Football and faith

"When it comes to the ministry - it finds you," says Antonio D. Thomas ('85). "Instead of you seeking it, it seeks you."

The ministry wasn't the only institution that sought Thomas for his natural abilities. The National Football League's L.A. Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Beagles and New England Patriots all courted the former JMU defensive cornerback for his gridiron talent. When Thomas originally accepted a scholarship to play for the Dukes, he was looking forward to a future in pro football.

During the summer of his junior year, though, the pull of the ministry became "consuming and undeniable." During the following summer, he earned his ministerial license from Friends International Christian University; and during his senior year, he co-founded Student Christian Outreach Ministries with one his best friends, David Forbes Jr.

Also while a student at JMU, Thomas headed up a Bible study for members of the football team. He says that he found inspiration from JMU's Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Maranatha Campus Ministries. "I loved JMU so much that I came back and worked in the admission office as a counselor for seven years," he explains. "Working within higher education was the most fulfilling and enjoyable job I have had besides the ministry."

Today Thomas is pastor of Roanoke's Spirit of Life Full Gospel Baptist Church, which he founded six years ago. He admits that football is still in his bloodstream, but says, "It is faith that fills my heart."

By Karen Boxley ('01)