Megachurch Leader Agrees To Monthly Alimony after Decades-Long Marriage
Pastor Andy's Leadership and Church Influence
Gilbert Andre Thompson, Jr., known to his congregation as Pastor Andy, is the leading figure of the World Overcomers Christian Church in Durham, North Carolina. This church boasts a membership of 15,000 individuals and claims to impact over a million people weekly. Pastor Andy founded the church in 2003, bringing his vision and leadership to a vast community, providing spiritual guidance and resources.
Under his guidance, the church has faced various challenges, including legal issues related to negligence and a complaint involving a minor. Despite these hurdles, Thompson’s influence extends beyond the pulpit as he is also an author of books on relationships.
The Breakdown of a 33-Year Marriage
Pastor Andy and Dequilla LaShawn’s marriage spanned over three decades, ending with their separation in March 2023. The couple formally finalized their divorce on July 1, 2023. The process of filing for divorce began shortly before the finalization, with Thompson filing on June 10, 2023. This marked the end of a longstanding partnership, both personal and professional, as both parties were involved in business ventures together.
In a commitment to resolving their marriage amicably, the couple has navigated the division of assets, with complex allocations involving not just financial wealth but also tangible properties.
Complex Property and Financial Divisions
As part of the settlement, Andy Thompson has retained a substantial piece of real estate, a 58-acre property located in Lolly Lane, Mebane. This property plays a significant role in his personal and professional life and will remain under his ownership. Dequilla, on the other hand, will receive $50,000 from its future sale, proving that the asset division extends into future financial arrangements as well.
The couple’s primary residence, a 14,000-square-foot mansion equipped with amenities like a gym, theater, infinity pool, and hot tub, has also been a point of discussion. Purchased initially by the megachurch in 2018 for $1.53 million from 2020 Properties LLC, this extravagant home was transferred to Restore Community Development in 2021, indicating both strategic financial management and complex asset handling within their marital assets.
Financial Responsibilities and Business Interests
The divorce settlement includes significant financial terms: Pastor Andy will pay Dequilla $1.3 million in alimony over nine years, with monthly payments of $12,000. He has also assumed an IRS debt of $25,602. Both retained their businesses, with Pastor Andy keeping Thompson Communications Group, LLC, and Dequilla retaining Projects of Home Inc., marking their separate paths post-divorce.
Maintaining a Balanced Post-Divorce Life
The asset division included smaller properties and belongings. Dequilla Thompson received a rental house in Rocky Mount, valued at about $154,000. Andy retained ownership of four adult children's cars and his Ford F-150, highlighting the scope of their shared assets.
This divorce settlement reflects the resolution of intertwined assets, business interests, and personal lives. Both Pastor Andy and Dequilla LaShawn will now navigate their futures separately, maintaining their businesses while adjusting to the new financial terms.
In conclusion, the divorce of Pastor Gilbert Andre Thompson, Jr. and Dequilla LaShawn after 33 years of marriage involves complex financial settlements, including alimony, property, business divisions, and other assets. As they move forward, this settlement will likely impact their personal, professional, and communal lives.