Leadership comes in all forms and sizes, but the results are the same. Leaders influence behavior and make a difference in people’s lives. Profiling leaders reveals a diverse combination of traits, but changing lives is a common theme.

Leader Profile

Tim Owen

Describing some leaders requires more than the 350 words found here. Tim Owen is among them. Through the years, I have watched Tim help people navigate some tedious trails while pastoring, moderating in his state, and leading the Randall House Board. In the midst of discussions (and sometimes tension), Tim remains constant, not allowing emotions to chart the course but wrapping scriptural foundations in graceful responses. One of Tim’s strengths is listening, keying in on what matters, and helping people reconcile their differences while finding the right course.

Tim and Karen have been married 35 years. When asked what keeps them connected, Tim replied, “Evening dates are difficult, so each morning our routine allows us to sit together and savor a cup of rich coffee and rewarding conversation. And once in a while, we get away for nice overnighter.”

Tim’s parents provided solid spiritual role models. His dad was a Sunday School teacher, his mom a treasurer, and the whole family was involved in church. He grew up on his dad’s peanut farm, learning from his dad and granddad. Tim’s plan to carry on the work of the family farm changed abruptly during his sophomore year of youth camp. He felt the distinct calling of God into ministry. He has pastored since 1987, nearly 16 years at Piney Grove FWB Church in Chipley, Florida.

Some people mentor others intentionally, while others mentor through example. Tim has affected young leaders both ways, and our denomination may never know the full effect of his quiet wisdom. He has a calming spirit that leads diverse groups of people in visionary ways. He, like all leaders, knows life is a journey of learning. He admits his biggest failures occur when, “He tries to hurry God, run impatiently ahead, and cut God off because he wants to do it his way instead of God’s.”

Tim, you are a great leader!

Get to Know Tim

Who’s your favorite author? A.W. Tozer

What are your top three books of all time? (other than the Bible)

• The Knowledge of the Holy – A. W. Tozer
  

• The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers – Arthur Bennett
  

• Biblical Ethics – F. Leroy Forlines
  

What books are you reading right now?

• The DNA of D6: Building Blocks of Generational Discipleship – Ron Hunter Jr.
  

• 20,000 Days And Counting: The Crash Course for Mastering Your Life Right Now – Robert Smith
  

• American Institute of Parliamentarians
  

• Spiritual Disciplines for a Christian Life – Donald Whitney & J. I. Packer
  

Where are your kids in life right now?

Jared, age 30, is married to Jacquelyn and coaches the boys’ basketball team at Poplar Springs High School.

• John, age 28, is a personal fitness trainer.
  

• Joel, age 20, is completing his business management degree
  

• Jessie, age 19, has completed culinary school and is pursuing a position as a personal chef.
  

What one decision would you like to redo and why? Just one? (laughs) I would like to return to FWBBC (Welch) during 1977-78 and listen with a purpose to Dr. Johnson as he spoke in chapel instead of whatever else it was that I did.

What do people misunderstand about you? Just how inadequate I feel pastoring and preparing sermons. 

One Indulgence? Escape to Mackinac Island, Michigan, which Karen and I do not do nearly enough.

Paper or Plastic

• Fiction or nonfiction? Nonfiction
  

• Music or talk radio? Music, soft jazz
  

• Sushi or burger? Sushi
  

• Facebook, email, Pinterest, Twitter, or texting? Texting
  

• Tie or no tie? Tie
  

• Mac or PC? PC