Introduction
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As a Christ-Follower, I must continually cultivate the personal love relationship Jesus Christ initiated with me.
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As a husband, I am thankful for, deeply committed to, and madly in love with my beautiful bride, Crystal.
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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.
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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.
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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
Who I Am
Favorite Quotes
“The ultimate end of our pastoral oversight must be linked with the ultimate purpose of our lives. This is to please and to glorify God. It is also to see the sanctification and holy obedience of the people under our charge. To nurture our people’s unity, order, beauty, strength, preservation, and increase must be our task. It is the right worshipping of God”
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” - John 10:27-30
"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." - Ephesians 4:11-13
Expertise
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Learner
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Intellection
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Responsibility
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Input
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Achiever
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.
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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
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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
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To provide oversight and guidance as the congregation moves toward healing, revitalization, and renewal among the church and community.
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To preach weekly services, lead ministry to children and youth, perform baptisms, administer the Lord’s Supper, and conduct funerals and weddings.
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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
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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
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Part of the store management team.
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Responsible for counting, recovering, and delivering bank deposits.
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Assisted shoppers in finding resources for their spiritual growth.
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Handled all shipping and receiving duties for our store.
Church Planting Internship
Wilson Community Church, Wilson, NC - September 2012 - July 2013
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Attended the weekly staff meeting where the church leaders evaluated past ministry and planned for future ministry endeavors
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Taught a 10 week class on evangelism using “The Story” curriculum.
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Co-taught the monthly “Connect 101” new members class.
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Led a small group that allowed me the opportunity to baptize four new believers.
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Received a firsthand look at how a successful church plant functions.
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Church Website: www.wccnc.org
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Sermon Preached at Wilson Community Church
Senior Pastor
Poovey's Grove Baptist Church, Granite Falls, NC - November 2010 - January 2012
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Preached expository sermons during our two Sunday Services.
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Facilitated prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings.
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Provided oversight to the weekly visitation ministry.
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Performed frequent visitation of healthy, hospitalized, and shut-in church members as well as the friends and family of church members..
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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.
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Church Website: www.pooveysgrove.org
Part-time Youth Minister
Benvenue Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC - March 2008 - January 2009
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Organized and led all youth activities with a gospel centered mindset.
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Assisted the pastor in the worship service.
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Assisted the pastor in leading the weekly visitation program: G.R.O.W.
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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
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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
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Organized and led children, youth, and college/career departments.
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Provided oversight to the various weekly programs available to children, youth, and college/career students.
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Assisted the pastor in leading a local weeklong mission project.
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Organized multiple children and youth trips and activities.
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Assisted Englewood Baptist Church in bringing Josh McDowell to lead a youth outreach event, by serving on their planning team.
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Assisted the pastor in carrying out his ministry duties when needed.
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Preached to the entire congregation at least once a month.
Part-time Keyholder
LifeWay Christian Stores, Rocky Mount, NC - November 2005 - June 2007
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Part of the store management team.
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Responsible for counting, recovering, and delivering bank deposits.
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Assisted shoppers in finding resources for their spiritual growth.
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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
Certified Transitional Pastor
South Carolina Baptist Convention and LifeWay - October 2014
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
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Approachability
95%
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Teamwork
90%
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Mentoring
85%
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Communication
90%
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Leadership
90%
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Administration
85%
Download Resume
My Portfolio
Blog
Wayne’s Volunteer Ministry Experience
GALLERY
I wanted to give you a better view of how God has shaped me in the past through my volunteer ministry experience. Below is a list of list of ways and places that I have volunteered in ministry in the past. Each of these experiences has taught me a great deal about serving Christ in various ways in church life.
VOLUNTEER MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
Caldwell Baptist Association Lenoir, NC
Strategy Planning Team Member
August 2011 to January 2012
Elm Grove Baptist Church Nashville, NC
Deacon
September 2009 to November 2010
Sunday School Teacher
September 2006 to July 2007
North Roanoke Baptist Association, Dortches, NC
Associational Youth Director
September 2007 to August 2009
Macedonia Baptist Church, Spring Hope, NC
Volunteer Youth Teaching Consultant
September 2006 to July 2007
Parkwood Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC
Guest Youth Teacher: Christian Apologetics and Christian Theology
September 2006 to May 2007
Campus Crusade for Christ, Rocky Mount, NC
Volunteer Catalytic Campus Director at Nash Community College
Spring 2002 to Fall 2005
Englewood Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC
Youth Teacher for Middle School and Junior High Students
Spring 2001 to Spring 2003
Calvary Baptist Church, Rocky Mount, NC
Youth Director and Co-Chairman of the Youth Committee
Summer 1999 to Fall 2000
Campus Crusade for Christ, Raleigh, NC
Co-Leader of Campus Publicity on the NCSU Servant Team
Spring 1999 to Fall 2000
Get In Touch
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