Tim Tinsley was the senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga from March 1, 2010, to May 31, 2019. As senior pastor, he was the pastoral liaison to World Missions, an ex officio member of the World Missions Executive Committee, and my immediate supervisor. 

 

Tim had a great zeal to see people from every nation and language come to faith in Christ—sharing his faith consistently with those who crossed his path. He loved to travel cross-culturally and worship with friends in every corner of the earth.  Tim often told me that the week of the World Missions Conference was the highlight of his ministry year.  He loved serving communion to our mission partners during conference orientation. 

 

Meeting with Tim on a bi-weekly basis to discuss the ministry of World Missions was one of the absolute best parts of my job. Together we enthusiastically “talked turkey”—always filling our allotted time so quickly and looking forward to our next meeting.  It gave me great pleasure to provide Tim with updates and share things that I had learned in the course of my work and travels and from my relationships with our mission partners and professional colleagues. Tim was always interested in what I had to say, and I felt very supported and appreciated as a missions professional. 

 

When Tim resigned as senior pastor, he and Laura were looking forward to many years of continued travel and ministry together.  Alas, this was not to be.  Shortly after leaving First Pres on May 31, 2019, Tim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Initially Tim had not expected to live until Christmas, but the Lord in his mercy gave him two more Christmases to celebrate with his beloved family.    

 

My last few texts to Tim were to tell him I was praying for him and that I loved him.  I also complimented his beautiful portrait that I was so happy he got to view in person at the church.  I am so grateful for your loving concern and the many prayers that all of you offered on Tim’s behalf. 

 

Tim Tinsley has been called home to glory, and his mission on earth is complete.  Yet—he leaves behind a loving family that deeply grieves his passing and needs our continued prayers and support.  Please pray for Laura; his children, Jordan, Carter, and Sarah Tinsley; Mikah Roberts, Cassie McConkey, and Karissa Hernandez; and grandchildren, Kyla Wright, Kara Hernandez, Chloey Hernandez, and Kahlaya Johnson.    

 

Thank you, Lord, for the honor of serving with your dear son, Tim Tinsley.

 

Sandy Pierce, Executive Director

First Presbyterian World Missions