Rev. Brandon L. Thornton
A.K.A. “Pastor B”
The Rev. Brandon Lamar Thornton, serves as the 29th Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mobile, Alabama. He was appointed by Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr. on November 17, 2024, during the Planning Meeting of the Southwest Alabama Annual Conference and began his pastorate on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
A native of Buena Vista, Georgia, Rev. Thornton is the son of Ellis Thornton and the late Gwendolyn Thornton. He is a proud graduate of Marion County High School and answered God’s call to preach the Gospel in 2012. Since then, his ministry has been centered on faithfully proclaiming the Word of God, developing Christian leaders, and strengthening the ministry and mission of the local church.
Rev. Thornton earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University, a Bachelor of Arts in Music Production from Full Sail University, and a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary. His professional experience includes service as a Multimedia Producer at Columbus Technical College, a Financial Analyst with Regions Bank, and Deputy Coroner for Russell County, Alabama, experiences that have equipped him with strengths in leadership, communication, administration, and financial stewardship.
After being licensed to preach and admitted to the Northeast Alabama Annual Conference in 2012, Rev. Thornton was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 2016 and an Itinerant Elder in 2019. He has faithfully served Allen Temple AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama; St. Paul AME Church in Hurtsboro, Alabama; Bethel AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama; and now Bethel AME Church in Mobile.
Since arriving at Bethel, Rev. Thornton has led the congregation under the ministry vision, “We’re ALL IN!”—a call to move from maintenance to ministry and mission. His leadership emphasizes biblical preaching, intentional discipleship, faithful stewardship, leadership development, community engagement, and organizational excellence. Under this vision, the church continues to strengthen its ministries, expand its outreach, enhance worship, and faithfully serve the Mobile community while honoring its rich history.
Beyond the local church, Rev. Thornton serves as President of the Ninth Episcopal District Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC), a member of the Ninth Episcopal District Finance Commission, and a member of the Board of Examiners for the Southwest Alabama Annual Conference. Through these district and episcopal appointments, he remains committed to equipping leaders and advancing the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. Thornton is a gifted musician and visionary leader who believes that every church is called to be spiritually vibrant, biblically grounded, mission-focused, and actively engaged in its community. He is committed to leading with integrity, serving with humility, and helping people grow into fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
He is married to Leading Lady Shandra Thornton, whom he met at Gaines Chapel AME Church in Phenix City, Alabama. Together they share a passion for serving God’s people and advancing the Kingdom of God through the ministry of the Church.
His Life Scripture is:
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KJV)
