Marshall Wayne Sullivan

Marshall Wayne Sullivan Christ-Follower, Husband, Father, Pastor, Entrepreneur

Introduction
Marshall Wayne Sullivan

Introduction

Who I am in Christ.
  1. As a Christ-Follower, I must continually cultivate the personal love relationship Jesus Christ initiated with me.
  2. As a husband, I am thankful for, deeply committed to, and madly in love with my beautiful bride, Crystal.
  3. As a father, I love being daddy to my two adorable daughters: Abigail and Elizabeth. I have a strong conviction to raise them in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.
  4. As a pastor, I feel a great burden to shepherd and equip the saints to live a life that pleases God and brings Him great glory.
  5. As an entrepreneur, I seek to have an impact upon the Church and culture by operating a God-honoring business that helps to support my family. While I am not making tents, I am creating products that fulfill my needs at zealoushomes.com and zealouschristian.com 
If you are interested in getting to know more about me, please review the information I have provided in my Welcome! post. Thank you for your prayerful consideration of the will of God. 

Who I Am

Marshall Wayne Sullivan
Nashville, NC, United States
(252) 886-0634
mwsullivan77@gmail.com

Favorite Quotes

Expertise

In this section, I am going to talk about areas of ministry that I excel at. I am not the type of person who boasts in my achievements, skills, and talents, but for this purpose I will attempt to share three areas that I believe to be my top personal skills or strengths. I will conclude with a brief look at the results of a strength assessment I recently completed.
  1. Approachability/Relatability: Approachability is about being accessible, consciously breaking down perceived barriers, having appropriate body language, and using the right verbal communication and listening skills. Relatability is about connection. How well you connect with different people on a level of empathy and relation. Being approachable and relatable is key to building relationships and creating a strong team in which trust, confidence, and ideas can flow. I have long been told that I have the gift of being able to approach and relate to almost anyone. I would like to think that this is one of my greatest traits.
  2. Communication: As a pastor, it is imperative to be gifted in communication. This does not speak of eloquence or charisma, but mainly of the ability to present an argument or idea in an understandable fashion. Communication can be non-verbal, verbal, or written. I believe I am gifted in communicating well at each of these levels.
  3. Teamwork: Every church needs a team of individuals to function in unity if it is going to make an impact for the Kingdom. I believe another strong skill that defines me is that I am a person who works well in a strong team environment. It is easy to be a lone ranger, but a team takes work. In the end, the strong team will always accomplish more than the greatest lone ranger.  
It is also important for a person to seek to understand the strengths that they may not see. During my Church Planter Training, I was required to take a strengths test. Below are my top five talents or strengths, ranked in the order revealed by my responses to the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment.
  1. Learner
  2. Intellection
  3. Responsibility
  4. Input
  5. Achiever
Based on my top five themes, I understand my strengths to be consistent with the gifts the Holy Spirit has given me in the areas of Preaching and Teaching, Administration, and Pastoral Counseling. For more information on my strengths view my blog post on StrengthsFinder.

Conclusion:
Like most people, I have plenty of room for growth in many different areas; however, I believe that my strengths demonstrate the abilities and aptitude to help me further pursue my calling as a pastor. I am a lifelong learner. Someone who is constantly seeking to grow in my areas of expertise, not for my benefit alone, but for the benefit of my family, my church, and my Lord! Over the years, I have taught myself photography, graphics design, web design, social media marketing, and ecommerce. These are skills that have proven to be invaluable in ministry and in life. 

Skills

  • Approachability - 95%
  • Teamwork - 90%
  • Mentoring - 85%
  • Communication - 90%
  • Leadership - 90%
  • Administration - 85%

Professional Experience

Founder / Owner

ZealousHomes, LLC - September 2022 -

  • Founded a Christian-based business that provides spiritual growth resources for individuals and families. Our goal is to ignite a stunning zeal for our followers’ sensational journey.
  • We write, edit, and publish articles and resources to encourage a passionate zeal in following after Christ personally and at home. 
  • We offer a podcast to motivate and train Christians for the journey ahead. 
  • We have recently added an online store to provide Christian gifts and apparel designed to help proclaim Christ and shine His light into our culture. 
  • You can learn more at zealoushomes.com and zealouschristian.com.

Lead Pastor / Church Planter

Zealous Church - June 2022 -

  • Planted and pastor a small, yet active church for the glory of God. 
  • Oversee weekly gatherings where fellowship around the Word is central to all we do. 
  • Provide pastoral care and administration. 

