Background
Bickerton, Thomas James was born on July 2, 1958 in Glendale, West Virginia, United States. Son of James Ronald and Shirley Marlene (Cassis) Bickerton.
pastor student Methodist bishop
Bickerton, Thomas James was born on July 2, 1958 in Glendale, West Virginia, United States. Son of James Ronald and Shirley Marlene (Cassis) Bickerton.
Bickerton was raised in West Virginia and graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology. Subsequently, he entered seminary at Duke University Divinity School, completing his Master of Divinity degree in 1983.
While attending seminary he served as student pastor following his ordination in 1982 as Deacon. In 1985 he was ordained as an Elder by Bishop William Boyd Grove. While in ministry there he also earned his Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, completing it in 1994.
Assigned to the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference, headquartered at Pittsburgh, he relocated to serve his first quadrennium as a United Methodist Bishop.
Bishop Bickerton and his family now live in Cranberry Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania. From 2005-2008, Bishop Bickerton also served as President of The United Methodist General Commission on Communication.
Bishop Bickerton is married to Sally Bickerton. They have four children: Elizabeth, T.J., Ian, and Nicholas.
Member West Virginia Wesleyan Alumni Council, since 1988. Member Lions Club (chairman Shady Spring chapter 1987-1988), Ruritan Club.
Married Rebecca Jo Bodenheimer, March 29, 1980. Children: Elizabeth Anne, Thomas James World War II.
