What's your name name and where are you from?
My name is Pastor Kenneth Sullivan, Jr. I am from Indianapolis the capital city of indiana. Our city is known for the Indianapolis motor speedway which host the Indy 500 the worlds largest racing spectacle. It is also home to the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Pacers. I grew up on the east side of Indianapolis in a predominantly African American community. I have been fortunate enough to return to my community and become the Senior Pastor of New Direction Church and operate several businesses, and a non for profit organization called SAVES.
What makes you different as a person and pastor?
I believe what makes me different than many pastors is my accessibility and relatability. I hear often that sometimes pastors can be a little standoffish and unapproachable. However I believe that to really make an impact and to encourage people it is important that people see that you are someone they can actually engage with on a close and personal level. The ministries that flow from the church I pastor are ministries that are meant to meet peoples spiritual, physical and personal needs. I also believe that I differ from many pastors in that I am a pastorprenuer. I am equally as passionate about business as I am also for business. In fact I was in business for myself running a salon before I became a pastor. At our main church campus we operate a daycare and a salon and a cafe. These are just a few things I believe that makes me different from most ministers.
What do you want to accomplish in life?
My greatest goal in life is to be a good steward of my life and time and opportunities. I don't just want to be a consumer I want to be a contributor. I want to impact and inspire others to pursue their dreams and goals in life. I have made it a personal mission to pour into the lives of youth and young adults in the city of Indianapolis and beyond. In fact it is this passion and desire that has lead to the establishing a separate 501c3 Organization entitled S.A.V.E.S. This organization is strictly geared toward operating classes, training, programs, camps, events, and scholarship opportunities to help reduce violence and crime in our surrounding communities and give our youth and their family's alternatives to help them grow, learn, and succeed.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am currently working on my Doctoral degree at Jakes Divinity and it is my goal to complete this program and graduate in the spring of 2023. My third book "prayer still will be available for purchase in January 2022. I am also currently on my fourth book as well which I estimate will be competed at the end of 2022. Over the next 5 years I envision myself launching several more business and churches both in the US and in Kenya and NIgeria. I was just elected to serve as the president of the Indianapolis urban pastors coalition which is a two year term that will allow me to help and assist other pastors over the next few years impact and engage their communities more effectively. I see myself launching at least 2 more business, writing a few more books and also working part time as a seminary professor.
What do you bring to the religious world?
What I attempt to bring to the religious world is Love hope and inspiration. The world we live in is filled with people who are discouraged and even in despair. What I believe I bring is a fresh new perspective on the most high and life and how the two work together.
I also believe that I serve as a bridge between those who are not affiliated with organized religion and church and those who are. My seminary education coupled with my life experience as a black man born and raised in an urban setting allows me to serve as a bridge between the Christian world and culture. Each week I share messages from scripture that are seasoned with contemporary relatable examples that connect with people who may be new or unfamiliar to the religious world and Christian world.
6. What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I would like to leave a legacy of love. I would like to be remembered for the impact that I have been able to make in the lives of others versus what I was able to personally accumulate or accomplish. I believe it is my responsibility want to share with others and serve others. I don't just want to make a big splash so to speak but I want to leave a ripple effect so that other people may be inspired not merely to pursue their dreams but to help other people achieve theirs as well. It is my hope to leave a lasting impression where I go and when I leave. It is also my ultimate goal to live a life pleasing to God. I ultimately want him to say well done my good and faithful servant.
