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{{for|the wrestling promotion|House of Glory}}
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⚫ {{short description|American clergyman}}
{{Article for deletion/dated|page=Robb Thompson|timestamp=20110417133119|year=2011|month=April|day=17|substed=yes}}
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{{BLP sources|date=April 2011}}
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{{BLP primary sources|date=February 2015|section Career and aspirations}}
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{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
|name =Robb Thompson | name = Robb Thompson
|image =Robb Thompson cropped.jpg | image = Robb Thompson cropped.jpg
|image_size =160px | image_size =
|caption = | caption =
|alt = photograph | alt = photograph
|birth_name = | birth_name =
|birth_date = | birth_date = April 1953
|birth_place = | birth_place = ]
|death_date = | death_date =
|death_place = | death_place =
⚫ | other_names =
|residence =
| occupation = ] <br> ] <br> ]
⚫ |other_names =
|occupation = | known for =
| spouse = Linda Thompson
|known for =
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'''Robert D. Thompson''' (born April 1953)<ref name=sp>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/07/19/spirituality-12/|title=Spirituality: Seeking new meaning in life|newspaper=]|author=Blaine, Rick|date=1992-07-19|page=3|access-date=2009-03-03}}</ref> is the founder and president of Family Harvest International, a worldwide network of ]. He is the founder of Family Harvest Church in ],<ref name=dh>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=125804063784D078&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Your Faith|date=2009-01-03|work=]|location=]|page=4|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> a ] diverse church with over 4,000 members.<ref name=star/><ref name="nl.newsbank.com">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10994C45F298B6BD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Stone Church eyes move to Orland|author=Lavoie, Dan|work=The Star|publisher=]|location=]|date=2005-01-30|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref>


'''Robert "Robb" D. Thompson''' (also '''"Rob"'''; born in April 1953)<ref name=sp/><ref name=fwst/> is the ] and ] of Family Harvest International, a network of ] with locations around the world.<ref name=ct1>{{cite news|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-06-24/news/0406240205_1_gospel-chicago-housing-authority-bible|date=2004-06-24|title=Rev. James E. Watson, 53: Love of gospel powered pastor's Harvey church|publisher='']''|page=10|author=Sherlock, Barbara|accessdate=2011-04-15}}</ref> and founder and ] of Family Harvest Church in ],<ref name=dh/>.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Thompson grew up in ] where he was raised a ] and worked for ] for the majority of his early adulthood.<ref name=sp>{{cite news|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24429952.html?dids=24429952:24429952&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+19%2C+1992&author=Rick+Blaine.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=SPIRITUALITY+Seeking+new+meaning+in+life&pqatl=google|title=Spirituality: Seeking new meaning in life|publisher='']''|author=Blaine, Rick|date=1992-07-19|page=3|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref><ref name=joy/> He moved to ], where he sought "practical answers to life's problems and a real personal relationship with ]", and began considering other ]s.<ref name=sp/> He stated that he had a ] experience on October 28, 1975 where he was "unplugged and reengineered and then plugged in again to Christ" and became a ] for several years.<ref name=sr>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=DzfhKasS6JwC&pg=PA52|title=Solitary Refinement: Finding and Making the Most of Time by Yourself (The Hidden Power of Being Alone)|author=Thompson, Robb D.|publisher=]|isbn=9781599510293|page=52|location=]|oclc=190760622|year=2007|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref><ref name=sp/> Thompson grew up in ] where he was raised a ] and worked for ] for the majority of his early adulthood.<ref name=sp/><ref name=joy/> He moved to ], where he sought "practical answers to life's problems and a real personal relationship with ]", and began considering other ]s.<ref name=sp/> He stated that he had a ] experience on October 28, 1975, where he was "unplugged and reengineered and then plugged in again to Christ" and became a ] for several years.<ref name=sp/><ref name=sr>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DzfhKasS6JwC&pg=PA52|title=Solitary Refinement: Finding and Making the Most of Time by Yourself (The Hidden Power of Being Alone)|author=Thompson, Robb D.|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-59951-029-3|page=52|location=]|oclc=190760622|year=2007|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>


Thompson earned his ] from ], an ]<ref>{{cite web|title=LCU Accreditation|url=http://lcus.edu/accreditation.php|publisher=Life Christian University|accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref> based in ]. Thompson was given an honorary ] from ], an ]<ref>{{cite web|title=LCU Accreditation|url=http://lcus.edu/accreditation.php|publisher=Life Christian University|accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref> and ], based in ].


