Kevin Tichenor’s story is about saying “yes” to a lot of things – things that didn’t always seem to fit together, things for which there wasn’t a pattern or job description or perfect timing. Sometimes, frankly, he didn’t want to say “yes,” but even those decisions have proven important. God’s economy became Kevin’s at a very young age, and somehow all the random threads became part of the tapestry that made him who he is today: entrepreneur, husband, father, activist, mentor, minister, connector, board member, football coach, and perhaps most of all, pioneer.
Born and raised in the Haughville USA urban community on the west side of Indianapolis, he and his four siblings were “pew babies” at Victory Tabernacle, a place that factors big in his story. There he watched his Dad and others minister and wanted to serve like that. He went to church with Olgen Williams, Sr., a community activist who became his mentor and eventually the deputy mayor of Indianapolis. At 14, he got his first job at Christamore House as a camp counselor, where he learned more about the importance of service, and gained tools to help him grow as a leader and advocate.
As a high school student, he did street ministry, jail ministry, and community events. He also led Bible studies at school and became active in PEERS (Peers Educating and Encouraging Responsible Sexuality), eventually speaking before the US Department of Human Services in Washington DC. Always, there was a mix of faith and political action in his life, rather than one or the other. And always, he kept learning how to lead, communicate, and advocate.
He graduated from Pike Township High School and attended Indiana Bible College, returning home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Pamela, at age 20 and later finishing his Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Indiana Wesleyan. After serving as a bailiff in a juvenile courtroom, and as a liaison between faith-based organizations and the Marion County prosecutor’s office for more than a decade, he began working as a contractor for Center for Leadership Development, eventually spinning off into an agency of his own, an entrepreneurial venture, Family Links, LLC, with his youngest brother. The company provides therapy services, in home case management and other services with 68 providers in three Indiana communities, hoping to expand further soon.
Today, the Tichenors have been happily married for 18 years and have two sons, Kevin, 14, and Kaleb, 12. Pamela is a medical writer with Syneos, and Tichenor continues to grow Family Links, while still managing to preside over the Pike Youth Football League, be involved in ministry leadership at their church, Overcoming Faith, and start a fun venture, Purist Life Nutrition, a smoothie and tea shop. He also completed a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University in 2022.
TICHENOR’S IDEAS FOR A BETTER INDY
DON’T DESPISE SMALL BEGINNINGS. He is fond of Zechariah 4:10. In his own words, “Despise not the day of small beginnings.” Lots of things began small in his own life, but he followed through faithfully, and they have led to bigger things.
BE A MENTOR TO SOMEONE. “I always had a lot of mentors in front of me, sharpening my leadership and service skills. It made me want to advocate for those behind me.”
CARRY THE GOSPEL INTO ALL YOUR SPACES. Tichenor’s philosophy is that the gospel belongs everywhere he goes. If he becomes a senior pastor, it won’t be as a demigod, sitting behind a pulpit. “Last time I checked,” he says, “the Spirit was moving so I will be too.”
REPENTANCE IS IMPORTANT. “Always make room for repentance,” he says. “Otherwise we get carried away with what we think is Kingdom and don’t do the things required for us to acknowledge God. It’s humility and fasting and prayer. Things that require us to turn.”
KEVIN TICHENOR TRIVIA
What is your favorite hobby besides work? Coaching football
What is your go to snack and beverage? Popcorn and Probiotic Lavender Tea with Chamomile
What is your favorite restaurant, locally? Purist Life Nutrition (a little prejudice!)