Brenda J. Thompson

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Rev. Brenda J. Thompson is a pastor, speaker, and curriculum creator with over 18 years of experience in youth and congregational ministry. A graduate of Duke Divinity School, Brenda is the founder of Common Ground Curriculum, where she creates thoughtful, theologically grounded resources for youth, children, families, and churches. Her work focuses on helping people connect faith to everyday life through honest conversation, storytelling, and practical spiritual practices. Brenda has written and co-created Advent, Lent, and discipleship resources with Everything Happens with Kate Bowler and has contributed curriculum and teaching materials for churches, retreats, and ministry organizations across the country. 

Brenda has spoken at youth retreats, women’s retreats, church events, and national ministry conferences, bringing a style that feels conversational, encouraging, and full of stories and laughter. After nearly two decades in ministry, she cares deeply about creating spaces where people feel safe to ask questions, be themselves, and grow in their faith without pretending to have everything figured out. Whether teaching Scripture, leading conversations on spiritual practices, or helping people notice God in ordinary life, Brenda’s heart is to encourage others with honesty, hope, and compassion.