==Church leadership== ==Church leadership==
As an ],<ref name=cst/> Thompson founded ] in 1983,<ref name=joy>{{cite news|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24286920.xml?dids=24286920:24286920&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+16%2C+1993&author=Elizabeth+Williamson.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=MAKE+A+JOYFUL+NOISE+Church+music+strikes+a+responsive+chord+Congregations+lift+their+voices+in+song+that's+in+harmony+with+our+ever-changing+culture&pqatl=google|date=1993-05-16|title=Make a Joyful Noise: Church music strikes a responsive chord: Congregations lift their voices in song that's in harmony with our ever-changing culture|publisher='']''|page=3|author=Williamson, Elizabeth|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> which later grew into a large worship center.<ref name=y2k/> He remained the pastor of ] through the late 1990s.<ref name=y2k>{{cite news|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/37088603.html?dids=37088603:37088603&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+14%2C+1998&author=David+Mendell%2C+Tribune+Staff+Writer.+Freelance+writer+Pat+Harper+contributed+to+this+report.&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=HIT+BY+THE+MILLENNIUM+BUG+PESSIMISTS+BRACE+FOR+A+COMPUTER-DRIVEN+CATACLYSM&pqatl=google|title=Hit by the Millennium Bug: Pessimists Brace for a Computer-Driven Cataclysm|publisher='']''|author=Mendell, David, and Harper, Pat|date=1998-12-14|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> He also pastored the ] church in the 1980s, in ],<ref name=cst>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB36D2ECEC6108F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Halloween stirs a devil of a fuss: Churches join parent protest of 'evil'|author=Herrmann, Andrew|date=1986-10-30|publisher='']''|page=52|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> and held regular Bible study groups. It was during these study groups in 1989 where the name "Family Harvest" was conceived.<ref name=star/> As an ],<ref name=cst/> Thompson founded Midwest Christian Center in 1983,<ref name=joy>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24286920.xml?dids=24286920:24286920&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+16%2C+1993&author=Elizabeth+Williamson.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=MAKE+A+JOYFUL+NOISE+Church+music+strikes+a+responsive+chord+Congregations+lift+their+voices+in+song+that%27s+in+harmony+with+our+ever-changing+culture&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131202144932/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24286920.xml?dids=24286920:24286920&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+16,+1993&author=Elizabeth+Williamson.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=MAKE+A+JOYFUL+NOISE+Church+music+strikes+a+responsive+chord+Congregations+lift+their+voices+in+song+that's+in+harmony+with+our+ever-changing+culture&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 2, 2013|date=1993-05-16|title=Make a Joyful Noise: Church music strikes a responsive chord: Congregations lift their voices in song that's in harmony with our ever-changing culture|newspaper=]|page=3|author=Williamson, Elizabeth|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> which later grew into a large worship center.<ref name=y2k/> He remained the pastor of the center through the late 1990s.<ref name=y2k>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/12/14/hit-by-the-millennium-bug/|title=Hit by the Millennium Bug: Pessimists Brace for a Computer-Driven Cataclysm|newspaper=]|author1=Mendell, David |author2=Harper, Pat |name-list-style=amp |date=1998-12-14|access-date=2009-03-03}}</ref> He also pastored the House of Glory church in the 1980s, in ],<ref name=cst>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB36D2ECEC6108F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Halloween stirs a devil of a fuss: Churches join parent protest of 'evil'|author=Herrmann, Andrew|date=1986-10-30|newspaper=]|page=52|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> and held regular Bible study groups. It was during these study groups in 1999 where the name "Family Harvest" was conceived.<ref name=star/>