Lead Pastor

Ephesus Baptist Church, Spring Hope, NC - August 2018 - March 2022

  • Served as the Lead Pastor in a Church Revitalization Process.
  • Saw positive growth as the average attendance grew from approximately 25-30 to 60+ souls every Sunday prior to Covid Pandemic.
  • Oversaw a staff that included a volunteer secretary, the music director, and a ministry intern. 
  • Preached in all weekly services, lead ministry to children and youth, performed baptisms, administered the Lord’s Supper, and conducted funerals and weddings.

High School Science Teacher

New Life Christian Academy, Rocky Mount, NC - July 2017 - January 2018

  • Courses Taught: Advanced Microsoft, Bible Doctrine, Biology, Chemistry, General Science, Physics, and Physical Education.

Transitional Pastor

Cornerstone Baptist Church, Spring Hope, NC - August 2015 - August 2017

  • To provide oversight and guidance as the congregation moves toward healing, revitalization, and renewal among the church and community.
  • To preach weekly services, lead ministry to children and youth, perform baptisms, administer the Lord’s Supper, and conduct funerals and weddings.
  • Had the privilege to lead four youth to know and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. 

Temporary Interim Pastor

Macedonia Baptist Church, Spring Hope, NC - October 2013 - October 2013

  • Preached biblical sermons during the congregation’s transition to a permanent interim minister.

Part-time Keyholder

LifeWay Christian Stores, Rocky Mount, NC - March 2012 - February 2015

  • Part of the store management team.
  • Responsible for counting, recovering, and delivering bank deposits.
  • Assisted shoppers in finding resources for their spiritual growth.
  • Handled all shipping and receiving duties for our store. 

Church Planting Internship

Wilson Community Church, Wilson, NC - September 2012 - July 2013

  • Attended the weekly staff meeting where the church leaders evaluated past ministry and planned for future ministry endeavors
  • Taught a 10 week class on evangelism using “The Story” curriculum.
  • Co-taught the monthly “Connect 101” new members class.
  • Led a small group that allowed me the opportunity to baptize four new believers.
  • Received a firsthand look at how a successful church plant functions. 
  • Church Website: www.wccnc.org
  • Sermon Preached at Wilson Community Church

Senior Pastor

Poovey's Grove Baptist Church, Granite Falls, NC - November 2010 - January 2012

  • Preached expository sermons during our two Sunday Services.
  • Facilitated prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings.
  • Provided oversight to the weekly visitation ministry.
  • Performed frequent visitation of healthy, hospitalized, and shut-in church members as well as the friends and family of church members..
  • Met the churches needs through Pastoral Counseling, Administration, Ordinances, Funerals, Weddings,  and other day to day functions of pastoral ministry in the life of the church.
  • Church Website: www.pooveysgrove.org

Part-time Youth Minister

Benvenue Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC - March 2008 - January 2009

  • Organized and led all youth activities with a gospel centered mindset.
  • Assisted the pastor in the worship service.
  • Assisted the pastor in leading the weekly visitation program: G.R.O.W.
  • Youth ministry grew from one student to fourteen students in a period of approximately six months. 

NRBA Youth Director

North Roanoke Baptist Association, Dortches, NC - September 2007 - August 2009

  • Coordinated with Associational youth ministers to encourage, support, and enhance their ministry to students.  

Full-time Minister of Students

Edgemont Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC - July 2007 - January 2008

  • Organized and led children, youth, and college/career departments.
  • Provided oversight to the various weekly programs available to children, youth, and college/career students.
  • Assisted the pastor in leading a local weeklong mission project.
  • Organized multiple children and youth trips and activities.
  • Assisted Englewood Baptist Church in bringing Josh McDowell to lead a youth outreach event, by serving on their planning team.
  • Assisted the pastor in carrying out his ministry duties when needed.
  • Preached to the entire congregation at least once a month.

Part-time Keyholder

LifeWay Christian Stores, Rocky Mount, NC - November 2005 - June 2007

  • Part of the store management team.
  • Responsible for counting, recovering, and delivering bank deposits.
  • Assisted shoppers in finding resources for their spiritual growth.
  • Handled all shipping and receiving duties for our store. 

Education History

Master of Divinity in Christian Ministry with Biblical Languages

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary - January 2005 - May 2010

Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences

North Carolina State University - January 1998 - May 2001

Bachelors of Science in Botany

North Carolina State University - January 1998 - May 2001

Certifications

Certified NC Church Planter

North Carolina Baptist Convention and NAMB - November 2012

Specialized certification through the North Carolina Baptist Convention and the North American Mission Board, which prepares ministers to begin church planting work in North America.

Certified Transitional Pastor

South Carolina Baptist Convention and LifeWay - October 2014

Specialized certification program offered through the South Carolina Baptist Convention and LifeWay, which prepares pastors for transitional pastoral ministry.

