Rod Thornton serves as our Executive Pastor and Elder of Discipleship through overseeing staff operations, establishing our counseling ministry, and developing discipleship curriculum. He has a Bachelor degree in Business Management from FSU, an MDiv from Liberty University focused on theology, and is currently working on a certification through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

He and his wife Herrika have four children, one of whom is married: Brycen and Mikayla, Carson, Edward, and Henley. His family has been at 5 Bridges for over ten years, and they love to travel and go to the beach. Galatians 2:20 is one verse that always comes to Rod's mind. It says, "I have been crucified with Christ."

What he loves most about ministry is helping others understand what God has said and then applying it to our world and culture. He wants to see people constantly growing in their faith through faithful teaching and application of God's Word.