Biography
When Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton is to speak at your church, agency or community event, use this information for promotion or a press release.
Hometown
Moundsville, WV
Birthday
July 2, 1958
Family
Married to Sally Forbes Bickerton (anniversary: August 16). The Bickertons have two adult children: Elizabeth and T.J., and two teen-aged sons Ian and Nick.
Education
- West Virginia Wesleyan College – 1980, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Psychology
- Duke University Divinity School – 1983, Masters of Divinity (MDiv)
- United Theological School – 1994, Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Ministry
- 1979-1980 -- Student Pastor, Adrian Charge (six churches)
- 1982 -- Ordained Deacon in the West Virginia Annual Conference
- 1985 -- Ordained Elder in the West Virginia Annual Conference
- 1983-1989 -- Perry Memorial UMC, Shady Spring, WV
- 1989-1998 -- Forrest Burdette Memorial UMC, Hurricane, WV
- 1998-2004 -- District Superintendent, Northern District
- 2004 -- , Elected Bishop, Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference
Areas of Service
- United Methodist Global Health Initiative (including Nothing but Nets anti-malaria campaign): Lead Bishop/Spokesperson, 2006-
- United Methodist Communications: member, 2000- ; President, 2004-2008
- United Methodist Connectional Table: member, 2004-
- Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops: Secretary, 2008-
- Appalachian Ministry Network:Chairperson, 2004-
- Allegheny College Board of Trustees: member, 2004-
- West Virginia Wesleyan College Board of Trustees: member, 2004-
- Mt. Union College Board of Trustees: member, 2004-
- Goodwill Industries Board of Directors: member, 2004-
- Mission Opportunities
- Northeastern Jurisdiction Mission of Peace – Cuba (2008)
- WPAUMC Volunteer in Mission Trip to Russia, Completion of the seminary dormitories
- WPAUMC Volunteer in Mission Trip to Mexico
- WPAUMC Volunteer in Mission Trip to Argentina
- WPAUMC Volunteer in Mission Trip to Israel/Palestine
- WVUMC Volunteer in Mission Trips within West Virginia (flood recovery)
- WPAUMC Mission Ambassador Trip to Africa (Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe)
Travel Opportunities
- Traveled 48 of 50 states
- Argentina
- Botswana
- Canada
- Chile
- England
- Egypt
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Israel
- Italy
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mexico
- Mozambique
- Nigeria
- Palestine
- Russia
Interests
- Golf
- Photography
- Travel
- Spectator Sports -- baseball, football, hockey, and college basketball