In this Episode, Austin interviews Pastor Tim Sullivan about the call of God, Pastoral Succession, Preparing for the Future, Leading a Ministry Team, and Constructing a New Church Building.

About Tim Sullivan:

Tim Sullivan has been the Senior Pastor at The Pentecostal Church in Fort Smith since 2006, when he and his wife, Lea Ann, moved to Fort Smith with their three daughters, Kaitlyn, Malorie and Gabrielle. They were married in 1989, after graduating from Jackson College of Ministries with Bachelor’s Degrees in Theology and Music, and have served side-by-side ever since. Pastor Sullivan has filled the roles of Assistant Pastor, Pastor and Church Planter in Washington, Louisiana, and Texas, as well as evangelizing across the country and around the globe. Since God has brought the Sullivan family to TPC, the church has experienced continuous growth under their dynamic leadership. Pastor Sullivan is a driven and optimistic leader, with an impassioned vision to see the Kingdom of God expand in the River Valley. He remains a sought-after itinerant speaker, and is also currently serving as District Secretary for the Arkansas District UPCI. Sis. Sullivan serves the TPC body as both Ladies’ Coordinator and Music Director. Her quick wit and inherent kindness contribute to the family-oriented atmosphere at TPC. She and Pastor Sullivan are a joyful couple, and their girls are enthusiastic participators in ministry. They strive to ensure that TPC is a safe haven for people of all walks of life, and that the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ shine brightly in all they do.

Key takeaways from this Episode:

• Be encouraged that, whether you are paid or volunteer, giving your life to ministry is completely worth it.
• Pastor Sullivan likens a ministry team to conduit. Your ministry team is a conduit for everything else to flow through.
• We are challenged in this episode to create a culture of excellence in our churches no matter what size we are.
• When it comes to delegation and leading a ministry team, we have to be willing to let other people take ownership.
• On alignment:
  • Keep the vision simple and clear
  • Cast that vision often
  • Your team has their own engines, but you give them the lane to run in
  • Growing churches have clear vision

These are just a few notes from this conversation. It is loaded with thought-provoking content. We pray it encourages, equips, and challenges you in your leadership.

Episode Links and Resources:

Recommended book: “Failing Forward” by John Maxwell

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