At the beginning of August, Tim Sprankle began serving a two-year term as the executive director of the Charis Fellowship. This is a role that is nominated by the Fellowship Council and approved by a vote of delegates and can last from one to three years.
As executive director, Tim will help provide leadership to the Fellowship Council, Fellowship Office, ministry partnerships, and Fellowship events. During his term Tim will help cast vision and provide oversight for the ministry year and will be intricately involved in planning and executing Focus Retreats and Charis Fellowship Conference.
Tim currently serves as the lead pastor of Leesburg Grace Church in Leesburg, Ind. Tim will continue in this role while serving the Charis Fellowship as executive director. In recent years Tim has helped establish and lead the Charis Symposium and co-host the More of Us podcast.
Get to know Tim in his own words below.
MINISTRY LIFE
When did you first get involved in ministry?
During my last two years of high school, my friends and I led a weekly Bible study and prayer time with our peers. I realized quickly how much I enjoyed teaching Scripture and leading others. This began my pursuit of full-time vocational ministry.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
I’m partial to Jesus’ invitation to come to Him, receive His rest, learn from Him, and walk beneath His yoke (see Matt. 11:28–30). I appreciate Jesus’ promise of rest since ministry is demanding and life is relentless. More importantly, I love that a humble, gentle teacher wants to be with me in everyday labors.
What excites/motivates you most about doing ministry?
My motivations are many: Crafting and preaching sermons keeps me accountable; Spending quality time with the quality people of my church brings me joy; Hearing stories of how Jesus shows up in people’s lives keeps me motivated.
What are you looking forward to in this next season as executive director?
Exposure to more churches and leaders in our Fellowship; Shaping themes and content for our Focus Retreats and Conference; Championing disciple-making, testimony, and vitality in our churches; Relying on the shared wisdom of the Fellowship Council to advance our Fellowship in its Commitment to Common Mission.
PERSONAL LIFE
How long have you and Liz been married? How did you two meet?
Liz and I met at Grace College in 1998. Our relationship developed during our time in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. By the end of the play, our flirtations turned into commitment. Two years later (2001), we married. Now we’re living happily ever after. Seriously.
How many kids do you have?
Three: Claire (18), Margot (17), and Sensi (16)
What are some of your favorite hobbies/pastimes?
Our whole family loves to read. Multiple books are always open. I also enjoy writing, good conversations, listening to records, jogging, and disc golf. Every Friday our family looks forward to homemade pizza and a movie.