Well, I am tired of working in IT, and am looking forward to a new career as a Pastor in the future, that is, after I finish my M. Div (2009!). My “thinking outside of the box” wife suggested that I apply for a few Associate Pastor jobs in my area, to which I replied “I don’t even have a resume for that!” So now I do. It’s a little unusual, esp. since I lack the amount of experience and training most places are looking for. But it was interesting to do, my IT resume looks so much more impressive, and I am a little ashamed of this one. But at least it’s honest!
Objective
To obtain an Associate Pastor’s position in an evangelical church that believes that small groups are central to church life, and has a vision for serving and reaching the local community.
Spiritual Experience
Much of my vocational experience has been in secular jobs. However, as a young 40 year-old with two young children, I am following God’s call to serve the church full time. As I pursue my M. Div. at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, I am searching for a church that will be glad to nurture me in Christian ministry, and allow me to use and further develop my gifts in serving the Church.
Harvest Community Church (2003 – Present)
Husband / Father
As a father of two young children, I have not had time to be involved in ministry or leadership, esp. because my wife works on weekends. However, God has been at work in my life as a newly married husband and father. I hope you can appreciate the truth and humor in my listing this as experience.
- Fellowship – Faithful small group participation
- Sacrifice – Serving wife and children with very limited personal time
- Time Management, Learning to maintain personal disciplines with limited time
Southwinds Community Church (2000 – 2003)
Small Group Co-Leader
- Led small group on alternate weeks, studying through various curriculum, including 40 Days of Purpose, various Willow Creek bible studies.
Worship Team Member
- Participated (with wife) on contemporary worship team for church of 900 members.
Time Away from Christ (1994, 2000)
Though you might not think that this should be listed on such a resume, I feel it is important, not only as part of my spiritual biography, but as an experience that contributed to my personal maturity, the sincerity of my faith, and the development of a kind and merciful approach to those who have doubts, both unbelievers and those who have left the faith. During this time, I healed from the injuries of a spiritually controlling organization, explored other faith systems, and returned to Christianity.
Recovery from Toxic Faith
- Benefited from Christian psychology books on the subjects of toxic faith and gender identity healing
- Benefited from secular books on inner child work
Exploration of Eastern Spirituality
- Explored and benefited from Buddhist mindfulness meditation and yoga
Christian Counseling
- Benefited from clinical counseling (not merely pastoral counseling) in a Christian setting
Washington Valley Chapel (CMA) (1992, 1994)
Small Group Leader
- One of a handful of trained leaders pioneering small groups
- Led small group on a weekly basis
Worship Leader
- Pioneered contemporary worship service in a traditional church
- Led worship weekly
- Trained worship teams and leaders to carry on the ministry
Youth With a Mission (1992)
Worship Leader
- Led worship for fellow students in Discipleship Training School and on outreach
- Asked to return as a Leader, but could not due to ailing Grandfather
Outreach Participant
- Open air preaching, evangelistic drama and music, logistics
- Experienced full time missionary life
Kings Park International Church (1986-1992)
Children�s Church Leader, Ages 2-5
- Chose curriculum for preschool children, coordinated teacher schedules
- Led classes for 2-3 and 4-5 age groups
Worship Team Member
- Learned to follow direction, enjoy worship
Employment History
I have been employed in Software Development for the past 12 years, mostly as a Business Systems Analyst and Project/Product Manager. During this time, I have acquired the following transferable skills:
- Team Leadership
- Meeting facilitation
- Project and resource planning
- Web usability and design
- Public speaking (via Toastmasters)
Education
- Masters in Divinity, Gordon-Conwell Seminary (2009)
- BS Biochemistry / BA Chemistry, N.C. State University (1987)
Bibliography
Below is a short list of books that have been influential in my life and have helped shape my current theology and outlook on life and ministry.
Church Life and Ministry
- Handbook for Missions Groups by Gordon Cosby
- Journey Inward, Journey Outward by Elizabeth O’Connor
- Where Do We Go from Here? by Ralph Neighbors
Cultural Mandate
- Bones of Contention by Marvin Lubenow
- Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
Doctrine
- Addicted to Mediocrity by Franky Schaeffer
- Evangelical Theology by Millard J. Erickson
- The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner
Inner Life and Healing
- Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian by George Fowler
- The Hour that Changes the World by Dick Eastman
- Holy Living by Jeremy Taylor
- Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald
- Healing for Damaged Emotions by David Seamands
Leadership
- First Things First by Stephen Covey
- The Jesus Style by Gayle Erwin
- Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
- Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee
Missions / Evangelism
- From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya by Ruth Tucker
- The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
Relationships / Sexual Wholeness
- Pursuing Sexual Wholeness by Andrew Comiskey
- The Real Man Inside by Verne Becker
- Unconditional Love by John Powell