Thompson is currently the ]<ref name=prn/> of the ] Family Harvest Church<ref name=rpj>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30810419_ITM|title=Former Illini basketball player encourages teens to have a purpose of faith in life|work=]|location=]|date=2007-05-19|author=Smith, Sheila|publisher=]-Tribune Information Services|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> in ],<ref name=ct1/> a member of the Family Harvest International network. Family Harvest Church, which can hold over 3,000 congregants in one service,<ref name="nl.newsbank.com">{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10994C45F298B6BD&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Stone Church eyes move to Orland|author=Lavoie, Dan|work=The Star|publisher=]|location=]|date=2005-01-30|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref> has been called a ], noted for its theater chairs, projection screens, polished singing performances, stage lighting, amplified sound, and TV and web shows.<ref name=star>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11388027A2E7B310&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Choices, choices|author=Fulka, Rena|work=The Star|date=2006-08-06|publisher=]|location=]|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> In 2004, the church had nearly $10 million in ].<ref name=spt04/> Thompson is the founder <ref name=prn>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34130723_ITM|title='Solitary Refinement': Chicago Pastor Shows Readers How to Utilize Their Time in New Book|work=] Association, L.L.C.|date=2008-03-10|location=]|author=Newton, Stephanie|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> of the ] Family Harvest Church<ref name=rpj>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-30810419_ITM|title=Former Illini basketball player encourages teens to have a purpose of faith in life|work=]|location=]|date=2007-05-19|author=Smith, Sheila|publisher=]-Tribune Information Services|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> in ],<ref name=ct1>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/06/24/rev-james-e-watson-53/|date=2004-06-24|title=Rev. James E. Watson, 53: Love of gospel powered pastor's Harvey church|newspaper=]|page=10|author=Sherlock, Barbara|access-date=2011-04-15}}</ref> a member of the Family Harvest International network. Family Harvest Church, which can hold over 3,000 congregants in one service,<ref name="nl.newsbank.com"/> has been called a ], noted for its theater chairs, projection screens, polished singing performances, stage lighting, amplified sound, and TV and web shows.<ref name=star>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11388027A2E7B310&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Choices, choices|author=Fulka, Rena|work=The Star|date=2006-08-06|publisher=]|location=]|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> In 2004, the church had nearly $10 million in ].<ref name=spt04>{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/30/Hillsborough/Buyers_shun_Living_Wa.shtml|title=Buyers shun Living Water property|author=Testerman, Jeff|date=2004-04-30|work=]|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref>


==Church activities== ==Church activities==
In 1986, in an effort to promote that ] is "historically evil" and harmful to children, Thompson's church scheduled a "] Party" in its place on October 31. The church has made it an annual ] ever since.<ref name=cst/> In 1986, in an effort to promote that ] is "historically evil" and harmful to children, Thompson's church scheduled a "] Party" in its place on October 31. The church has made it an annual tradition ever since.<ref name=cst/>


Thompson preached regularly about the risk of a "] ]" during 1998, relating it to his published interpretation of the ].<ref name=y2k/> In 1999, ministers continued to recommend stocking up for potential crisis. On January 2, 2000, with Y2K essentially a nonevent, the pastor's message was about not letting go of one's preparations; but many locals had already returned ] and ]s the day before.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/47601729.xml?dids=47601729:47601729&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+03%2C+2000&author=Ray+Gibson+and+David+Heinzmann%2C+Tribune+Staff+Writers&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=STOCKPILES+OF+Y2K+GEAR+HEAD+BACK+TO+THE+STORES&pqatl=google|date=2000-01-03|accessdate=2009-03-20|author=Gibson, Ray; Heinzmann, David|work=]|location=], ]|title=Stockpiles of Y2K Gear Head Back to the Stores}}</ref> Family Harvest Church's ministers preached regularly about the risk of a "] ]" during 1998, relating it to Thompson's published interpretation of the ].<ref name=y2k/> On January 2, 2000, with Y2K essentially a nonevent, pastor Rev. Doug Boettcher's message was about not letting go of one's preparations, urging members of the Family Harvest Church to be prepared "for any kind of natural disaster" and to help their neighbors in such a situation; but many locals had already returned ]s and ]s the day before.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2000/01/03/stockpiles-of-y2k-gear-head-back-to-the-stores/|date=2000-01-03|access-date=2010-04-27|author1=Gibson, Ray |author2=Heinzmann, David |work=]|location=], ]|title=Stockpiles of Y2K Gear Head Back to the Stores}}</ref>


