By: Lennard James
“God is up to something, and you’re right in the middle of it! Something good is getting ready to happen to you, RIGHT NOW!”
Those words capture the faith, energy and expectation that define the ministry of Bishop Linwood Dillard Jr. Authentic, compassionate, organic and uniquely gifted are only a few of the words that describe a leader whose influence continues to transform lives in Memphis and throughout the nation.
Bishop Dillard is a pastor, national speaker, author, vision engineer and 21st-century ministry leader who delivers a compelling message of hope, deliverance and success. His powerful preaching, exceptional leadership and business-oriented background allow him to connect with people from different generations, communities and walks of life. Whether he is standing in the pulpit, leading an international ministry initiative, mentoring emerging leaders or serving the community, his work is rooted in the belief that faith should inspire meaningful action.
His influence emanates from the Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ in Memphis, Tennessee. Bishop Dillard and his wife, Stephanie Marie Dillard, planted the church in 2001 with a vision to develop a ministry that would meet both the spiritual and practical needs of people. Since its beginning, the Citadel of Deliverance has grown into one of the city’s notable congregations and a beacon of hope for individuals and families seeking encouragement, fellowship and spiritual direction.
Through its ministries and outreach efforts, the church has worked to uplift people beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Bishop Dillard’s leadership demonstrates that ministry involves responding to the needs of the entire person. His approach brings together faith, education, service, leadership development and community engagement. In doing so, he has cultivated a platform that crosses economic, racial, social and religious boundaries.
His leadership is changing lives because it encourages people to recognize their God-given potential. Bishop Dillard challenges individuals to move beyond fear, disappointment and limited expectations. His message calls people to develop a vision for their lives, strengthen their faith and take the disciplined steps necessary to bring that vision into reality.
Known as the “Vision Engineer,” Bishop Dillard has made personal and spiritual development a central part of his life’s work. The title reflects both his engineering education and his ability to help people build a stronger foundation for their future. He does more than encourage people to dream; he teaches them to connect faith with planning, preparation, perseverance and service.
That philosophy is reflected in his books, including Engineering Your Vision: Seven Principles for Obtaining Ultimate Success in Every Area of Your Life and Serving Up and Serving Out: The Essence of True Greatness. Through these works, Bishop Dillard offers practical principles designed to help readers clarify their purpose, pursue excellence and understand that genuine greatness is expressed through service to others.
His creative influence also extends into music and media. Bishop Dillard serves as executive producer of the Churchin’ with the Citadel and Let’s Have Church music projects. These productions expand the reach of the ministry and preserve the uplifting worship experience associated with the Citadel of Deliverance.
Bishop Dillard’s leadership has also made a substantial impact within the Church of God in Christ. His previous responsibilities include serving as president of the denomination’s International Youth Department and chairman of the International Auxiliaries in Ministry Convention. In these positions, he helped guide major programs, develop leaders and support ministry initiatives that reached audiences beyond his local congregation.
He currently serves as Jurisdictional Bishop of the Tennessee Metropolitan Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ. In November 2024, he was elected to the denomination’s General Board, its highest governing body. This responsibility reflects the confidence placed in his leadership, experience and vision within the largest African American Pentecostal denomination.
Education has played an important role in preparing Bishop Dillard for his diverse responsibilities. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He also pursued a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management at Christian Brothers University. His theological education includes Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Pentecostal Theological Seminary, with a focus on ministry leadership.
This combination of engineering, management and theological preparation gives Bishop Dillard a distinctive approach to leadership. He understands how to envision a goal, develop a structure and unite people around a shared mission. His ministry is passionate and inspirational, but it is also supported by strategy, organization and accountability.
Throughout his career, Bishop Dillard has received numerous awards, proclamations, resolutions and citations recognizing his ministerial, academic, social and community contributions. Yet his most important influence can be seen in the people who have found renewed hope, strengthened their faith, developed their leadership and discovered a greater sense of purpose through his ministry.
Alongside him is his wife, Stephanie Marie Dillard, who shares the family’s journey of faith and service. Together, they joyfully raised their three children, Faith Marie, Linwood III and Joy Marie. Their family reflects the values of love, commitment and purpose that Bishop Dillard shares with others.
Bishop Linwood Dillard Jr. continues to uplift the Memphis community while building a ministry with national and international influence. His leadership reminds people that their present circumstances do not have to determine their future. Through preaching, teaching, writing, mentorship, music and service, he continues to help individuals believe that God is working in their lives and that something good may be closer than they think. Linwood Dillard Ministries