Pursuing SYMBIS Facilitator Certification

SYMBIS | Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott - December 2023

In the process of gaining this pre-marriage and marriage counseling certification. Should be completed by the end of the 2023. 

Pursuing PREPARE/ENRICH Marriage Counseling Certification

PREPARE/ENRICH - December 2023

In the process of completing training to gain PREPARE/ENRICH pre-marriage and marriage counseling certification. Completion should occur by the end of December 2023. 

Recommendations

Larry Curtis

Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC

"Wayne Sullivan is one of the brightest young expositional preachers of our day. He is not only a visionary leader, but also has a pastor’s heart, and he is a man of prayer. His dedication to the Lord and His Word is evident in his faithfulness to God’s call upon him to pastor a church as well as his exemplary devotion to his wife and children. I cannot say enough about Wayne’s gifting as a pastor."

Danny Henderson

Former Store Manager, LifeWay Christian Stores, Rocky Mount, NC

"I have known Wayne Sullivan for years, and had the distinct privilege of working with him on two separate occasions. He is an outstanding young man and an exceptional preacher. His ability to interpret scripture and defend the Word of God have always impressed me as a fellow believer. Having had the experience of working in a retail environment with Wayne, I can also attest to his strong work ethic and attention to detail. I believe any company, church, or other organization would be greatly enhanced by his involvement and blessed by his deep devotion to his faith."

Mark Qualls

Missionary to South Africa and Former Store Manager, LifeWay Christian Stores, Rocky Mount, NC

Wayne Sullivan and I have known each other for about 20 years. We both worked at LifeWay Christian stores and he was a wonderful mentor and leader to the staff and truly valuable to LifeWay. Over the years, I have seen him grow immensely and I greatly respect his character. Wayne is willing to stand against unbiblical or unethical teaching and behavior backed by sound biblical theology even when it may cause him personal harm. He has shown great initiative with the development of an online community (Zealous Church) and merchandise store. It is exciting to see the new offerings and ideas he presents through this medium. These are all important elements of his character and personality, but by far I appreciate his love and compassion for others. He has shown great love for my family through prayer and encouragement while we have served overseas. He genuinely loves the people he leads and consistently shows a concern for their well-being.

Skills

  • Approachability
    95%
  • Teamwork
    90%
  • Mentoring
    85%
  • Communication
    90%
  • Leadership
    90%
  • Administration
    85%

Download Resume

Blog

I Affirm the Abstract of Principles 1858

November 22

Abstract of Principles

Download the Abstract of Principles (PDF)

When the original charter of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary was adopted in 1858, it contained the following statement which continues as a part of the “fundamental laws.”

Every professor of the institution shall be a member of a regular Baptist church; and all persons accepting professorships in this seminary shall be considered, by such acceptance, as engaging to teach in accordance with, and not contrary to, the Abstract of Principles hereinafter laid down, a departure from which principles on his part shall be considered grounds for his resignation or removal by the Trustees, to wit:

I. The Scriptures

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith and obedience.

II. God

There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself, all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.

III. The Trinity

God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

IV. Providence

God from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs and governs all creatures and all events; yet so as not in any wise to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures.

V. Election

Election is God’s eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life-not because of foreseen merit in them, but of His mere mercy in Christ-in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified.

VI. The Fall of Man

God originally created Man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, he transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors.

VII. The Mediator

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law; suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He ever liveth to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest and King of the Church, and Sovereign of the Universe.

VIII. Regeneration

Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God’s free and special grace alone.

IX. Repentance

Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein a person being by the Holy Spirit, made sensible of the manifold evil of his sin, humbleth himself for it, with godly sorrow, detestation of it, and self-abhorrence, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things.

X. Faith

Saving faith is the belief, on God’s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving graces, and leads to a life of holiness.

XI. Justification

Justification is God’s gracious and full acquittal of sinners, who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made; not for anything wrought in them or done by them; but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith.

XII. Sanctification

Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by God’s word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial obedience to all Christ’s commands.

XIII. Perseverance of the Saints

Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

XIV. The Church

The Lord Jesus is the head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches He hath given needful authority for administering that order, discipline and worship which He hath appointed. The regular officers of a Church are Bishops or Elders, and Deacons.

XV. Baptism

Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. It is prerequisite to church fellowship, and to participation in the Lord’s Supper.

XVI. The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with the elements of bread and wine, and to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith and other graces of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship.

XVII. The Lord’s Day

The Lord’s Day is a Christian institution for regular observance, and should be employed in exercises of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private, resting from worldly employments and amusements, works of necessity and mercy only excepted.

XVIII. Liberty of Conscience

God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

XIX. The Resurrection

The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God-the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to the judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised.

XX. The Judgment

God hath appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when every one shall receive according to his deeds; the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life.

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