Spiritual mentor: Sullenger felt called to the ministry

The Rev. Tom Sullenger felt called to the pastoral ministry when he was 27 years old, and he took his first church appointment in 1980. Since then, Sullenger has served all but one year of his ministry as a pastor in Missouri. Now he is the pastor at Grace United Methodist Church, at Broadway and Caruthers Avenue. Even after 30 years, he says, he hasn't accomplished being two places at once; though Sullenger hopes to be a spiritual mentor to people in the community, he says it is hard to be unable to meet all the financial and spiritual needs. He describes Grace United Methodist Church as "warm and welcoming group that extends their love to all that enter their doors."

Question: How long have you been serving at Grace United Methodist Church?

Answer: I moved to Cape Girardeau on July 1, 2009, but I have been a pastor in the state of Missouri for over 30 years.

Q: What led you to this church in particular?

A: I was sent to Cape Girardeau from my former appointment in Maryville, Mo., by our area bishop, Robert Schnase. As a United Methodist, I am an itinerate, which means I go where sent.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish at this church?

A: Our goal is to make and nurture disciples for Jesus Christ. To do that we provide a broad range of programs for all age groups. One of our biggest projects at this time is to renovate our education wing's first floor for new children's and youth ministries.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: I love to preach, and I love the interaction with the people in the church and community.

Q: Where do you find strength and support to minister and help others?

A: God is my strength. I also have a strong supportive family, a number of great staff members who help carry the load and hard working laypeople who give great strength and support to our purpose.

Q: What do you hope people take away from a visit to your church?

A: I hope that people take with them a warm and friendly welcome that provides both practical and relevant insights into living both their social and spiritual life.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Grace United Methodist Church?

A: I think this congregation has a long and stable history in the Cape community that combined with its ideal central location, has a potential to do even greater things for the kingdom of God. I love being part of this kind of ministry.

Q: What is your favorite verse and why?

A: I love most verses, but without this one we would have no hope. Luke 24:5b, "but the men said to them why do you look for the living among the dead? He is risen." A God great enough to raise the dead can transform life. Even mine.