Pastor cowrites book with daughter: 'God doesn't ever want us to dream small'

Dr. Timothy Sloan, senior pastor of The Luke Church, and his teenage daughter, Sarah, cowrote a daily devotional for fathers and daughters.

They created the book, titled “Closer to You,” to encourage more fathers and daughters to develop closer relationships while strengthening their faith.

"God doesn't ever want us to dream small. And he especially wants us, as dads, to teach our daughters how to dream big," Sloan said, according to a press release for the book.

While the COVID-19 pandemic allowed them to spend a lot of time together and allowed them to strengthen their father-daughter bond, Sloan and his daughter say their continual reading of the bible and praying together helps maintain their relationship.

“Closer to You” provides thoughtful ways for fathers and daughters to openly discuss family, church, prayer, finances and relationships. Sloan's goal is for readers to dream big and “get to know their Heavenly Father better.”

"My Dad taught me that God's vision for my life is greater than anything I can understand,” Sarah Sloan said in the press release. “If my dad, who loves me, can see a much bigger future for my life, imagine how much bigger God's plan is for me."

Sloan and his daughter hosted an on-stage conversation and book signing on Dec. 11 during the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services at The Luke Church in Humble, Texas.

Sloan is a native of Sherman, Texas, and currently the senior pastor of The Luke Church in Humble, Texas. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He also has an extensive background in community and humanitarian efforts.

He is married to Dr. Sonya Sloan, an orthopedic surgeon, and they have three children: Sarah Julia, Soren Grace and Timothy John. When Sloan started leading The Luke Church in 2002, they had 300 members. Now the church has grown to more than 5,000 members and has created partnerships with AARP, NFL Play60, American Heart Association, NAACP and more.

Sarah Sloan is a senior at Summer Creek High School in the Humble Independent School District and is a member of the National Honor Society for English and science. She's also a student council class officer, published author and accomplished dancer, and is known for her leadership and volunteer efforts in the community.