Born and raised in Decatur, GA, Pastor Anthony Thomas, II, affectionately known as AJ, was raised by a family of integrity, authenticity, and nobility-his mother, Tamara Ethridge. AJ is a captivating orator and preacher who exposes the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. He takes this liberating gospel outside the church's walls as he uses its truth to fight oppression in social justice, uplifting downtrodden humanity-standing upon the foundation of Luke 4:18.

At an early age, he developed a love for ministry and service. Over the years, any and every opportunity to serve and be of service has been significantly absorbed. AJ completed his primary education at Panola Way Elementary, Marbut Traditional Theme School (Dekalb County), General Ray Davis Middle School, and Heritage High School (Rockdale County). In 2015, Rev. Thomas accepted his call to ministry. At the time, he was the musician for In Spirit & In Truth Ministries Inc. (Dekalb, GA), where he served for over a decade until God called him to Union Missionary Baptist Church (Lithonia, GA) in the Fall of 2015.

While serving vigorously in multiple ministries at Union Missionary Baptist Church and completing an extensive Ministers in Training (MIT) course - AJ was licensed to preach in the summer of 2019 under the training of Pastor E.L. Randolph, Jr. and Apostle Joyce Waites. Upon Union's foundation, God would launch him into his many assignments to come. In the fall of 2019, Pastor Thomas was called to Voices of Faith Ministries (Stone Mountain, GA) under the pastorship of Bishop Gary Hawkins. It was at Voices that AJ served as an Associate Youth Minister. God moved mightily through the youth and young adult ministry. He served dutifully in this department under the leadership of Elder GJ Hawkins, Jr., as Youth Pastor.

Upon graduating high school in the spring of 2020, Pastor Thomas enrolled full-time at Fort Valley State University, majoring in Psychology. At Fort Valley, AJ served as President of Collegiate Life Ministries and President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Zeta Chapter (Spring '22 Initiate) for two terms. In August 2020, upon arrival at FVSU, AJ joined the Central Union Missionary Baptist Church, Fort Valley, GA, where he served as an associate minister and Director of Collegiate Programs.

Following graduation from Fort Valley State University in May 2024, AJ enrolled in the hybrid Master of Divinity program at Emory University-Candler School of Theology.

On September 15, 2024 - Rev. Thomas was called to serve as the 14th Senior Pastor of The Historic Central Union Missionary Baptist Church. His greatest blessing is being united with his wife Miracle.