An Announcement Concerning a Transition in Leadership

Hey Everyone,

We wanted to share an announcement with the group and anyone streaming online that we are going through a transition at the beginning of this year. The Sullivant’s will be stepping away from leadership at Narrow Way and here is a letter of explanation from Sam:

Dear Narrow Way Family,

In the recent months, and particularly around the Christmas season, it became evident to my heart that my time with the fellowship is coming to a close.  I wanted to take a moment to share my heart and give an explanation.

First of all, it has been a sincere joy and privilege to serve the Lord here in Clarksville, with Ben and Heather, and you all in the fight for the testimony of Christ.  You are a wonderful group of people who I consider family.  I am so thankful for all the times together praising the Lord, praying, sharing hearts and breaking bread.  It has been a true privilege, and I love each of you so much in the Lord.

Back in the fall of 2024, I felt a transition beginning to happen but was not quite sure what it would entail or when.  I couldn’t tell at first if it was a corporate transition for the body in its focus, or with my involvement or both.  I had a few dreams surrounding this dynamic, but was unsure of the meaning at the time.  Around Christmas, the Lord became very clear with me that it is both.  Though there are practical aspects including a significant job shift that has played into this, ultimately, I have been waiting on the Lord to confirm this to my heart, and that has now happened.  From the advent of this work, both Ben and I have held it open handedly.  Our mutual commitment is to preach Christ, and I believe that has been my part in helping lay the foundation in this house.  That said, it has become clear to me that I need to step away, not due to something sinful going on, in Ben or myself, but simply a timing of the Lord that I believe is at work in my journey.

Early on in the work, Ben had expressed on several occasions that he felt my part in the work would not be permanent, not as criticism against me, but that God likely has another mission ahead for me.  There were others we knew feeling the same way, though I was reluctant to entertain the thought.  It’s become clear to me over time, however, that is true and I am needing to take some time off to regroup and press into the Lord concerning this missional shift the Lord has for us.  Part of that time off is also for practical reasons, but has not been the primary reason.  I confess, it is hard for me to step away as I’m aware of some of the spiritual dynamics that go into pioneering, but that said I place my trust fully in the Lord to accomplish all he desires inside and out.  May we all be equipped in Him for whatever is ahead.

In terms of a shift in focus for this ministry, I fully release that matter to the Lord and to Ben to journey out what that may look like.  Please stick with it as the Lord leads you!  I trust the Lord to continue to speak to Ben, and guide him as a leader in the direction this body needs to go.  I believe all of our heart’s here are for the increase of the revelation of Christ in our lives and through us for His glorious purpose.  For me this is not a departure made out of disdain for what God has done here, but is quite the opposite.  It has been a gift to labor among you.  That has been such a joy for me to be apart of and privilege before God.  I simply believe it is the Lord’s timing for me to step away, in faith, knowing that God will supply all that is needed for those called according to His purpose.  I believe I have labored to sow Christ into this work and pray that whatever true seeds of revelation that have come to me by His Spirit are able to come to fruition.  In all that we sow, we aim to do so in sincere faith with patient expectation to see the Lord’s hand in all that we do.

I will miss you all very much and miss seeing you on a more regular basis.  For the time being, we are planning to regroup at the Gathering, seek the Lord and spend some quality time together as a family.  I also want to honor my wonderful wife for the sacrifice she has made on numerous occasions for me to drive from Dickson to Clarksville to meetings, prayer walks and running errands and the website for the church.  She has been incredibly loyal and honoring to me.  I also want to honor my children as this has been also been a sacrifice for them.  This past year they have not been in as much close proximity to their friends and local community so we could be apart of helping break up the ground here in Clarksville.  Thank you kids for all your help and for helping me set up and tear down the sound and video equipment each Sunday.  You guys are awesome!

I also want to honor Ben and Heather and their beloved family, for their love, generosity, hospitality and many prayers for us as we’ve journeyed together in this labor.  They have carried a significant burden to be planted in this area and our prayers for you both will only continue as you fight the good fight of faith.  In so many ways, I wish our part here could last longer, and though that is not the case, you guys will always be family to us in our hearts.  Thank you for receiving these clay jars into your home and for caring for our children the way you have.  For us, this is not the end of the road, but simply another leg on the journey into Christ.  You guys are beloved of Jesus and we are looking forward to the fact that though we may be on separate missions in the natural, our eternal destiny and mission remains the same.  To belong fully to Jesus and to be vessels of His Light and Life, inside and out, privately and corporately.

So all that to say, we love you all so much and please know that we will not be too far down the road.  Don’t be strangers, we still receive you all into our hearts and home.

Sincerely in Jesus,

Sam Sullivant