BRIDGING THE GAP
...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
Living by the motto "Saved to Serve"
The youngest of three children born to Ivory and Carolyn Thigpen in Jackson, MS and the great-grandson of Rev. Isaac Betts, founder of Second Baptist Church in Moss Point, Mississippi, Ivory Torrey Thigpen was elected as the Senior Pastor of Rehoboth Baptist Church in August 2008 where he serves to this day. After his election as Pastor, the Fairfield County Missionary Baptist and Educational Association elected him to the position of Moderator becoming the youngest ever elected to the position of Moderator in FCMBEA’s history. Consequently, he served on the Baptist E & M Convention of South Carolina, Executive Board.
In January of 2015, he was also appointed to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc. becoming once again the youngest appointed to this prestigious board of clergy. Ivory was shepherded under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Young, Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. At Jackson State University, Ivory obtained a degree in Biology/Pre Medical and was inducted into the Beta Kappa Chi Scientific Honor Society. After graduate studies at J.S.U., Ivory was accepted into the doctoral program at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his matriculation at Palmer College, Dr. Thigpen was called into the ministry and matrimony. His wife, also a doctor of chiropractic, is Dr. Martia Creighton Thigpen. They are the owners of Restore Chiropractic & Family Wellness Center located in Northeast Columbia. In addition to this community service Drs. Thigpen have served as Team Physicians for Benedict College Athletics and as American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructors.
Dr. Ivory Thigpen has served in such positions as: Board Member of South Carolina Christian Action Council, Board Member of Christ Teens of Columbia, Judicial Member of the Palmer College Board of Ethics, Legislative Representative of the American Chiropractic Association, as well as being selected for a Humanitarian Clinic trip abroad to India by Palmer College. He was also selected by the Chiropractic Chair of American Public Health Association to represent the Chiropractic profession in a Delegation to South Africa. Dr. Thigpen has support several global missions to better the world in which we live to include the construction of Rehoboth Baptist Church of Crossroads, South Africa.
Serving twenty plus years at Rehoboth Baptist Church, practicing as a local chiropractic physician, and raising his four children with his wife, Ivory has championed countless community-focused missions. Serving over 100 hours Providence Hospital & Providence Northeast Hospital, Volunteering as a chaplain for the Columbia Police Department, Leaders Read Volunteer, Real Men Read Volunteer, Keep the Midlands Beautiful- Highway Clean-up Volunteer, America Reads Tutor, YMCA & Upward Youth Volunteer Soccer Coach, Humanitarian Clinic Abroad- Volunteer Physician, American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructor, and Member of Kappa Alpha Psi; Dr. Thigpen understands the importance of service and community.
Dr. Thigpen was awarded the “Man of the Year Award” for his work and help in implementing a youth mentoring program in 2004. Dr. Thigpen is certified through Winthrop University for the management of non-profit organizations. Dr. Thigpen is a 2013 graduate of the Masters in Divinity Program at the Morehouse School of Religion - Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia where he was inducted into the Theta Phi Honor Society. Dr. Thigpen was named by Thomas Media as one of “The Top 40 under 40” Class of 2015. Dr. Thigpen is a graduate of Leadership South Carolina, Institute for Educational Leadership E.P.F.P., and S.C. Institute of Medicine and Public Health. As a former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (2016–2024), Past Chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, State Government Affairs Officer for the South Carolina State Guard, Ivory lives by the motto “Saved to Serve”.
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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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Columbia, South Carolina 29229
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