Larry Lee Thomas was born September 30, 1952 in Annapolis to Helen Eleanor Thomas and Felton Robinson, who was the instrument of his conception but whom he has never met. Helen Thomas raised Larry Lee in a loving and caring environment alongside siblings Claudia (deceased), Charles, Laverne, Reginald, Brenda, Beverly and Carol.  His aunts, uncles and cousins, who are like sisters and brothers, were all key figures in his life.  Later on, sisters Connie, Helen and Rosemary became part of Larry Lee’s life as well.

Bishop Larry Lee Thomas, Sr. is a lifetime resident of Anne Arundel County. He attended Anne Arundel County public school and graduated in 1970 from Arundel Senior High School. He was a proper child who loved sports, games and learning. He loved strategic games and competition, always looking for a better or greater way to achieve a goal or a task. From his early years, he sought to find a way to win. This inward drive helped him in his life accomplishments. He found out early in life that he was born with a purpose and God’s Hand was upon him.

He attended Morgan State College and Anne Arundel Community College to pursue a degree in Administration and Special Education, but did not graduate because he heard the call of God.   As Bishop Thomas pursued the call of God he sought the Lord concerning where he could go to be empowered and equipped. He attended The Urban Alternative (TUA) Conference in Dallas Texas for 14years.  He received certification in Pastoral Studies, Christian Counseling, Leadership, Worship, Outreach, Christian Education, Theology and other classes to help him in ministry. Bishop Thomas attended many classes and workshops throughout Maryland to equip himself. He received his doctorate of Divinity from Redeem Bible Institute.  He has become a conference facilitator, teacher, preacher, and flows in the Fivefold Ministry. He travels internationally to Africa and the Caribbean.  Bishop Thomas’s gifts have truly made room for him.

On July 22, 1978, he married the rib from his side, Belinda Tarnise Murray.  He is the father of 5 children: Ron, Shawn, Sara, Tireena and Larry Lee, Jr. and the proud Pop-Pop of ten grandchildren:  Jilleane, Jalen, Justin, Joshua, Darrin, Julian, Zycarra, Mekhi, Tycarra, Liam and Chase.  He has the greatest love and respect for all his children and their accomplishments.  God has blessed him with a beautiful wife who is his friend and support and who has helped shape and bless his life. She is an encourager and has allowed God to use him to the fullest as a husband and father for 37 years, in ministry for 35 years and as a Pastor for 25 years. 

In March 1979, he was filled with the Holy Ghost. His early Christian experience began at John Wesley United Methodist Church; Mount Calvary United Methodist, Beacon Light Sabbath, and various other churches. It was at St. James Church of the Apostolic Church that he gained a strong biblical foundation and began pursuing a life of holiness and sanctification, being baptized in Jesus’ name. In 1981, he was ordained as an Elder.  He became Assistant Pastor four years later, and then was promoted to Pastor in 1991.  In 1999, he became Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the General Assemblies of the St. James Churches, Apostolic.  God’s hand has been upon him to become “A Voice Crying in the Wilderness.”   In 2013, Bishop Larry Lee Thomas, Sr. was commissioned as an Apostle.

Bishop Thomas has HELPED DEVELOP A GREAT NUMBER OF MINISTRIES THAT IMPACT THE FAMILY. His love for youth and young people has allowed him to reach beyond the church walls, participating in the community, building relationships and ensuring that the church has a presence in every area of our lives.  He serves on many boards to achieve those goals, such as Maryland Mentoring Partnership, Church Mentoring Initiative, and Healthcare for All, Anne Arundel County Conquer Cancer Advisory Council, North Arundel Hospital Cancer Board, Smoke Free Maryland, and Guidance Council of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. He served as President of the United Black Clergy for 12 years; as an officer in the Apostolic Ministerial Alliance, North County Christian Clergy; and a member of Churches United for Christ Cluster. God has allowed Bishop Thomas to achieve great success in bringing Pastors and Clergy together.  Bishop Thomas was also appointed by County Executive John Leopold to serve on The Clergy Advisory Board.  Bishop Thomas has also served as President of The Board for The Community Action Agency.  He was appointed by Governor for The Cease Fire Council. He has received numerous awards and Citations from many different organizations. He won the Lifetime Mentor Award from Volunteer Center in 2013.  He also received his Lifetime Membership Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); in addition he also received the NAACP Freedom Fund Award.  Both awards from the NAACP were received in 2014.