29 • How to Effectively Minister Across Borders with Pastor Jeff Sullivan
May 22, 2024
WITH CO-HOSTS: HEREDES RIBEIRO & COLLIN HOKE
Join Pastor Jeff Sullivan as he shares his journey from church ministry to serving as a military and police chaplain. Learn about the unique challenges of chaplaincy, the impact of compassionate leadership, and how faith guides his community service. Perfect for non-profit leaders seeking insights on effective community support.

Episode Summary.

Walking down memory lane with Jeff Sullivan, the Executive Pastor at Granada Church and dedicated chaplain, we found ourselves reflecting on a shared past and exploring his heartfelt service journey. Our discussion meanders from the early days of our friendship, through Jeff's church planting endeavors in Miami's West Kendall, and into his rich experiences tying the knot with the Cuban community. Jeff's laughter-filled tales of marriage and ministry set the stage, and his insights on beginning his chaplaincy at the age of 45 serve as a testament to the ageless nature of true calling and the profound impact of wisdom accrued over a lifetime.

Our conversation took a turn into the trenches of volunteer police chaplaincy, where I shared tales from my own experience, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards that come with the role. We peeled back the layers of this often-overlooked service, revealing how it knits together the fabric of law enforcement support and community ties. Jeff's experiences, paired with mine, painted a vivid picture of the character and commitment required to walk alongside officers, offering a pastoral presence that sustains them through the trials of their duty—and how that same commitment forges stronger leaders and communities.

In the latter part of our session, we ventured into the sacred spaces of prayer and relational equity within various ministry contexts. The conversation illuminated the delicate balance chaplains strike, threading the needle between spiritual boldness and respectful integration into military and civil service environments. We brought to light how chaplaincy opens doors to conversations with the "nones" and those wary of organized religion, shining a spotlight on the joy of partnership in ministry and the fulfillment found in serving together. Jeff's stories, rich with vulnerability and triumph, offer a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to touch lives across all walks of life.

Chapters

0:00 Pastoring, Chaplaincy, and Serving Others
5:21
Role of Volunteer Police Chaplains
19:53
Prayer and Relational Equity in Ministry
23:28
Chaplaincy in Military and Civilian Settings
35:41
Reaching Non-Churchgoers Through Chaplaincy

Resources and Info.

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About Jeff Sullivan.

Jeff Sullivan is the Executive Pastor at Granada Church. His role is maximize the church’s finances, facilities, communications, and organizational culture to help people enjoy God through gospel community. Jeff is married to a Miami-born Cuban, Cristina, and is the proud father of two sons (Isaac and Isaiah). He serves the Miami community as a chaplain for the Coral Gables Police Department and serves His country as a Chaplain in the Us Army Reserves.

Other Resources.

Granada Presbyterian Church

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29 • How to Effectively Minister Across Borders with Pastor Jeff Sullivan
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