MOUNT SINAI'S
LEADERSHIP
ELDER RONALD W. THOMPSON
Senior Pastor
Pastor Ronald W. Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Mount Sinai Family Life Christian Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he has faithfully served since 1990. Under his spirit-led leadership, Mount Sinai has continued to grow and thrive as a vibrant ministry dedicated to teaching God’s Word, restoring lives, and transforming communities.
A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Pastor Thompson was educated in both the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Public School systems and is a 1970 graduate of Kellam High School. A former student-athlete and graduate of Tidewater Bible College, he earned both an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies, equipping him to teach, preach, and lead with biblical depth and practical wisdom.
Pastor Thompson was saved at an early age and has devoted his life to serving the Lord and His people. After being ordained a Deacon in 1976, he accepted the call to ministry in 1986 and was ordained as an Elder shortly thereafter. His pastoral journey began when he was appointed to lead Mount Sinai Holiness Church—now Mount Sinai Family Life Christian Center—where his compassionate heart, strong leadership, and unwavering faith have guided the congregation for more than three decades.
In addition to his pastoral calling, Pastor Thompson is the President and CEO of ChainBreakers, Inc., a community development corporation that serves the city of Portsmouth by providing essential resources, education, and programs that help families move from surviving to thriving.
Pastor Thompson is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasures the time he shares with his family. He and Co-Pastor Frances Knight Thompson are the proud parents of three adult children, two daughters-in-love, and five beautiful granddaughters. Together, they make their home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where their lives continue to reflect faith, family, and service.
ELDER FRANCES KNIGHT THOMPSON
Co-Pastor
Elder Frances Knight Thompson, or Pastor Frances, as she is affectionately known to Mount Sinai Family Life Christian Center, serves faithfully beside her husband, Senior Pastor Ronald W. Thompson, in leading the ministry with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering commitment to the Word of God.
Pastor Frances is a gifted teacher, counselor, and worship leader whose ministry blends excellence, compassion, and practical wisdom. With over 40 years in education and community leadership, she brings a unique combination of professional insight and spiritual depth to every role she holds.
A proud graduate of Hampton University, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education, a Master of Science in Education in Guidance and Counseling from Old Dominion University, and an Endorsement in Gifted Education from the University of Virginia. Her distinguished career in Virginia Beach City Public Schools included roles as a music educator, professional school counselor, and Guidance Department Chair at Kemps Landing Magnet School.
In addition to her work in education, Co-Pastor Frances has long been an advocate for equity, inclusion, and community empowerment. She has served as Vice-Chair of the Virginia Beach Community Advisory Committee for Gifted Education, a member of the Governing Board for Green Run Collegiate High School, and President of the Hampton Roads Diversity and Inclusion Consortium. She also serves on the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and the Virginia Beach Minority Business Council, where she continues to advance opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Pastor Frances also serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ChainBreakers, Inc., Mount Sinai's community development corporation dedicated to helping Portsmouth's children learn to read and helping families achieve self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.
In ministry, Pastor Frances serves as chief administrator, counselor, worship leader, and preacher of the Gospel. Her ministry in worship has taken her across the nation and abroad, where she has led and taught man on the power of worship and the presence of God.
In addition to being the proud wife of Pastor Ronald W. Thompson, she is also Mom to three adult children and two beautiful daughters-in-love, and she's Eema to five beautiful granddaughters.
DR. RHONDA THOMPSON ALEXANDER
Executive Administrator
Affectionately known to partners of Mount Sinai Family Life Christian Center as Dr. Rhonda, she currently serves as the Executive Administrator, overseeing the church’s strategic direction, operations, and ministry alignment. Licensed to preach the Gospel and called to equip leaders, Dr. Rhonda is passionate about helping others discover purpose, operate in excellence, and live out their faith with authenticity and power.
Dr. Rhonda brings nearly three decades of leadership, organizational strategy, and ministry experience to her role. She is the founder of several impactful ventures including IUVO Consulting, a global FDA regulatory-compliance firm; E-Squared Coaching, a leadership and entrepreneurial development company; and SoulScribe, a publishing and coaching firm dedicated to helping faith-led professionals turn their stories into transformational books and businesses.
Her academic preparation includes a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Hampton University, a Master of Science in Clinical Chemistry from the Medical College of Virginia, a Master of Public Administration from Old Dominion University, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University.
She serves on the Virginia Beach Minority Business Council, where she advocates for equitable opportunities and increased visibility for minority-owned businesses; works on the board of 757 Collab to champion regional innovation and entrepreneurship; and leads as the CEO of ChainBreakers Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving families through childhood literacy and food access.
Dr. Rhonda is also an award-winning author of EntrHERpreneur, Your Life’s Calling, and Side Hustle or Sustainable, as well as her most recent release, 7 Dirty Secrets of a Strong Black Woman—a movement-inspiring memoir that challenges the toxic definitions of strength and invites women to heal, rest, and reclaim their power.
Above all, she treasures her role as mother to her daughter, Maiyah, a rising journalist and media strategist who is the joy and pride of her life.