OUR SENIOR PASTOR
Dr. Timothy W. Sloan
Dr. Timothy W. Sloan is a nationally respected pastor, author, and cultural architect whose work sits at the intersection of faith, leadership, education, and social impact. As Senior Pastor of The Luke Church in Humble, Texas, he leads a congregation of more than 8,000 members and is known for bringing intellectual depth, spiritual conviction, and practical leadership to the challenges facing communities today.A native of Sherman, Texas, Dr. Sloan’s academic formation reflects his commitment to principled leadership, theological scholarship, and service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Transformative Leadership from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
After relocating to Houston, Dr. Sloan served at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church under the leadership of renowned pastor and civil rights leader Rev. William A. Lawson, working as Minister of Human Service Programs. He later served as Director of Interfaith Relations for Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, where he helped cultivate relationships across faith traditions and strengthen collaborative responses to community needs. These formative roles shaped his approach to ministry as both a spiritual calling and a vehicle for meaningful civic engagement.
In May 2002, Dr. Sloan was called to serve as Senior Pastor of The Luke Church. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown from 300 to more than 8,000 members and expanded its physical footprint with the construction of a new worship campus and life center. Beyond Sunday worship, The Luke has developed partnerships with organizations including AARP, the American Heart Association, the NAACP, and NFL PLAY 60 to advance health, education, and community empowerment.
Dr. Sloan’s commitment to service also extends globally. He has led mission initiatives in South Africa and Haiti supporting the development of schools, churches, and pastoral training programs. In Léogâne, Haiti, he helped lead the construction of a medical clinic in partnership with New Missions, expanding access to critical healthcare services within the community.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Sloan became a trusted voice for churches navigating an unprecedented public health crisis. He participated in a nationally broadcast conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci, then Chief Medical Advisor to the President of the United States, addressing vaccine hesitancy and the essential role of the Black Church in protecting community health. He also contributed to national media coverage examining how faith leaders were guiding congregations through uncertainty, loss, and rapidly changing public health guidance.
His commitment to institutional leadership extends to theological and public education. Dr. Sloan serves on the Board of Trustees of Princeton Theological Seminary, contributing to the governance and future of theological education. He also chairs the Humble Independent School District Superintendent’s Community Engagement Advisory Committee, helping strengthen communication and trust among district leadership, families, and the broader community while ensuring diverse perspectives inform conversations about the future of public education.
Dr. Sloan is also an author and podcast host. His book, Stand: Learning to Lead through Conflict, offers a candid examination of navigating organizational change, conflict, and the demands of spiritual leadership. In Closer to You: A Devotional for Dads and Daughters, co-authored with his daughter, Sarah Julia Sloan, he explores faith, fatherhood, and the importance of nurturing strong relationships across generations. Through The Keep Standing Podcast, Dr. Sloan convenes faith leaders, public officials, athletes, and cultural influencers for conversations about leadership, resilience, and living with purpose through challenging seasons.
An advocate for social justice and a mentor to emerging leaders, Dr. Sloan is a sought-after speaker on faith, leadership, institutional change, and community impact. He has delivered lectures and addresses at colleges, seminaries, and national conferences, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Princeton Theological Seminary, the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, the IC3 Church Growth Conference, and Baylor University’s Truett Seminary African American Preaching Conference.
A proud Morehouse College alumnus, Dr. Sloan is a committed advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their continued role in developing transformative leaders. Through mentorship, philanthropic partnerships, and leadership development, he works to expand opportunities for HBCU students and alumni while preserving the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual traditions that shaped his own leadership. In recognition of his contributions to ministry, justice, and education, Dr. Sloan was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. His oil portrait is displayed in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Hall of Honor, marking his place within the institution’s enduring legacy of faith-centered leadership and social impact.
Dr. Sloan is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and has served on the NAACP HIV Faith and Social Justice Advisory Board, advancing efforts at the intersection of faith, public health, and social responsibility.Dr. Sloan is married to Sonya M. Sloan, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon. Together, they are the proud parents of Sarah Julia, Soren Grace, and Timothy John.
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