In 2005, Family Harvest Church opposed Tinley Park's decision to zone an ] facility, as destructive of local ideals.<ref name=star05>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10B559669B48CD60&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|work=The Star|publisher=]|location=]|date=2005-06-23|accessdate=2009-03-20|author=Enigk, Erica|title=Tinley Park: OTB passes final hurdle}}</ref> In 2005, Family Harvest Church opposed Tinley Park's decision to zone an ] facility, as destructive of local ideals.<ref name=star05>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10B559669B48CD60&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|work=The Star|publisher=]|location=]|date=2005-06-23|accessdate=2009-03-20|author=Enigk, Erica|title=Tinley Park: OTB passes final hurdle}}</ref>


For ] 2005, Thompson arranged the ] of over 100,000 articles of clothing, toys, and other goods to ], a ] ] run by ] ] that is claimed to be the biggest ] in ].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Lloyd|first=John|title=The Riches of Heaven|journal=] Weekend magazine|date=25|year=2008|month=October}}</ref> The items were distributed to displaced persons' camps and ]s in northern ].<ref name=ugandapastor>{{cite news|url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/472751|title=Kayanja aids northern children|work=New Vision|location=Uganda|date=2005-12-24|accessdate=2009-03-20|author=Nakagwa, Flavia}}</ref> Pastor Kayanja considers that blessing children with gifts is a start toward breaking a perceived "generational ]" in Uganda.<ref name=ugandapastor /> For ] 2005, Thompson arranged the donation of over 100,000 articles of clothing, toys, and other goods to ], a ] cathedral run by ] ] that is claimed to be the biggest auditorium in ].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Lloyd|first=John|title=The Riches of Heaven|journal=Financial Times Weekend Magazine|date=25 October 2008}}</ref> The items were distributed to displaced persons' camps and ]s in northern Uganda.<ref name=ugandapastor>{{cite news|url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/472751|title=Kayanja aids northern children|work=New Vision|location=Uganda|date=2005-12-24|accessdate=2009-03-20|author=Nakagwa, Flavia|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218105830/http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/472751|archivedate=2012-02-18}}</ref>


In 2009, Thompson founded "City Harvest", a Family Harvest Church ] in northwest ] Chicago.<ref name=dh>{{cite news|http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADHB&p_theme=adhb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=125804063784D078&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=Your Faith|date=2009-01-03|work=]|location=]|page=4|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> In 2009, Thompson founded "City Harvest", a Family Harvest Church ] in northwest suburban Chicago.<ref name="dh"/>


In early 2011, the Robb Thompson Ministries hosted the "Dancing for the Stars" dinner-dance ] event in ]. The proceeds of the event were to go to ] around the world and to funding Family Harvest's global missions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charity Briefs|url=http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/lifestyles/4268951-423/charity-briefs.html|publisher=], a ] publication|accessdate=26 April 2011}}</ref> Over 400 attended the event which helped raise $25,000.<ref name=Tinley1>{{cite web|last=Tinley Junction Staff|title=Church's dancing event raises funds for less fortunate|url=http://www.tinleyjunction.com/Articles-c-2011-04-07-219605.114133-Churchs-dancing-event-raises-funds-for-less-fortunate.html|publisher=The Tinley Junction|accessdate=26 April 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725233606/http://www.tinleyjunction.com/Articles-c-2011-04-07-219605.114133-Churchs-dancing-event-raises-funds-for-less-fortunate.html|archivedate=25 July 2012}}</ref> With these funds, two medical and dental trips are being organized in 2011, to the ] in ] and later to ], where children, orphans and adults will be offered free medical and dental ] and treatment.<ref name=Tinley1/> The ministries also announced that a portion of the funds will be ] to help ] after the ].<ref name=Tinley1/>
==Speaking and networking==
In addition to his ] duties at Family Harvest Church, Thompson is also a ],<ref name=fwst/> a ] and ] around ] and other continents (], ] and ])<ref name=co>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CO&s_site=charlotte&p_multi=CO&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F582785718ABD9A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|publisher='']''|date=2002-08-18|title=Services, Guest Speakers|author=Religion News|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> and a ] to many business and ] leaders.<ref name=prn/>


