About Linwood Dillard, ll

"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!"

Authentic, Compassionate, Organic, and Uniquely Gifted are only a small fraction of words that the dictionary provides as a verbal description of Bishop Linwood Dillard, Jr.

This pastor, national speaker, vision engineer, and 21st century ministry leader is changing the world with an impactful message of deliverance, hope, and success. His powerful preaching style, remarkable leadership skills, and business-based background are seamlessly sown together to permit this ministry giant to thrive in various contexts.

Bishop Dillard’s profound influence emanates from the Citadel of Deliverance in Memphis, Tennessee, a church he and his wife planted in 2001 and is one of the city’s fast-growing congregations, shining as a beacon of hope and inspiration through its various ministries and outreach. Through his evangelistic and pastoral ministries, Bishop Dillard has fostered a significant platform that transcends economic, racial, social, and religious boundaries, uniting and uplifting diverse communities.

In addition to his ministerial impact, Bishop Dillard is a prolific author, having penned transformative works such as 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. Known as the "Vision Engineer," he embodies an unwavering commitment to guiding individuals on journeys of spiritual and personal transformation that ignite profound change in their lives and the lives of others. Bishop Dillard is also the Executive Producer of Churchin with the Citadel and Let’s Have Church music projects.

Bishop Dillard's professional journey is marked by exceptional educational achievements and a wealth of experience. He has served in several impactful roles within both the faith community and the broader societal landscape. His past leadership positions include serving as the President of the International Youth Department of the Church of God in Christ and as Chairman of the International Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention. Currently, he serves as the Jurisdictional Bishop of the Tennessee Metropolitan Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, and in November 2024, he was elected to the General Board of the Church of God in Christ, the highest governing board of the largest African American Pentecostal denomination.

Bishop Dillard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, focusing on Ministry Leadership. His academic journey also included pursuing a Master of Science in Engineering Management at Christian Brothers University. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous awards, resolutions, proclamations, and citations, recognizing his significant contributions to ministerial, social, academic, and community endeavors.

Bishop Dillard and his wife, Stephanie Marie Dillard, joyfully raise their three wonderful children: Faith Marie, Linwood III, and Joy Marie, who reflect the values and teachings that inspire their journey of faith and service.