An Interview with Tim, our new Director of…

We are delighted to introduce Tim Decker, the new Director of Ministry Engagement at New Mercies Ministries. Tim joins our team with a heart for family preservation, a background in finance, and a deep desire to see the Church step boldly into caring for vulnerable families. He and his wife, Shannon, have two young children, Micah and Hope, and are active members of Pathway Community Church.

We sat down with Tim to hear more about his journey to New Mercies and his heart for this work.

What led you to join New Mercies Ministries?

“What led me to New Mercies was this awesome opportunity to be in full-time ministry and to set an example for my family of living differently than the world says. We need to be content with what we have and do something to move the needle in a positive direction, no matter what.”

Tim describes the journey to apply for and accept his role at New Mercies as unexpected and stretching. In July 2025, his former career came to an abrupt stop, launching him into several months of uncertainty. With a strong background in finance and experience at Fifth Third Bank, he initially pursued opportunities in investments and insurance. Yet even after interviews and exploring multiple paths, something did not sit right.

After months of searching and wrestling with what was next, Tim came across the New Mercies Director of Ministry Engagement position on the Star 88.3 job board. As he read through the description and moved through the questionnaire and interview process, he began to sense clarity. What stood out most was the opportunity to step into full-time ministry work that strengthens families and mobilizes the Church.

For Tim, this role represents more than a career change. It is an opportunity to choose contentment, purpose, and Kingdom impact over simply following a traditional career track.

How have your own family experiences shaped your passion for ministry?

“I’m having a full-circle moment. I’ve experienced so much heartbreak around families and children, and now I’m in a ministry that preserves families. This is a continued confirmation that this is what I want to do.”

Tim shared that his childhood shaped him deeply. While he describes his upbringing as stable, his father worked long hours, and Tim often longed for more time together. Those early experiences help him relate to children who do not have consistent parental presence.

Over the past decade, Tim and Shannon also faced challenges starting their own family and walked through the foster care licensing process. Through that season, he gained deeper insight into the realities many children face, including neglect and abuse. In addition, Shannon’s family endured significant loss over the years, further exposing them to the ripple effects of family hardship.

All of these experiences have strengthened Tim’s desire to see families supported before separation becomes necessary.

What do you see as the Church’s role in preventing family separation?

“If you know how to talk to God you can pray for the ministry, if you know how to cook, you can do meal team, and if you can drive, you can help with transportation...”

Tim believes the Church is already uniquely positioned to build support systems for families. Through existing ministries, marriage support, recovery programs, children’s ministries, meal teams, and more, churches are equipped to walk alongside parents facing life’s challenges.

He emphasizes that preventing family separation does not require specialized skills as much as it requires willingness. The Church can model a different way of living, one that prioritizes community over consumerism and steps forward to help families remain intact.

After just a few weeks with New Mercies, Tim says he has been amazed by the strength of the support network already in place through local churches.

What scripture passages have encouraged you in this transition?

Several passages have anchored Tim during this season:

1 Timothy 5:8, which speaks to caring for your household, has deepened his conviction around family responsibility and preservation.

Joshua 24:14–15 reminded him to choose whom he would serve during a time when he felt lost and uncertain.

Romans 5:3–4 reframed a difficult season as one producing growth and perseverance.

Deuteronomy 7:6 reminded him of being set apart for a greater purpose.

Tim shares that losing his previous job was one of the most challenging seasons of his life. Yet it became a season of clarity and renewed dependence on the Lord.

How do you and Shannon stay grounded in faith and community?

With two young children and busy schedules, Tim and Shannon prioritize prayer, Scripture reading, and staying involved in their church community. Shannon serves on the care team at Pathway, providing meals to families at the church, and both serve in children’s ministry. Tim also serves on the tech team and is involved in financial ministry classes.

Since 2019, Tim has read through the Bible each year, describing Scripture as the steady foundation through every season. He also credits a strong support system and an intentional marriage for helping them navigate both parenting and ministry.

What is your prayer for New Mercies over the next year?

“My prayer for New Mercies over this next year is that we are able to help as many families as possible, and that not just New Mercies but the idea of family preservation gets strengthened in the sense of making it known.”

He desires to see more people understand the mission, advocate for it, and step into it. Above all, he hopes New Mercies continues to operate with clarity of purpose, staying aligned with what the Lord desires and allowing Him to lead every step of the way.

We are so excited to see how the Lord uses Tim in the ministry!