==International College of Excellence==
Thompson served as benefactor to the Living Water Church in ], along with its pastor Ronald Clark.<ref name=spt04>{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/30/Hillsborough/Buyers_shun_Living_Wa.shtml|title=Buyers shun Living Water property|author=Testerman, Jeff|date=2004-04-30|work=]|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref> When the church was troubled by impending bankruptcy in 2003, Family Harvest donated pastoral services, finances, and the use of its name (sustaining the congregation for a year<ref name=spt06/> until its property was resold);<ref name=spt04/> hired Clark temporarily, until the two mutually agreed to part due to publicity;<ref name=spt06>{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/06/10/Hillsborough/New_bidder_steps_in_f.shtml|title=New bidder steps in for troubled church|author=Testerman, Jeff|date=2004-06-10|work=]|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref> and even considered buying the Living Water property.<ref name=spt04/>
Robb Thompson is Founder of the International College of Excellence, a Christian university dedicated to teaching and training of new pastors "to maximize their personal potential and equipping tomorrow's leaders". He serves as the institution's president. The college is headquartered in ], a suburb south of Chicago.{{Citation needed|date=October 2017}}

In late 2004 and up until early 2005, Televangelist ], who calls Thompson one of his friends, was investigated for the possibility of inappropriately using Wisdom Center's funds. Gifts between the two were investigated by the '']''.<ref name=fwst>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7729156_ITM|title=Televangelist Mike Murdock moves financial books behind closed doors|work=]|publisher=Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service|date=2004-12-15|author=Barbee, Darren|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Barbee|first=Darren|title=Televangelist Mike Murdock moves financial books behind closed doors|url=http://www.religionnewsblog.com/9790/televangelist-mike-murdock-moves-financial-books-behind-closed-doors|publisher=Forth Worth Star-Telegram|accessdate=16 April 2011}}</ref>

Thompson was a featured speaker at International Gathering of Champions in ] in 2006 and 2007, along with ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/mega.international.conference.concludes.in.london/7396.htm|work=Christian Today|title=Mega International Conference Concludes in London: The 15th annual International Gathering of Champions (ICOG) conference wrapped up yesterday with a Praise Celebration night at Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in Hackney, London|author=Lee, Courtney|date=2006-08-28|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/international.gathering.of.champions.expects.160000/12570.htm|work=Christian Today|title=International Gathering of Champions Expects 160,000: Thousands of people will gather in East London this month to attend one of the biggest Christian events of the year|author=Donovan, Kevin|date=2007-08-23|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> He also invites speakers from around the world, such as ] and ], to appear at free events at Family Harvest Church<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=STRB&p_theme=strb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=11AD5F5DA16466A0&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|title=News in Religion|work=The Star|publisher=]|location=]|author=Staff|date=2007-07-19|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> on an annual basis.<ref name=star/>

Thompson founded Excellence in Ministry International (or Excellence Ministries International), a global association of ministers<ref name=prn>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34130723_ITM|title='Solitary Refinement': Chicago Pastor Shows Readers How to Utilize Their Time in New Book|work=] Association, L.L.C.|date=2008-03-10|location=]|author=Newton, Stephanie|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref> that shares resources with smaller affiliated churches.<ref name=star/> He now runs the International College of Excellence, a Bible college accredited by the ],<ref name=star/><ref name=school>{{cite news|url=http://www.collegeofexcellence.org/accreditation.html|title=Accreditation|publisher=International College of Excellence|accessdate=2009-03-23}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> an ] ] corporation, and a network including ] institutions and ] worldwide,<ref name=ct1/> such as the ].


