WHO WE ARE

Sean Tripline, Interim Pastor

I am a native of Philadelphia. I have lived in PA, NJ, and NC, in different moments of my youth and adolescence. I graduated high school from the Creative and Performing Arts High School in South Philly. I was a vocal major (singing classical and contemporary music) and loved every minute of the experience. I graduated a year before an instrumental music major you know well: (now Dr.) Mark Livshits! Mark has been a friend of mine since high school and despite our constant arguing about sports, he remains a friend to this day! Mark recommended me to HBC’s leadership in 2018 for the Interim position. I am forever grateful to him and to the team entrusting me, then and now.

After high school, I attended West Chester University, studied music, and ultimately graduated with a degree in political science. I also have graduate theological degrees from Princeton Seminary (NJ) and Villanova University (PA). I am driven to study, not just for preaching/teaching, but I hope to grow in solving communal problems, empowered by biblical and theological insights. I see ministry, not as an insular activity, but as a catalyst to transform and speak to our culture.

My ministry took off at the Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church in West Philly, where I was licensed and ordained for gospel ministry, having previously served as their Minister of Music. Since my first stint at HBC, I have served as the Youth (and now, Assistant) Pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Spring House. These congregations have nourished and challenged me in discipleship and leadership, and I am grateful to also serve them. They are spiritual family to me, as you are!

As a young man entering into ministry, I am also constantly uplifted and encouraged by my nuclear family. My family is spread out from Philly to Maryland to North Carolina, and they are a blessing to my life. My maternal family was in the restaurant business in Philly for nearly 30 years and one of my hobbies is food! Both, preparation and consumption! I have had the opportunity to cook for our congregation, and it is a joy. I also love following sports, skiing, fishing, making music, and finding the humor in life.

I pray you will learn more about me, and I will learn more about you, in the weeks and months to come. Please know that I am praying for you and am here for you. As we connect with God, I pray we will continue to connect to one another.