Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Thompson.
Hi Donovan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Donovan J. Thompson, though people often call me Pastor Dono, PD, or simply Dono. I grew up on the north side of Houston, Texas, raised by a single mother and surrounded by a strong community that helped shape me. Sports became my anchor early on, not just keeping me grounded but teaching me discipline, resilience, and what it meant to be a man in the absence of a father figure at home.
Earning a scholarship to play football at the collegiate level was a major blessing, and it allowed me to become the first male in my family to graduate from college. At that point, my dreams revolved around football. I wanted to play professionally, make a lot of money, and avoid any distractions along the way. Football wasn’t just a sport to me; it was my identity, my source of worth. The game gave me value—it paid for my education and was one of the few things I was consistently praised for.
But when that dream was taken away, my world shook. I went through a dark season, searching for who Donovan really was beyond the game. That’s when Jesus stepped in and completely transformed my life. In Him, I found my true identity and purpose. Everything changed, and I realized my value wasn’t tied to performance but to who I was in Christ.
After giving my life to Christ, I discovered a gift for speaking that I never knew I had. I started small, speaking to high school athletes about purpose and identity, and that eventually led to ministry. One step after another, I found myself serving in youth ministry, preaching, becoming the chaplain for Houston Christian University’s football team, and now serving as the Executive Pastor at Blueprint Church in Houston under the leadership of Pastor Matthew and Falyn Davis.
Looking back, I never could have imagined this path, but every twist and turn has brought me closer to my calling, and I’m deeply grateful for it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been far from smooth, but I don’t think any road to destiny is. For me, I never imagined myself doing this work. I didn’t grow up wanting to be a speaker or a pastor. To be honest, I’ve wrestled with a lot of fear and imposter syndrome along the way. There have been countless moments where I felt unqualified, too young, too inexperienced, and even unworthy to lead. But through every doubt and every challenge, I’ve found a peace in God that has carried me forward.
What I’ve come to realize is that the struggles have shaped me. They’ve pushed me to rely on God in ways I never would have if everything had been easy. And in those moments of uncertainty, He has consistently shown me that I’m right where I’m supposed to be. The evidence of His hand guiding me is undeniable.
Being apart of planting a church, for example, has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s a grind, and at times it’s overwhelming, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Every challenge has deepened my faith, strengthened my resolve, and reminded me that the path may be hard, but it’s always worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of everything I do, I’m driven by a passion to help people discover God’s unique design for their lives. Whether I’m speaking, preaching, creating, or leading, my mission is to communicate the gospel in a way that’s both dynamic and relevant. I believe in using creative approaches to inspire people, meeting them where they are, and helping them take practical next steps toward growth.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and vulnerability. I believe in showing up as my full, unfiltered self in every space I’m in. I’m not afraid to lead with my own story—the highs and the lows—and I think that’s what makes me so relatable. People resonate with realness, and that’s what I bring. I also have a calm, approachable presence that makes people feel like we’re having a conversation, not just a lecture. It’s this combination of raw authenticity and genuine connection that I’m most proud of and what I believe leaves a lasting impact on those I serve.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Whenever i get bored i write poetry and I’m lowkey good at it.
Pricing:
- For booking info email dono@blueprintchurch.us
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blueprintchurch.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovanjthompson/profilecard/?igsh=ZWU3dHN0MnYxZXk4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/ejQUKotzEphjiDPx/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
