“God equips those He calls.” – Tim Curington.
You know that moment when someone moves from running logistics behind the scenes to suddenly steering the whole ship? When they go from asking “How do we get this done?” to “Where are we headed next?” That’s where Tim Curington found himself—not with a master plan in hand, but with a deep sense of calling.
Tim, Executive Director of Prison Alliance, didn’t set out to lead a global nonprofit. He came from a background in pastoral work and operations—faithful, practical, grounded. But when the time came, he stepped into leadership with a blend of humility and bold vision that caught my attention.
In our conversation, Tim shared how the organization not only weathered leadership transitions and funding challenges but also embraced digital transformation—without compromising its core mission. Prison Alliance, which provides Bible-based discipleship for incarcerated individuals, now reaches over 20 countries. That shift from paper-based correspondence to digital programming didn’t change their “why.” It simply expanded the “how.”
3 Ways to Lead With Conviction and Clarity
- Revisit and Reaffirm Your Mission Regularly
You know how easy it is for a mission statement to become wall art—something we’re proud of but don’t actually use to guide decisions? Tim challenged his team with this: “Let’s either do this or take it down.” It was a powerful invitation to be honest. Is your mission still serving you? Or is it time to realign? - Let Innovation Serve the Mission (Not Distract from It)
Tim didn’t pursue tablets and tech just because it was modern. He saw it as a way to meet people where they are—many of them behind bars with limited access. The tools changed, but the heart of the work stayed the same. - Use Leadership Transitions to Build Trust
Shifting into a new role—especially from within—can be tricky. Tim had built credibility as an operations lead, but he knew leading required a new kind of communication. He brought his team along, not by micromanaging the “how,” but by casting a clear and compelling “what’s next.”
🧭 One of the Many Moments that Stood Out — from My Conversation with Tim
There’s a moment from our chat I keep coming back to. Tim told me that choosing to homeschool his children—something that felt deeply right for his family—actually cost him a job. And yet, that choice reshaped everything. It brought him closer to his values and, ultimately, to a leadership path that fits him like a glove.
Want the full story? Hear how Tim’s leadership journey, digital transformation, and global impact are all woven into one powerful conversation.
👉 Subscribe to Nonprofits Today and listen to our full interview with Tim Curington HERE.
