Objective
To lead a church, organization, enterprise, or team in such a way that it flourishes, contributes to the common good, and creates a legacy.
Education
Asbury Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry, Beeson Pastor, 2016
The Beeson Pastor program is a highly selective fully endowed fellowship. The program features a concentration in preaching and church leadership. Dissertation: Into Ministry: the Pastorals, the Early Church, and the Free Methodist Church in the early Twenty-first Century.
Asbury Theological Seminary, Master of Arts - Theology, 1997
Indiana Wesleyan University, Bachelor of Science – Christian Ministries, 1995
Credentials
2016 - Received as an Elder, Missouri Annual Conference, United Methodist Church
2003 - Received as an Ordained Elder, New South Conference, Free Methodist Church USA
1998 - Ordained Minister, Western New York District, The Wesleyan Church
Vocational Experience
Executive Pastor, Schweitzer Church, Springfield, MO. schweitzer.church 2012-present
Teaching, Preaching, Writing and Publishing, Visioning, Leading and Cultivating the staff, Coaching community impact ministries with a philosophy of Christian Community Development, Oversight of special projects. Sermons available at schweitzer.church
Visioning – as part of the Lead Team, we collaborate with other stake holders to identify two or three major initiatives per year that propel the church forward in mission
Cultivate the staff – lead weekly staff meetings, supervise 4 to 7 people at a time, have responsibility for recruiting, retention, and release of staff
Led and collaborated in the launch of Flourish CDC in 2020. Flourishcdc.org. Flourish launched with the Community Impact ministries of Schweitzer; extending the ministries into new neighborhoods in Springfield. Over 1 million dollars was raised for Flourish in its first 2 years. Flourish had its beginnings in a team research project I led in 2013 seeking solutions for help and hope that transforms. Through 2021 more than 250 people have graduated programming.
Oversight of special projects - sanctuary refurbishing and redesign; included a small capital campaign in 2016 ($350,000)
Designed and implemented processes for new ministry ventures and internships; Schweitzer has had 10 interns since 2015
Led change to leverage opportunity for Grow To Know Pre-School. In 2013 the Pre-school served +/- 60 children a week and had a budget of just over $400K, in 2024 it will serve about +/- 180 children a week and had a budget of 1.6 million. The pre-school is considered premier and is profitable.
Beeson Pastor, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY 2011-2012
Completed course work in the Doctor of Ministry program, and conducted extensive field research in church and organizational systems and vitality.
Pastor, Central Michigan Free Methodist Church, Mt. Pleasant, MI. cmfmc.com. 2007-2011
Followed a long tenured pastor, led through the season of change and helped the church acquire a renewed vision.
Pastor of Students, Wilmore Free Methodist Church, Wilmore, KY. wilmorefmc.org 2002-2007
Developed student worship, recruited, encouraged, and deployed volunteer staff, implemented student leadership initiatives. Oversight and leadership of elder adult ministry, benevolence, non-paid staff, and special projects.
Pastor, Lowell Wesleyan Church, Lowell, MI 2000-2002
Pastor, Falconer Wesleyan Church, Falconer, NY. peacewesleyan.com 1997-2000
Youth Pastor, Amboy Friends Church, Amboy, IN 1993-1995
Additional Ministry Roles
Author and Publisher
- Authored and published, Becoming A Leader; A Journey with Joseph, 2023
- Publisher, General Editor, and contributor to, Jesus is Greater: A Field Guide to Colossians, 2020
- Co-authored and published, Generous Spirit-Strong Convictions: A Pastoral word on human sexuality, 2018
- Authored and published, Romans: Good News for the People of the World, 2017
- Published, The Holy Spirit is with You, by Robert L. Casady, 2016
- Published and authored portions of, Jonah: Running Alongside God, 2015
Presentations
- From Participant to Leader; Embracing and Equipping the Leaders Around You - 2023, Christian Community Development Association workshop, with Florence Annang
- Being in ministry WITH your Neighbors – 2018, District Learning Session
- Missional Engagement for Everybody – 2017, A Compass learning event
- 15 Ideas to Get Your Church out of the Building – 2017, District Learning Session
- The Sacraments – a three session course on the sacraments in Methodist theology
- C.S. Lewis and Mere Christianity – a 10 session course on Lewis and his seminal ideas
(Co) Producer and Host
- Beyond Sunday podcast 2024 - present
- Really Cool People podcast - 2023 - present
- CCDA Collective - Virtual Conference - Oct 2020
- CCDA Intensive - March 2020
- SGF Urban Summit - Oct 2019 - a learning event gathering community restoration organizers for inspiration and encouragement
- Business As Ministry - a monthly roundtable at Schweitzer Church integrating vocation and discipleship - 2016-17
National Student Ministry Team (NSMT) Conference Liaison, New South Conference FMCUSA 2003-2007
Served as a resource link between Denominational Student Ministry events and local churches. Created and led yearly leadership training events. Coached local youth ministry leaders.
Supervised Ministry Mentor, Asbury Theological Seminary and Asbury College 2003-2007
Served as a mentor to students of Asbury College and Asbury Seminary in practical ministry placements.
Encounter – a weekly radio program on WJTN-AM radio, Jamestown, NY 1998-2000
Participated in a weekly public service program with various clergy from several traditions; we conversed about topics within church and society.
Community Involvement
Flourish CDC (flourishcdc.org) - Co-founder and President of the board 2020-present
Equity & Prosperity Commission, Springfield, MO 2020 - 2021
1 Million Cups Springfield, Community Organizer 2019 - 2020
Leadership Springfield – Class 34 2018
Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Lowell, MI, Board Member 2001
St. Susan’s Soup Kitchen, Jamestown, NY, Board Member 1999-2000
Other Work Experience
Saranac Public Schools, Saranac, MI; Substitute Teacher 2002
United Parcel Service, Lexington, KY; Hub, Dock worker 1995-1997
Vincent Farms, Amboy, IN; Occasional farm laborer 1993-1995
Rowley Lumber Co., Hudson, MI; Yard worker summer 1992
Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN; Grounds care, student worker 1991-1993
Strengths Finder Profile – August 2017
- Input
- Achiever
- Intellection
- Ideation
- Strategic
Passions, Interests and Hobbies
- Walking, Telling stories, Coffee & conversation
- Enjoying and supporting my kids in their theatrical productions
- Community Development, Spiritual Formation, Mentoring, Entrepreneurship
- Gardening, Tractors, Building stuff
- 70’s & 80’s rock and roll, British crime dramas
- Detroit Lions & Tigers
