Bishop Linwood Dillard, is the proud Founding Pastor of the Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ, one of the most thriving and fast growing ministries in the Memphis area. He is happily married to the lovely and most gracious Mrs. Stephanie Marie Dillard. They are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters-Faith Marie and Joy Marie; and one handsome son-Linwood, III. 

Since the age of 15, the anointing on Pastor Dillard’s life has affected many lives through his evangelistic, deliverance, and pastoral ministries. Countless souls have been saved, sick bodies have been healed, and lives have been changed. That ministry has transcended social, racial, economical, and denominational barriers. The relevant and timely message God has given him has been embraced by both the older and younger generations and he has been given the opportunity to be the guest speaker and lecturer at various colleges and social organizations. Pastor Dillard is also an anointed musician, author, administrator, businessman, director, and has been recognized for his leadership skills and organizational abilities in the religious and social communities. Since his teen years, Pastor Dillard has worked in almost every conceivable capacity in the church.

Pastor Dillard successfully served as Youth Department President and Chairman of the Jurisdictional AIM Convention for the Tennessee Central Jurisdiction COGIC. Bishop W.L. Porter. Currently, he serves the jurisdiction as Executive Assistant to the Bishop.  Also, he faithfully served as a Regional Director and Executive Secretary of the Church of God in Christ International Youth Department (IYD) under two administrations.  In 2006, the former Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, the late Bishop G.E. Patterson, appointed Pastor Dillard as the Assistant Secretary of the COGIC National Tithing Fund Commission. In 2009, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake appointed Pastor Linwood Dillard as the President of the International Youth Department of COGIC.  Under the innovative leadership and extensive plan of Pastor Dillard, the department has taken a quantum leap into the 21st Century utilized technology, a contemporary organizational structure and a “team” strategy to meet the challenges of today’s youth. Pastor Dillard has proposed and implemented the development of a strategic plan for the department as well as developed commissions to meet the ever changing environment that our youth deal with daily. Those commissions and ministries include Young Adult Ministries, Education, Juvenile Crime Prevention and Reduction, Recreation and Organized Sports, Information Technology, Spiritual Empowerment, College and Career Preparatory, College Campus Ministries, Youth Pastors Network, Young Preachers Network, and many others.

Pastor Dillard holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering with Chemical and Environmental Concentrations from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has an extensive background in engineering, administration, and management.  Pastor Dillard has served in local and regional chapter leadership elected roles in various social and community organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Society of Black Engineers, American Institute of Chemical Engineers and many more. Elder Dillard has received numerous awards, recognitions, and commendations for his academic, ministerial, and social involvement and accomplishments. In February 2006, he was selected by EBONY Magazine as one of 30 young leaders under the age of 30 who are soaring to tremendous heights, giving back to the community, and making accomplishments in the areas of law, politics, religion, communications, academia, music, arts and entertainment.