Carla Stearns
Yorktown
Summary
Dynamic Lead Pastor with a proven track record at all of my churches, excelling in organizational leadership. Spearheaded innovative outreach programs, fostering congregation growth and enhancing spiritual development. Skilled in pastoral counseling and preaching, creating inclusive worship experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Pastor
Tappahannock United Methodist Church
07.2012 - 10.2015
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Enhanced congregation growth by implementing innovative outreach programs and community engagement initiatives.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, hospital and nursing home services.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to increase community impact and expand outreach efforts.
- Led worship services with a focus on creating an inclusive environment that welcomed a diverse array of attendees.
- Assisted families during times of crisis by providing compassionate pastoral care, prayer support, and guidance.
- Recruited trained, and mentored volunteer leaders to assist in various ministries, enhancing overall effectiveness.
Lead Pastor
Parkview United Methodist Church
07.2010 - 06.2012
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Strengthened relationships among congregation members by facilitating regular fellowship events and opportunities for connection.
- Managed facility upkeep projects to ensure a welcoming environment for all who entered the church building.
- Implemented new discipleship programs aimed at deepening believers'' understanding of their faith journey.
- Fostered spiritual development through the creation and implementation of dynamic sermon series and small group studies.
Lead Pastor
Calvary United Methodist Church
07.2007 - 06.2010
- Oversaw financial management for the church, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and budget allocation.
- Promoted interfaith dialogue by engaging in respectful conversations with representatives from other religious traditions.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Provided premarital counseling and officiated weddings, helping couples establish a strong foundation for their marriages.
Lead Pastor
Shackelfords Chapel
07.2005 - 06.2007
- Assisted families during times of crisis by providing compassionate pastoral care, prayer support, and guidance.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
Associate Pastor
Community United Methodist Church
10.2002 - 06.2005
- Provided pastoral counseling to individuals seeking guidance on personal or relationship issues, promoting emotional well-being within the congregation.
- Coordinated special events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals, providing pastoral care during significant moments in congregants'' lives.
- Conducted home visits to offer prayerful support during times of crisis or illness, demonstrating compassion towards those in need.
- Delivered dynamic sermons that effectively communicated biblical truths while addressing contemporary issues faced by today''s Christians.
- Managed volunteer teams for various ministries, ensuring effective use of resources and talents.
- Supported senior pastor in developing impactful sermon series, resulting in increased attendance and spiritual growth.
- Raised congregational awareness of needs and contributions of youth to church life and operations.
- Facilitated weekly Bible studies aimed at deepening understanding of Scripture while fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with worship leaders to create meaningful worship experiences that connected with diverse audiences.
- Created opportunities for intergenerational connection through targeted programming and ministry initiatives.
- Volunteered at church-sponsored outreach events.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Case Management
Christopher Newport University
Newport News, VAStudying For Master of Divinity - Master of Divinity
Eastern Mennonite Seminary
Harrisonburg, VAMaster of Divinity
Virginia Union University
Richmond. VADoctorate of Ministry
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DCSkills
- Pastoral counseling
- Vision casting
- Community service
- Organizational leadership
- Spiritual leadership
- Preaching
- Discipleship training
- Teaching
- Congregational care
- Leadership development
Timeline
Lead Pastor
Tappahannock United Methodist Church
07.2012 - 10.2015
Lead Pastor
Parkview United Methodist Church
07.2010 - 06.2012
Lead Pastor
Calvary United Methodist Church
07.2007 - 06.2010
Lead Pastor
Shackelfords Chapel
07.2005 - 06.2007
Associate Pastor
Community United Methodist Church
10.2002 - 06.2005
Master of Science - Nursing Case Management
Christopher Newport University
Studying For Master of Divinity - Master of Divinity
Eastern Mennonite Seminary
Master of Divinity
Virginia Union University
Doctorate of Ministry
Wesley Theological Seminary
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