==Bibliography== ==Bibliography==
*{{cite audio|title=Marriage God's Way!|people=Thompson, Robb|medium=audiobook|publisher=Midwest Christian Center|oclc=34111558}} *{{cite AV media|title=Marriage God's Way!|people=Thompson, Robb|medium=audiobook|publisher=Midwest Christian Center|oclc=34111558}}
*{{cite book|title=La Decisión Ganadora|author=Thompson, Robb|language=Spanish|publisher=Midwest Christian Center|location=]|year=1998|oclc=60424911}} *{{cite book|title=La Decisión Ganadora|author=Thompson, Robb|language=Spanish|publisher=Midwest Christian Center|location=]|year=1998|oclc=60424911}}
*{{cite audio|title=Why Financial Harvests are Denied|people=Thompson, Robb|medium=audiobook|publisher=Family Harvest Church|location=]|oclc=226246598}} *{{cite AV media|title=Why Financial Harvests are Denied|people=Thompson, Robb|medium=audiobook|publisher=Family Harvest Church|location=]|oclc=226246598}}
*{{cite book|title=Shattered Dreams: What to Do When Your Future Seems Lost|author=Thompson, Robb|publisher=Family Harvest Church|location=]|year=2002|edition=2nd|isbn=9781889723235|oclc=173262672}} *{{cite book|title=Shattered Dreams: What to Do When Your Future Seems Lost|author=Thompson, Robb|publisher=Family Harvest Church|location=]|year=2002|edition=2nd|isbn=978-1-889723-23-5|oclc=173262672}}
*{{cite book|title=Winning the Heart of God|author=Thompson, Robb|publisher=Royal Books|location=]|year=2002|isbn=9780785264873|oclc=53231392}} *{{cite book|title=Winning the Heart of God|author=Thompson, Robb|publisher=Royal Books|location=]|year=2002|isbn=978-0-7852-6487-3|oclc=53231392}}
*{{cite book|title=Solitary Refinement: Finding and Making the Most of Time by Yourself (The Hidden Power of Being Alone)|author=Thompson, Robb D.|publisher=]|isbn=9781599510293|location=]|oclc=190760622|year=2007}} *{{cite book|title=Solitary Refinement: Finding and Making the Most of Time by Yourself (The Hidden Power of Being Alone)|author=Thompson, Robb D.|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-59951-029-3|location=]|oclc=190760622|year=2007}}
*{{cite book|title=The Source of the Secret|author=Mathews, Carole; Newman, Eric; Thompson, Robb; Wehrli, Shad; Dyer, Matthew|language=DVD|publisher=GT Media|location=]|others=Gaiam Americas, ], distributor|year=2008|isbn=9780766236806|oclc=232120746}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
*
* *
*FHC Website:

{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 03:24, 11 September 2024

For the wrestling promotion, see House of Glory. American clergyman
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Robb Thompson
photograph
BornApril 1953
Oak Lawn, Illinois
Occupation(s)Author
Televangelist
Public speaker
SpouseLinda Thompson

Robert D. Thompson (born April 1953) is the founder and president of Family Harvest International, a worldwide network of Christian congregations. He is the founder of Family Harvest Church in Tinley Park, Illinois, a racially diverse church with over 4,000 members.

Early life

Thompson grew up in Oak Lawn, Illinois where he was raised a Roman Catholic and worked for United Parcel Service for the majority of his early adulthood. He moved to Homer Township, Illinois, where he sought "practical answers to life's problems and a real personal relationship with Jesus Christ", and began considering other denominations. He stated that he had a transformative experience on October 28, 1975, where he was "unplugged and reengineered and then plugged in again to Christ" and became a Baptist for several years.

Thompson was given an honorary doctoral degree from Life Christian University, an unaccredited institution and diploma mill, based in Tampa, Florida.

Church leadership

As an ordained minister, Thompson founded Midwest Christian Center in 1983, which later grew into a large worship center. He remained the pastor of the center through the late 1990s. He also pastored the House of Glory church in the 1980s, in Orland Park, Illinois, and held regular Bible study groups. It was during these study groups in 1999 where the name "Family Harvest" was conceived.

Thompson is the founder of the nondenominational Family Harvest Church in Tinley Park, Illinois, a member of the Family Harvest International network. Family Harvest Church, which can hold over 3,000 congregants in one service, has been called a megachurch, noted for its theater chairs, projection screens, polished singing performances, stage lighting, amplified sound, and TV and web shows. In 2004, the church had nearly $10 million in assets.

Church activities

In 1986, in an effort to promote that Halloween is "historically evil" and harmful to children, Thompson's church scheduled a "Hallelujah Party" in its place on October 31. The church has made it an annual tradition ever since.

Family Harvest Church's ministers preached regularly about the risk of a "Y2K apocalypse" during 1998, relating it to Thompson's published interpretation of the Bible. On January 2, 2000, with Y2K essentially a nonevent, pastor Rev. Doug Boettcher's message was about not letting go of one's preparations, urging members of the Family Harvest Church to be prepared "for any kind of natural disaster" and to help their neighbors in such a situation; but many locals had already returned generators and space heaters the day before.

