T.J. Strickland-Pine Grove 

Meet the Pastor Monday • T.J. Strickland

Tony Strickland Jr., affectionately known as Pastor TJ, is a dedicated bi-vocational pastor with a heart for service and community. He first surrendered to ministry at the age of 15. Though he’s worked full-time as a master electrician since right after high school, the Lord faithfully redirected his steps. After marrying his high school sweetheart and joining Pleasant Hill Baptist Church of Sardis, Pastor TJ experienced a renewed calling during a revival led by Dr. Sonny Tucker. This would be a moment that would shape the course of his life and ministry.

Stepping forward in faith, he began serving as a volunteer youth director at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Little Rock 2014. Despite not considering himself a traditional scholar, he answered God’s call to deeper study and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Religious Studies. In 2015, he was called to serve as the full-time pastor of Pine Grove, where he continues to lead today.

In addition to his pastoral work, Pastor TJ serves full-time at UAMS, faithfully balancing his professional career with his ministry. He has been blessed to participate in multiple mission trips to the Dominican Republic, using his skills as an electrician to serve. Thanks to his gracious wife he enjoys many hobbies and is an avid outdoorsman, including, bowling, hunting, fishing, and generally being obsessed with all things sports related.

Today, he remains committed to ministering to the Sweet Home community alongside his Pine Grove church family. Pastor TJ and his beloved family are devoted to serving the Lord and look forward to many more years of faithful ministry together.