forward to building connections in his new congregations and fostering a spirit of unity.
“My wife and I have been married for over 16 years, and we have a three-year-old son, Lyric,” Thompson said. “They’re gifts from God—my greatest blessings. Family is everything, and I’m excited that my church family here is so welcoming and loving.”
Thompson describes both the Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo churches as caring communities. “They’ve embraced me as one of their own. They understand I don’t have all the answers, and that we’re all dependent on the Holy Spirit. It’s a beautiful expression of grace and compassion.”
Thompson’s vision for ministry is rooted in authentic relationships and spiritual growth. “I can’t imagine doing anything else,” he said. “This is where God brings me joy, and I’m grateful to be walking this journey with such a wonderful church family.”
Written by Justin Kim