Joyful Calling
Friends of Jack Sullivan, a senior at Western High School, describe him as an extrovert and someone who enjoys meeting new people. He’s known to be silly, funny and the person who sparks joy in a crowd. These traits are perfect for the career he would like to pursue. Next year, he will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University to train for children and family ministries.
Jack has firsthand knowledge of how important youth ministers can be to teens struggling with heartache. At the beginning of his freshman year, his father passed away due to a work-related accident. Jack missed the first two weeks of his high school career and for a couple of days basically shut out those around him. He credits the support of friends and the connections he made at his church for helping him through his initial shock.
“The feeling of loss is always going to be there. Some days are good, and some days are bad. The toughest things are any award ceremonies; graduation will be hard for me because he was always there for everything,” Sullivan says.
“I’ve wanted to go into the ministry for a while. My stepmom, Sara Sullivan, is director of youth ministry at Judson Road Christian Church. I am a small group leader and worship leader for the children’s ministry there. My main goal is discipling the next generation of kids,” Sullivan says.
One high point in Sullivan’s high school experience was being an athletic trainer for football. He shares that getting to tape up his twin brother Chase before games further bonded them.
This year, Sullivan continued to work at Crew Car Wash. He was named Associate of the Year. As a team leader, he pitched in everywhere and did whatever was needed, especially behind the scenes. He also found time to be on the bowling team.
“We had a pretty good season. I’ve been bowling for six years. I like it for the friendships, bonding and connections I’ve made. I might try to find a way to do some bowling when I’m in college,” Sullivan says.
This March, Sullivan attended a training at Johnson University in Tennessee for an upcoming mission trip. In July, he and a group of other students in the Christ in Youth program will travel to Dublin, Ireland. The participants in this outreach will run a Vacation Bible School for children.
“I’m in a better place than I was during my freshman year when I first lost my dad. Getting through it was tough. The main thing was having good friendships and connections with coworkers and friends. Having people around me made a difference,” Sullivan says.
“The first days were so hard. I didn’t talk. Then a bunch of people started to come to the house. Knowing that people were there and that they cared put a little brightness in my soul. My advice to anyone faced with the same thing is to reach out to those closest around you,” Sullivan says.