In 2005, Family Harvest Church opposed Tinley Park's decision to zone an off-track betting facility, as destructive of local ideals.

For Christmas 2005, Thompson arranged the donation of over 100,000 articles of clothing, toys, and other goods to Miracle Centre Cathedral, a Ugandan cathedral run by senior pastor Robert Kayanja that is claimed to be the biggest auditorium in East Africa. The items were distributed to displaced persons' camps and orphanages in northern Uganda.

In 2009, Thompson founded "City Harvest", a Family Harvest Church ministry in northwest suburban Chicago.

In early 2011, the Robb Thompson Ministries hosted the "Dancing for the Stars" dinner-dance fundraising event in Orland Hills, Illinois. The proceeds of the event were to go to underprivileged children around the world and to funding Family Harvest's global missions. Over 400 attended the event which helped raise $25,000. With these funds, two medical and dental trips are being organized in 2011, to the Petén Jungle in Guatemala and later to Haiti, where children, orphans and adults will be offered free medical and dental checkups and treatment. The ministries also announced that a portion of the funds will be donated to help Japan after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

International College of Excellence

Robb Thompson is Founder of the International College of Excellence, a Christian university dedicated to teaching and training of new pastors "to maximize their personal potential and equipping tomorrow's leaders". He serves as the institution's president. The college is headquartered in Tinley Park, Illinois, a suburb south of Chicago.

Bibliography

References

  1. ^ Blaine, Rick (1992-07-19). "Spirituality: Seeking new meaning in life". Chicago Tribune. p. 3. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  2. ^ "Your Faith". Chicago Daily Herald. Arlington Heights, Illinois. 2009-01-03. p. 4. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  3. ^ Fulka, Rena (2006-08-06). "Choices, choices". The Star. Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  4. ^ Lavoie, Dan (2005-01-30). "Stone Church eyes move to Orland". The Star. Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  5. ^ Williamson, Elizabeth (1993-05-16). "Make a Joyful Noise: Church music strikes a responsive chord: Congregations lift their voices in song that's in harmony with our ever-changing culture". Chicago Tribune. p. 3. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  6. Thompson, Robb D. (2007). Solitary Refinement: Finding and Making the Most of Time by Yourself (The Hidden Power of Being Alone). Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-59951-029-3. OCLC 190760622. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  7. "LCU Accreditation". Life Christian University. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
  8. ^ Herrmann, Andrew (1986-10-30). "Halloween stirs a devil of a fuss: Churches join parent protest of 'evil'". Chicago Sun-Times. p. 52. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  9. ^ Mendell, David & Harper, Pat (1998-12-14). "Hit by the Millennium Bug: Pessimists Brace for a Computer-Driven Cataclysm". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  10. Newton, Stephanie (2008-03-10). "'Solitary Refinement': Chicago Pastor Shows Readers How to Utilize Their Time in New Book". PR Newswire Association, L.L.C. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  11. Smith, Sheila (2007-05-19). "Former Illini basketball player encourages teens to have a purpose of faith in life". Herald & Review. Decatur, Illinois: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  12. Sherlock, Barbara (2004-06-24). "Rev. James E. Watson, 53: Love of gospel powered pastor's Harvey church". Chicago Tribune. p. 10. Retrieved 2011-04-15.
  13. Testerman, Jeff (2004-04-30). "Buyers shun Living Water property". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  14. Gibson, Ray; Heinzmann, David (2000-01-03). "Stockpiles of Y2K Gear Head Back to the Stores". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. Retrieved 2010-04-27.
  15. Enigk, Erica (2005-06-23). "Tinley Park: OTB passes final hurdle". The Star. Tinley Park, Illinois: Star Newspapers. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  16. Lloyd, John (25 October 2008). "The Riches of Heaven". Financial Times Weekend Magazine.
  17. Nakagwa, Flavia (2005-12-24). "Kayanja aids northern children". New Vision. Uganda. Archived from the original on 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2009-03-20.
  18. "Charity Briefs". SouthtownStar, a Chicago Sun-Times publication. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
  19. ^ Tinley Junction Staff. "Church's dancing event raises funds for less fortunate". The Tinley Junction. Archived from the original on 25 July 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2011.

External links

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